Female Reproductive System Overview

Female Reproductive System

• Uterus: A muscular, pear-shaped organ in the pelvic cavity. Houses the embryo during pregnancy.
• Vulva: External female genitalia (labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal orifice). Protects internal reproductive organs.
• Bartholin Glands: Located near the vaginal opening, secrete mucus for lubrication during intercourse.
• Graafian Follicle: Fluid-filled sac in the ovary containing a developing ovum (egg). Releases the ovum during ovulation.
• Fallopian Tube: Tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus. Site of fertilization and ovum transport.
• Cervix: Lower portion of the uterus opening into the vagina. Allows menstrual flow and serves as the birth canal.
• Vagina: Muscular tube extending from the cervix to the exterior of the body. Organ of sexual intercourse and childbirth, passageway for menstruation.
• Cervix Uteri: Neck of the uterus, connecting the uterus to the vagina.
• Corpus Luteum: Hormone-producing structure formed after ovulation from the ruptured Graafian follicle. Maintains pregnancy.
• Perineum: Area between the vaginal opening and the anus.

Stages of Pregnancy/Labor

• Placental Stage: Final stage of labor, expulsion of the placenta and membranes.
• Gestation: Period from fertilization to birth, typically 40 weeks.

Pregnancy Terminology

• -cyesis: Pregnancy.
• -para: To bear offspring.
• -tocia: Labor or childbirth.
• -arche: Beginning.
• Primi-: First.
• -gravida: Pregnant woman.

Combining Forms

• Colp/o: Vagina.
• Hyster/o: Uterus.
• Mast/o: Breast.
• Oophor/o: Ovary.
• Metr/o: Uterus or womb.
• Galact/o: Milk.
• Gynec/o: Woman, female.
• Metri/o: Uterus.

Issues/Diseases

• Ectopic Pregnancy: Fertilized egg implants outside the uterus (often a fallopian tube).
• Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility.

Other Female Reproductive Issues

• Colpodynia: Pain in the vagina.
• Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation.
• Salpingocele: Herniation of a fallopian tube.
• Menopause: Permanent cessation of menstruation due to decreased ovarian hormone production.
• Dyspareunia: Painful sexual intercourse.
• Menorrhagia: Excessive menstrual bleeding.
• Atresia: Absence or closure of a body opening.
• Pyosalpinx: Pus accumulation in a fallopian tube.
• Chlamydia: Bacterial STI causing reproductive organ inflammation.
• Gonorrhea: Bacterial STI causing inflammation and discharge.
• Fibroids: Benign tumors in the uterus, causing heavy periods and pelvic pain.
• Down Syndrome: Genetic disorder with an extra chromosome 21.
• Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent or irregular menstrual periods

Pregnancy Terms

• Multipara: Woman who has delivered multiple live babies.
• Multigravida: A woman who has been pregnant more than once.
• Gravida: Pregnant woman.
• Primigravida: A woman pregnant for the first time.
• Dystocia: Difficult labor.
• Eclampsia: Severe pregnancy-induced hypertension causing seizures.
• Choriocarcinoma: Malignant tumor of the placenta.

Procedures

• Pap Smear: Cervical cancer screening.

• Tubal Ligation: Permanent sterilization by blocking the fallopian tubes.

• Subtotal Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, but keeping the cervix intact.

• Laparoscopy: Visual examination of the abdominal cavity with an endoscope.

• Cerclage: Stitching the cervix closed to prevent premature labor.

• Cordocentesis: Fetal blood sampling from the umbilical cord.

• C-section: Surgical delivery of a baby through an abdominal incision.

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus.

• Colpocleisis: Surgical vagina closure.

• Cryocautery: Freezing tissue to destroy abnormal cells.

• Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Scraping of the uterine lining.

• Lumpectomy: Removal of a breast tumor

Instrument Aids

• Colposcope: Instrument to examine the cervix and vagina under magnification.

Drugs

• Spermicides: Chemicals that kill sperm to prevent pregnancy.
• Prostaglandins: Hormones that may induce or control childbirth bleeding
• Oxytocin: Hormone stimulating uterine contractions.
• Antifungals: Medications for fungal infections (i.e. yeast infections)
• Estrogens: Hormones for managing menopause symptoms.

Abbreviations

• TRAM: Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle (breast reconstruction).
• D&C: Dilation and curettage
• Pap: Papanicolaou test (cervical screening)
• US: Ultrasound

Explore the various components of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, cervix, and ovaries. This quiz covers the function and anatomy of key structures, such as the fallopian tubes and Bartholin glands. Test your knowledge on how these organs play a vital role in reproduction and sexual health.