Chapter 15

Chapter Overview

  • Focuses on the Female Reproductive System and its relevant medical terminology.

  • Essential for students in gynecology, obstetrics, and related healthcare fields.

Learning Outcomes

  • Upon completion, students will be able to:

    • Construct and analyze medical terms related to the female reproductive system (LO 15.1).

    • Spell and pronounce medical terms accurately (LO 15.2).

    • Define common abbreviations (LO 15.3).

    • Understand anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system (LO 15.4).

    • Identify disorders within the system (LO 15.5).

    • Recognize diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (LO 15.6).

    • Describe conception, pregnancy, and perinatal development (LO 15.7).

    • Understand obstetric disorders (LO 15.8).

    • Describe therapeutic procedures used in obstetrics (LO 15.9).

    • Relate breast structure and function (LO 15.10).

    • Define diagnostic methods and pharmacology for breast disorders (LO 15.11).

    • Identify healthcare professionals involved (LO 15.12).

    • Effectively document medical terms and communicate with patients (LO 15.13 & LO 15.14).

Female Reproductive System

External Structures

  • Vulva consists of:

    • Labia majora

    • Labia minora

    • Mons pubis

  • Vagina connects the uterus to the vulva and has several functions:

    • Discharging menstrual fluid

    • Receiving penis and semen

    • Allowing childbirth

Anatomy

  • Major Components:

    • Ovaries

    • Uterine (fallopian) tubes

    • Uterus

  • Vagina Functions:

    • Menstrual fluid discharge

    • Semen reception

    • Childbirth passage

Medical Word Analysis

Word Definitions

  • Define terms related to the reproductive system:

    • Minora & Majora: Referring to the smaller and larger labia, respectively.

    • Labium: Lip structure associated with vulvar anatomy.

    • Mons pubis: Fatty tissue over the pubic bone.

Adjective Forms and Definitions

  • Transform key anatomy terms into their adjective forms (e.g., Cervix ➔ Cervical, Ovary ➔ Ovarian).

Hormones in the Female Reproductive System

Key Hormones

  • Estrogen: Responsible for secondary sexual characteristics.

  • Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy.

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

Common Disorders

  • Disorders of the Vulva & Vagina:

    • Bacterial vaginosis, Toxic shock syndrome, Vulvovaginal candidiasis.

  • Ovarian Disorders:

    • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

  • Menstrual Disorders:

    • Amenorrhea (primary and secondary), Dysmenorrhea (including PMS).

Uterine Disorders

  • Conditions Include:

    • Endometriosis

    • Salpingitis

    • Uterine fibroids

    • Uterine prolapse

Contraception Methods

Categories of Methods

  • Behavioral Methods:

    • Awareness of fertile days.

  • Barrier Methods:

    • Condoms, Diaphragms, Spermicidal products.

  • Hormonal Methods:

    • Birth control pills, patches.

  • Surgical Methods:

    • Sterilization procedures.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures

Common Procedures

  • Diagnostic: Laparoscopy, Cervical biopsy, Colposcopy, Hysteroscopy.

  • Therapeutic: Hysterectomy, Myomectomy, Hormonal therapy.

Pregnancy Stages

Stages of Development

  • Embryo: Week 2 to 8 of gestation.

  • Fetus: Week 8 to birth.

Childbirth Phases

  1. Dilation of the cervix

  2. Expulsion of the fetus

  3. Expulsion of the placenta

Disorders Related to Pregnancy

Notable Conditions

  • Ectopic Pregnancy: Fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

  • Gestational Diabetes: High blood sugar during pregnancy.

  • Placental Issues: Placenta previa, placental abruption.

Breast Health

Anatomy and Disorders

  • Key Components of Breast Anatomy:

    • Mammary glands, Adipose tissue, Lactiferous ducts.

  • Disorders:

    • Mastitis, Fibrocystic disease, Breast cancer.

Final Concepts

  • Female reproductive system undergoes significant changes at puberty.

    • The release of hormones initiates the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

  • Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have; maturation begins at puberty.