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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the breasts?
What is the primary function of the breasts?
Which hormone is responsible for stimulating milk synthesis in the breasts?
Which hormone is responsible for stimulating milk synthesis in the breasts?
What is the characteristic of an imperforate hymen?
What is the characteristic of an imperforate hymen?
What are Montgomery tubercles responsible for?
What are Montgomery tubercles responsible for?
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What can alter the appearance of the hymen in females who have not been sexually active?
What can alter the appearance of the hymen in females who have not been sexually active?
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Which substance is secreted a few days after childbirth, characterized by higher minerals and protein content?
Which substance is secreted a few days after childbirth, characterized by higher minerals and protein content?
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What role do sucking actions play in lactation?
What role do sucking actions play in lactation?
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The fourchette is defined as which of the following?
The fourchette is defined as which of the following?
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What is the primary function of the female reproductive system?
What is the primary function of the female reproductive system?
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Which of the following correctly identifies the anatomical structures considered part of the vulva?
Which of the following correctly identifies the anatomical structures considered part of the vulva?
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The labia minora serves primarily which purpose?
The labia minora serves primarily which purpose?
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What is the role of Bartholin's glands in the female reproductive system?
What is the role of Bartholin's glands in the female reproductive system?
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Which statement accurately describes the perineum?
Which statement accurately describes the perineum?
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Which external sex organ is analogous to the penis in males and is focused on sexual excitement?
Which external sex organ is analogous to the penis in males and is focused on sexual excitement?
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What is the purpose of an episiotomy during childbirth?
What is the purpose of an episiotomy during childbirth?
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The mons pubis primarily serves which function in the female reproductive system?
The mons pubis primarily serves which function in the female reproductive system?
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What initiates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during the preovulatory phase?
What initiates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during the preovulatory phase?
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Which hormone is secreted by the hypothalamus to regulate the menstrual cycle?
Which hormone is secreted by the hypothalamus to regulate the menstrual cycle?
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During the follicular phase, what role does the growing follicle play?
During the follicular phase, what role does the growing follicle play?
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What physiological change typically indicates that ovulation is occurring?
What physiological change typically indicates that ovulation is occurring?
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What is the lifespan of an ovum after ovulation?
What is the lifespan of an ovum after ovulation?
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What happens to the ruptured follicle after ovulation?
What happens to the ruptured follicle after ovulation?
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How does increased estrogen influence follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production?
How does increased estrogen influence follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production?
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What is a common sign experienced by some women during ovulation?
What is a common sign experienced by some women during ovulation?
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What is the primary reason why dysmenorrhea is more common in nulliparous women?
What is the primary reason why dysmenorrhea is more common in nulliparous women?
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Which symptom is NOT typically associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Which symptom is NOT typically associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
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What could potentially cause menorrhagia?
What could potentially cause menorrhagia?
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What is a common systemic symptom experienced during dysmenorrhea?
What is a common systemic symptom experienced during dysmenorrhea?
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Which of the following does NOT serve as a recommended management strategy for dysmenorrhea?
Which of the following does NOT serve as a recommended management strategy for dysmenorrhea?
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What is a plausible cause of metrorrhagia?
What is a plausible cause of metrorrhagia?
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What condition is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) most commonly linked to?
What condition is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) most commonly linked to?
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Which dietary guideline may help alleviate symptoms of PMS?
Which dietary guideline may help alleviate symptoms of PMS?
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What is the primary hormone produced by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase?
What is the primary hormone produced by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase?
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What occurs immediately if pregnancy does not take place after ovulation?
What occurs immediately if pregnancy does not take place after ovulation?
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Which phase of the menstrual cycle does not involve ovulation?
Which phase of the menstrual cycle does not involve ovulation?
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What defines primary amenorrhea?
What defines primary amenorrhea?
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What time frame is characteristic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
What time frame is characteristic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
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What is the characteristic volume of menstrual flow during the menstrual phase?
What is the characteristic volume of menstrual flow during the menstrual phase?
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What is NOT a potential cause of secondary amenorrhea?
What is NOT a potential cause of secondary amenorrhea?
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During which phase does the endometrial lining prepare for a potential fertilization?
During which phase does the endometrial lining prepare for a potential fertilization?
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive System Anatomy and Physiology
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External Sex Organs
- Vulva: The entire female region of external sex organs.
- Mons Pubis: Fatty tissue and skin covered with pubic hair after puberty. Protects the symphysis pubis during sexual intercourse.
- Vestibule: Consists of the clitoris, urethral meatus, and the vaginal introitus.
- Labia Majora: Outer lips; tissue folds from mons to perineum surrounding the rest of the female genitals.
- Labia Minora: Inner lips; pink tissue folds between vestibule and labia majora; no hair. Lubricate the vulva, swell in response to stimulation, and are highly sensitive.
- Clitoris: A short erectile organ at the top of the vaginal vestibule whose function is sexual excitation.
- Urethral Meatus: The opening of the urethra.
- Vaginal Introitus: The vaginal entrance.
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Perineum: Skin-covered muscular area between the vaginal opening (introitus) and the anus. Aids in constricting the urinary, vaginal, and anal opening. Can become lacerated or incised during childbirth.
- Episiotomy: Incising the perineum area to provide more space for the presenting part during birth.
- Bartholin's Glands: Lie on either side of the vaginal opening. Produce a fucoids substance, which provides lubrication for intercourse.
- Fourchette: Ridge of tissue formed by the posterior joining of the labia minora and labia majora.
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Hymen: Stratified squamous epithelium membrane that partially closes (perforated) mucosa-covered tissue across the vaginal introitus.
- Imperforate Hymen: No opening.
- Absent Hymen: May be absent in some cases.
- Torn Hymen: Torn with the first sexual intercourse. Heavy physical exertion, use of tampons, or injury to the area can alter the appearance in girls and women who have not been sexually active.
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Breasts
- Part of the external female reproductive system.
- External structures: nipple, areola (darker area around the nipples), and Montgomery tubercles (glands that produce a lubricant).
- Primary function: Lactation
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Hormonal influences:
- Estrogen: Develops breasts.
- Progesterone: Secretes milk.
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Sucking stimulates the pituitary gland to release:
- Prolactin: Begins milk synthesis.
- Oxytocin: Releases milk.
- Colostrum: Dark yellow fluid secreted a few days after childbirth. Contains more minerals and protein, but less sugar and fat than mature breast milk.
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Hormones involved in breast development and milk production:
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Prolactin:
- Source: Anterior Pituitary
- Targets & Functions: Stimulates alveoli of breasts to produce milk
- Estrogen, Progesterone, Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH): Secreted from the hypothalamus, induces the release of FSH and LH to assist with ovulation.
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Prolactin:
Menstrual Cycle
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Preovulatory Phase (Days 6-13): Also known as the proliferative phase or follicular phase.
- Triggers: A drop in progesterone and estrogen stimulates the release of FSH from the anterior pituitary (under the control of the hypothalamus).
- FSH: Stimulates the maturation of an ovum with a graafian follicle.
- Estrogen: Growing follicle becomes a temporary endocrine gland, secreting increasing amounts of estrogen which inhibits FSH production in the pituitary.
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Ovulation (Day 14): Occurs anywhere from 12 - 16 days before the next menstrual flow.
- LH Surge: When estrogen levels reach their peak, the pituitary releases a surge of LH.
- Ovulation: LH surge causes the release of the ovum.
- Ovum Lifespan: Approximately 24 hours before it dies unless it meets a sperm.
- Ruptured Follicle: After ovulation, begins to secrete progesterone and backs off on estrogen secretion.
- Signs of Ovulation: Increase in body temperature, changes in cervical mucus, slight pain (mittelschmerz), and softening of the cervix.
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Postovulatory Phase (Days 15 - 28): Also called the luteal or secretory phase.
- Corpus Luteum: Cells of the follicle remain in the ovary (renamed as "corpus luteum").
- Progesterone: Produced by the corpus luteum under the effects of high levels of LH. Inhibits release of LH from the pituitary gland.
- Endometrium: Progesterone maintains the thickened endometrium in case fertilization occurs.
- Corpus Luteum Degeneration (Ischemic Phase): If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will degenerate.
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Menses Phase (Days 1 - 5):
- Triggers: Lack of signal from a fertilized egg influences the drop in estrogen and progesterone production.
- Endometrial Sloughing: A drop in progesterone results in the sloughing off of the thickened endometrial lining, which is the menstrual flow.
- Duration: Menstrual flow for 3-7 days.
- Volume: About 50 ml of blood.
Menstrual Problems
-
Amenorrhea: Absence of menses during the reproductive years.
- Primary Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation by age of 17. May be related to anatomical or genetic abnormalities.
- Secondary Amenorrhea: Absence of menses for three cycles or 6 months in women who have previously menstruated regularly. May result from nutritional deficits, excessive exercise, emotional disturbances, endocrine dysfunction, side effects of medication, pregnancy, and lactation.
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Occurs 3 to 14 days prior to the menstrual period, during the postovulatory/luteal phase, and is relieved by the onset of menses.
- Symptoms: Weight gain, irritability, mood swings, edema, headache, inability to concentrate, food cravings, acne.
- Management: Pharmacological interventions, diet (eliminate processed foods, sugar, caffeine, soda, alcohol), exercise, and decreasing salt intake.
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Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation, also called "menstrual cramps."
- Common in: Nulliparous women and women who are not having intercourse.
- Symptoms: Sharp, intermittent spasms of pain in the suprapubic area, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, dizziness, bloating, water retention, weight gain, breast tenderness.
- Management: NSAIDs, analgesia, adequate rest and sleep, regular exercise, showers, and heating pad.
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Menorrhagia: Excessive bleeding during a menstrual period.
- Causes: Hormonal disturbances, infections, and growths inside the uterus.
- Complications: Anemia from chronic blood loss.
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Metrorrhagia: Bleeding between menstrual periods.
- Causes: Normal in adolescents with spotting at the time of ovulation, oral contraceptive drugs, vaginal irritation from infection, and low-level progesterone production.
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Description
Explore the intricacies of the female reproductive system, focusing on the anatomy and physiology of external sex organs. This quiz covers essential components like the vulva, labia, clitoris, and more, providing a comprehensive understanding of their functions and interactions.
