Term | Definition |
Mons Pubis | Fatty tissue that cushions and covers the symphysis pubis.
Covered with a triangular pattern of hair after puberty |
Labia Major | 2 folds of fatty tissue on either side of the vagina.
Extends from the mons pubis to the perineum. |
Labia Minora | 2 thins folds of skin located within the folds of the labia majora.
Extends from the clitoris towards the perineum. |
Fourchette | Posterior, oval shape between the labia minora.
Contains : Urinary meatus, Vaginal opening, and Bartholins glands. |
Bartholins glands | Located on either side of vaginal opening. Secretes necessary substance that lubricates the vagina. |
Clitoris | Short, elongated, organ composed of erectile tissue.
Located in upper area of Labia Minora. |
Vaginal Orifice (Vaginal Introitus) | Located in the lower part of the fourchette (vestibule).
Below the urinary meatus. |
Hymen | Cherry!
The layer of connective tissue (membrane) that forms a
boarder around the outer opening of the vagina. |
Perineum | Area of skin between the vaginal orifice and the anus.
Made up of muscular and fibrous tissue to support the organs in the pelvis |
Urinary meatus | Not part of the reproductive system.
Is located just above the vaginal orifice. |
Vagina | Muscular tube that connects the uterus to the vulva.
Approximately 3 in. long.
lined with stretchable folds (rugae) |
Functions of Vagina | Birth canal, female organ of Coitus ( sexual intercourse), passageway for menstrual flow |
Rugae | Allows the vagina to expand during child birth. |
Uterus | Small, pear shaped hollow organ.
Houses fertilized ovum during pregnancy |
Ovum/Ova | Eggs |
3 Portions of Uterus | Fundus, Body, Cervix |
Fundus | Dome- shaped portion along the TOP of the uterus. |
Body | Wider, central portion |
Cervix | Narrower; neck-like portion @ the bottom of the uterus. |
Wall of Uterus (3 layers) | Perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium |
Perimetrium | Outer most layer |
Myometrium | Middle muscular layer |
Endometrium | Inner layer; highly vascular.
The layer that builds up every month in anticipation of a fertalized ovum.
Lining sheds during menses when fertilization doesn't occur. |
Fallopian Tubes | passageway for ovum from ovary to uterus.
2 tubules
approx. 5 inches long.
lined w/ cilia to propel ovum forward.
open end of tube have FIMBRIAE. |
Fimbriae | fingerlike projects.
draw the ovum in.
Once the ovum have entered the fallopian tube it takes approx. 5 days to read the uterus. |
ovaries | Female gonads.
almond shaped organs that are held in place by ligaments near the fimbriae of the fallopian tubes |
what are ovaries responsible for? | Producing mature Ova (eggs) and releasing them monthly (ovulation)
Produce estrogen. |
how many ova are females born with? | Born with 700,000 ova.
All the ova for our lifetime. |
how many ovum are mature in our lifetime? | approximately 400 ova mature, having the ability to fertilize during a woman's reproductive years (30-35years) |
Breasts | The mammory glands that are NOT part of the reproductive system. |
what are breasts responsible for? | Lactation ( the production of milk) |
what are breasts composed of? | Glandular tissue, adipose ( fatty) tissueC fibrous connective tissue. |
what are the parts of the breasts? | Nipple, Areola , Glandular tissue, Lactiferous glands |
Define Nipple | located in the center consisting of erectile tissue that is activated when stimulated |
Define Areola | Darken pigmented area surrounding nipple |
What causes the rough appearance on the areola? | sebacious glands called -- Montgomery's Tubules |
Why do we have montgomery's tubules (glands)? | They are only active during pregnancy and lactation. They produce a waxy substance to keep nips soft and prevent drying and cracking during breastfeeding. |
Define Glandular tissue? | Radiates outward around the nipple.
15-20 glandular lobes responsible for producing breast milk. |
what do Lactiferous glands do? | Allows milk to travel through passageways (glands) and brings the milk to the nipple. |
When does the menstruation cycle begin ? | Occurs with puberty, usually 1st menses is approximately 11-15years old. As early as 9 years old. |
steps of the menses cycle | 1. every month the endometrial lining prepares for an egg. 2. When it doesnt occur, the lining is shed and it flows from the body. |
How long is an average cycle? | every 28 days (q28 days) but can vary betwen 21-35 days |
When does ovulation occur? | midway through cycle, approximately 14 days after 1st day of LMP |
LMP | last menstrual period |
How long is the bleeding period? | varys between 3 - 8 days |
How long does an average woman have a menstrual cycle for? | Approximately 35 years up until menopause occurs |
When does menopause occur? | Approximately 52 years old, but can happen anytime after 40 years old. |
How long must you wait to be diagnosed with menopause? | after 12 consecutive months of not getting your menses. |
What causes menopause? | Ovulation and estrogen production stops. |
Define amennorrhea | Absence of flow |
Define Dysmenorrhea | Painful flow |
AUB - Abnormal Uterine Bleeding | Refers to: abnormal flow(heavy), excessive length of days bleeding (+8days), spotting between period cycles, menses occurring sooner than q21 days |
What does AUB replace? | Metrorrhagia and menorrhagia |
Define cervicitis | Acute or chronic inflammation of the cervix |
What causes cervicitis? | Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans, Haemophilus vaginalis, chlamydia. |
Signs and symptoms of cervicitis | 1. Thick, foul smelling discharge. 2. Pelvic pain. 3. Scant bleeding post intercourse. 4. Itching/bleeding external genitalia |
Definition of cystocele | Hemiation or downward protrusion of the urinary bladder through the wall of the vagina |
Define endometriosis | Presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus |
How is endometriosis diagnosed | Diagnosed through lapriscopicsurgery |
Endometriosis treatment | Symptomatic . (Hysterectomy) |
Prenatal | Care of the pregnant patient |
Pregnancy | The ovum is fertilized by sperm in Fallopian tube and implants in the wall of the uterus. |
Where does fertilization occur? | The outer third of the fallopian tube |
Define zygote | Fertilized ovum |
Embryo | First 2-8weeks |
Fetus | From Eight weeks till delivery |
Term pregnancy | 37-42 weeks |
What are two accessory structures that also develope? | Amniotic sac and placenta |
What's an amniotic sac | Thin walled, membranous sac that envelops and protects fetus |
What's chorion | Outer layer of sac |
What's amnion | Inner layer of sac |
What's amniotic fluid | Fills the sac and cushions and protects the fetus |
What does the placenta provide | Respiration, nutrition, and excretion for the fetus |
What pregnancy hormones does the placenta produce | HCG ( Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), estrogen, progesterone, HPL ( Human Placental Lactogen) |
Umbilical cord | Arises from the center of the placenta and attaches to the umbilicus of the fetus. AKA ; LIFE LINE. |
What does the umbilical cord transport | Nutrients and waste products, oxygen and nutrients are also transferred from mother to baby across the placental membrane (barrier) |
Physical changes during pregnancy | Amenorrhea, uterus changes, cervix, vagina, breasts, urination, skin , weight |
What's changes in your uterus? | Increases in size, from 2 oz to 21 lbs |
What happens to your cervix? | Changes in color and consistency |
What happens to your vagina? | Changes in colors, increased vaginal discharge called leukorrhea. |
What happens to your breasts during pregnancy? | Increase in size, change in shape, areola darkens, montgomerys glands activate. |
What changes in your urination during pregnancy? | Increased frequency in 1st trimester and again in third trimester |
What happens to your skin during pregnancy ? | Increased warmth& sweating, increase in pigmentation on forehead, cheeks, and bridge of nose, darkened ventricle line down center of abdomen |
What is chloasma? | "Mask of pregnancy" , increased pigmentation changes on forehead, cheeks and bridge of nose. |
What is linea negra? | Darkened ventricle line down center of abdomen |
What changes in your weight during pregnancy? | Average weight gain of 25-30lbs |
How do you find your EDD ( estimated due date)? | LMP+7 days - 3 months +1 year |
what are signs and symptoms of labor | Braxton hicks( false labor) , bloody show, lightening |
What is Braxton hicks | Irregular contractions that may occur throughout pregnancy and more frequently towards the end. |
What is bloody show? | Vaginal discharge mixed with blood, may occur a few weeks before labor. |
What is lightening? | When the baby drops relieving pressure on the diaphragm, the mom can breathe easier. |
During false labor contractions are... | Irregular, short and infrequent with lower intensity |
During false labor discomfort is felt in the... | Abdomen and groin |
During false labor walking... | Relieves and decreases contractions s |
During false labor effacement/dilation... | Does not occur |
During true labor contractions are.. | Regular, more frequent, higher intensity, higher duration |
During true labor discomfort is felt in.. | Lower back, and radiates towards lower abdomen. Feels like intense cramps |
During true labor walking... | Strengthens and increases contractions |
During true labor effacement/dilation occurs within.. | The cervix progressively effaced (thins) and dilates ( enlarges) |
Abortion | Termination of pregnancy before fetus is of viable age |
Spontaneous abortion | Miscarriage |
Ectopic pregnancy | Pregnancy outside the uterus, usually occurring within the Fallopian tube. |
Abruptio placenta | Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall |
Hyperemeis gravidarium | Severe vomiting resulting in dehydration and weight loss |
Gestational diabetes | Diabetes of pregnancy |
GTT | Glucose tolerance test |
What does the gtt do? | Scenes for diabetes; usually done approximately 24-28 weeks gestation |
HELLP SYNDROME | Can develop as a result of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. |
H | Hemolysis of RBC's |
EL | Increased Liver Enzymes |
LP | Low platelet count |
Placenta Previa | The placenta attaches very low in the uterus and covers all or part of the cervix |