reproductive system chapter readings davis

Learning Outcomes

• Identify key anatomical components of the reproductive system.

• Discuss function of the reproductive system.

• Describe procedure for completing a history and physical assessment of reproductive function.

• Correlate relevant diagnostic examinations to reproductive function.

• Explain nursing considerations for diagnostic studies relevant to reproductive function.

• Discuss changes in reproductive function associated with aging.

Concepts

• Caring

• Inflammation

• Pregnancy

• Reproduction and Sexuality

Essential Terms

• Androgens: male hormones that regulate development of male characteristics.

• Anus: the opening at the end of the digestive tract.

• Breast: glandular organ in females for milk production.

• Cervix: the lower part of the uterus opening into the vagina.

• Clitoris: sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva.

• Ejaculation: release of semen from the male reproductive system.

• Epididymis: coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored.

• Estrogen: hormone responsible for development of female characteristics.

• Fallopian Tubes: tubes through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): hormone that stimulates the ovaries and testicular functions.

• Gonads: reproductive organs that produce gametes (testes in males, ovaries in females).

• Gravida (G): the number of times a woman has been pregnant.

• Labia Majora/Minora: folds of skin outside the vagina.

• Luteinizing hormone (LH): hormone that triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum.

• Menarche: the first occurrence of menstruation.

• Menstruation: the monthly shedding of the uterine lining.

• Mons Pubis: rounded mass of fatty tissue over the pubic bone.

• Oocyte: an egg cell.

• Ovaries: female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones.

• Ovulation: release of an egg from the ovary.

• Parity: the number of pregnancies that resulted in viable offspring.

• Penis: male reproductive organ for urination and ejaculation.

• Perineum: area between the anus and vagina or scrotum.

• Progesterone: hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

• Prostate gland: gland in males that produces fluid for semen.

• Scrotum: pouch of skin containing the testes.

• Semen: fluid containing sperm.

• Spermatogenesis: production of sperm.

• Testes: male gonads producing sperm and hormones.

• Testosterone: primary male sex hormone.

• Uterus: organ where fetal development occurs.

• Vagina: muscular tube leading from external genitalia to the uterus.

• Vas deferens: duct conveying sperm from the testes to the ejaculatory duct.

• Vesicle: vesicles in the context of anatomy often refer to small sacs.

• Vulva: external female genitalia.

Case Study: Episode 1

• Patient: Cindy Stevenson, 29 years old, gravida 2, para 1011.

  • Current Issue: Gynecological examination with no period in 3 months, experienced fatigue.

  • Pregnancy Test: Negative, wish for long-term birth control options.

Female Reproductive System

• Primary Male and Female Reproductive Systems: Ensure human species survival through life creation.

• Functions of the Female Reproductive System:

  1. Secretion of sex hormones.

  2. Production of ova.

  3. Environmental maintenance for fertilization, embryonic, and fetal development.

  4. Expulsion of fetus post-development.

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

• External Genitalia: Known as vulva; includes mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, perineum.

  • Mons Pubis: Fatty tissue cushion above pubic bone.

  • Labia Majora: Protects labia minora, varies in size.

  • Labia Minora: Sensitive, lubrication, and sexual arousal.

  • Clitoris: Sensitive erectile tissue; primary source of sexual pleasure.

  • Vaginal Vestibule: Contains urethral orifice, vaginal opening, and Bartholin’s glands.

Internal Female Genitalia

• Comprises vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

• Vagina: Canal for menstrual flow, intercourse, and childbirth.

• Cervix: Connects vagina with uterus; can indicate if a woman has given birth.

• Uterus: Site for fertilized egg growth.

• Fallopian Tubes: Where fertilization occurs, extending from ovaries to uterus.

• Ovaries: Produce eggs and hormones.

Female Reproductive Physiology

• Menstrual Cycle: Comprises three phases (follicular, luteal, menstrual); mediated by hormonal signals.

• Hormonal Control: The hypothalamus and pituitary regulate reproductive hormones influencing cycles.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify key anatomical components of the reproductive system: Understand the structure and location of various organs involved in human reproduction.

• Discuss function of the reproductive system: Explore how reproductive systems contribute to sexual health and reproduction, including hormonal regulation and processes.

• Describe procedure for completing a history and physical assessment of reproductive function: Outline steps for thorough assessments, including questions and physical examinations that assess reproductive health.

• Correlate relevant diagnostic examinations to reproductive function: Identify common tests such as ultrasounds and blood tests that relate to reproductive health.

• Explain nursing considerations for diagnostic studies relevant to reproductive function: Discuss the roles and responsibilities of nurses in preparing and caring for patients undergoing reproductive health diagnostics.

• Discuss changes in reproductive function associated with aging: Explore how age affects reproductive health in both males and females, including menopause and andropause.

Concepts

• Caring: Emphasizing the importance of compassionate care in reproductive health.

• Inflammation: Understanding its impact on reproductive organs and fertility.

• Pregnancy: Discuss physiological changes and considerations during pregnancy.

• Reproduction and Sexuality: Exploring the interrelationship of sexual health and reproduction.

Essential Terms

• Androgens: Male hormones such as testosterone that regulate the development of male characteristics, influencing bodily functions and health.

• Anus: The opening at the end of the digestive tract, playing a role in excretion.

• Breast: Glandular organ in females specialized for milk production, with hormonal influences affecting development.

• Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina, playing key roles in menstruation and childbirth.

• Clitoris: A highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva, critical for sexual arousal and pleasure.

• Ejaculation: The process of releasing semen from the male reproductive system, critical for reproduction.

• Epididymis: Coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored before ejaculation.

• Estrogen: Hormone responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, as well as regulating the menstrual cycle.

• Fallopian Tubes: Tubes through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus, the site where fertilization typically occurs.

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Hormone that stimulates the ovaries' production of eggs and the testicular functions in males.

• Gonads: Essential reproductive organs that produce gametes; testicles in males and ovaries in females, integral to reproduction.

• Gravida (G): Describes a woman's pregnancy history, specifically the number of times she has been pregnant in her lifetime.

• Labia Majora/Minora: Skin folds that protect the internal structures of the female reproductive system, with the labia majora being more prominent and the labia minora being delicate and sensitive.

• Luteinizing hormone (LH): Hormone crucial for ovulation and maintaining the corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle.

• Menarche: The onset of menstruation, marking the beginning of reproductive capability in females.

• Menstruation: The monthly shedding of the uterine lining, a vital component of the reproductive cycle.

• Mons Pubis: A rounded mass of fatty tissue over the pubic bone, serving as a protective cushion and an area influenced by hormonal changes.

• Oocyte: The immature egg cell produced in the ovaries, crucial for reproduction.

• Ovaries: Female reproductive organs that produce both egg cells and hormones, regulating female reproductive functions.

• Ovulation: The release of a mature egg from the ovary, an essential step in the reproductive cycle.

• Parity: The count of pregnancies that have resulted in live births, a key aspect in understanding reproductive history.

• Penis: The male reproductive organ, involved in sexual intercourse and the expulsion of urine and semen.

• Perineum: The area between the anus and the vagina or scrotum, significant for various examinations and bodily functions.

• Progesterone: A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports early gestation.

• Prostate gland: A male accessory gland that produces fluid that nourishes and helps transport sperm in semen.

• Scrotum: The pouch of skin containing the testes, regulating their temperature for optimal sperm production.

• Semen: The fluid that contains sperm along with various nutrients and enzymes necessary for fertilization.

• Spermatogenesis: The process through which sperm cells are produced, critical for male reproduction.

• Testes: Male gonads responsible for producing sperm and hormones such as testosterone, vital for male reproductive health.

• Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone, responsible for the development of male characteristics and functioning of the reproductive system.

• Uterus: The organ in which a fertilized egg develops into a fetus, essential for female reproduction.

• Vagina: The muscular canal that connects external genitalia to the uterus, playing a central role in sexual intercourse, menstrual flow, and childbirth.

• Vas deferens: The duct that conveys sperm from the testes to the ejaculatory duct, a crucial structure in male reproductive anatomy.

• Vesicle: Often refers to small sacs in anatomy; in terms of reproduction, vesicles may pertain to structures involved in storage or transport.

• Vulva: The external female genitalia, encompassing several structures that serve reproductive and protective functions.

Case Study: Episode 1

Patient: Cindy Stevenson, 29 years old, gravida 2, para 1011. Current Issue: Undergoing a gynecological examination due to the absence of menstruation for the past 3 months and experiencing fatigue. Pregnancy Test: Results negative; the patient expresses a desire for long-term birth control options.

Female Reproductive System

Primary Male and Female Reproductive Systems: Together, these systems ensure the continuation of the human species through procreation.

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

• Secretion of sex hormones that influence development and reproductive cycles.

• Production of ova (eggs) necessary for reproduction.

• Environmental maintenance for fertilization and fetal development, crucial for a successful pregnancy.

• Expulsion of fetus post-development, signifying the conclusion of the gestation period.

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

• External Genitalia: Referred to as the vulva, includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, and perineum, all playing protective and sexual roles.

• Mons Pubis: A cushion of fatty tissue above the pubic bone with varying sizes and shapes.

• Labia Majora: Protects the labia minora and varies in size and shape; plays a role in sexual arousal.

• Labia Minora: Sensitive folds that help with lubrication and contribute to sexual arousal.

• Clitoris: Contains erectile tissue; its stimulation can lead to sexual pleasure and orgasm.

• Vaginal Vestibule: Houses the urethral orifice, vaginal opening, and Bartholin’s glands, important for various physiological functions.

Internal Female Genitalia

• Vagina: Serves as the canal for menstrual flow as well as for intercourse and childbirth.

• Cervix: Connects the vagina with the uterus and changes notably during childbirth.

• Uterus: The site for fertilized egg implantation and growth, playing a vital role in sustaining fetal development.

• Fallopian Tubes: Channel eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, and this is typically where fertilization occurs.

• Ovaries: Produce eggs and hormones that regulate female reproductive health and cycles.

Female Reproductive Physiology

• Menstrual Cycle: Includes three main phases (follicular, luteal, and menstrual), each controlled by hormonal signals.

• Hormonal Control: Regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland affecting reproductive hormones that influence menstrual cycles and fertility.