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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the secretions from Skene's ducts?
What is the primary function of the secretions from Skene's ducts?
The hymen is a thick membrane that completely covers the vaginal opening in all women.
The hymen is a thick membrane that completely covers the vaginal opening in all women.
False
What are Bartholin's glands primarily responsible for?
What are Bartholin's glands primarily responsible for?
Secreting mucus that enhances sperm viability and motility.
The area enclosed by the labia minora, which contains openings for the urethra, vaginal opening, and Bartholin's glands is known as the __________.
The area enclosed by the labia minora, which contains openings for the urethra, vaginal opening, and Bartholin's glands is known as the __________.
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Match the following structures with their descriptions:
Match the following structures with their descriptions:
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What is the primary function of the isthmus in the female reproductive system?
What is the primary function of the isthmus in the female reproductive system?
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A woman is born with approximately 400 mature eggs.
A woman is born with approximately 400 mature eggs.
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What are the two female sex hormones produced by the follicles in the ovaries?
What are the two female sex hormones produced by the follicles in the ovaries?
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The average age of menarche is approximately __ years old.
The average age of menarche is approximately __ years old.
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Match each hormone with its role in the female reproductive cycle:
Match each hormone with its role in the female reproductive cycle:
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How long is the ampulla in the female reproductive system?
How long is the ampulla in the female reproductive system?
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The menstrual cycle is not influenced by hormonal changes.
The menstrual cycle is not influenced by hormonal changes.
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What happens to the hormones during the negative feedback mechanism in the female reproductive cycle?
What happens to the hormones during the negative feedback mechanism in the female reproductive cycle?
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What phase of the menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts for 4-5 days?
What phase of the menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts for 4-5 days?
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The proliferative phase lasts for approximately 14 days.
The proliferative phase lasts for approximately 14 days.
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What hormone is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum after fertilization occurs?
What hormone is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum after fertilization occurs?
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If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum __________.
If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum __________.
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Match the following phases of the menstrual cycle with their characteristics:
Match the following phases of the menstrual cycle with their characteristics:
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What happens to the spiral arteries during the secretory phase?
What happens to the spiral arteries during the secretory phase?
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Ovulation is triggered by a drop in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
Ovulation is triggered by a drop in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
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During which phase does blood seep into the surrounding connective tissues due to ruptured blood vessels?
During which phase does blood seep into the surrounding connective tissues due to ruptured blood vessels?
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What is the primary function of the corpus luteum?
What is the primary function of the corpus luteum?
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Ovulation occurs on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle.
Ovulation occurs on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle.
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What happens to the corpus luteum if the oocyte is not fertilized?
What happens to the corpus luteum if the oocyte is not fertilized?
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The mature ovum is expelled from the __________ at the time of ovulation.
The mature ovum is expelled from the __________ at the time of ovulation.
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Match the vitamins to their associated benefits during the menstrual cycle:
Match the vitamins to their associated benefits during the menstrual cycle:
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Which dietary change is recommended to reduce fluid retention during the menstrual cycle?
Which dietary change is recommended to reduce fluid retention during the menstrual cycle?
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Sanitary pads should be applied loosely to allow for movement.
Sanitary pads should be applied loosely to allow for movement.
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Warm baths can help maintain __________ during the menstrual cycle.
Warm baths can help maintain __________ during the menstrual cycle.
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Which of the following is a benefit of exercise during the menstrual cycle?
Which of the following is a benefit of exercise during the menstrual cycle?
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Calcium is found in yogurt and cheese, and it may help alleviate menstrual symptoms.
Calcium is found in yogurt and cheese, and it may help alleviate menstrual symptoms.
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What are two benefits of applying heat during painful menstrual periods?
What are two benefits of applying heat during painful menstrual periods?
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Reproductive health is defined as a status of complete physical, mental, and social ________.
Reproductive health is defined as a status of complete physical, mental, and social ________.
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Which of the following is NOT considered a basic element of reproductive health?
Which of the following is NOT considered a basic element of reproductive health?
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Match the reproductive health needs with their definitions:
Match the reproductive health needs with their definitions:
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Strengthening the health system does not affect maternal health outcomes.
Strengthening the health system does not affect maternal health outcomes.
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What is one way to reduce maternal deaths related to complications from abortion?
What is one way to reduce maternal deaths related to complications from abortion?
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Study Notes
The Vestibule
- The vestibule is located within the labia minora and contains the openings of the urethra, paraurethral (Skene's) glands, vaginal opening (introitus), and Bartholin's glands.
- The urethral orifice is positioned 2.5 cm posterior to the clitoris and measures 4 cm in length.
- Two Skene's ducts, each 0.5 cm long, open on either side of the urethra and secrete lubricating fluid for sexual intercourse.
- The vaginal orifice, also known as the introitus, occupies the posterior two-thirds of the vestibule.
- The hymen, a thin elastic membrane, partially covers the vaginal orifice and tears during sexual intercourse or childbirth.
- Bartholin's glands are located in the posterior part of the labia majora and secrete clear, thick mucus with an alkaline pH, supporting sperm viability and motility.
Perineum
- The perineum is the muscle and tissue region between the vaginal opening and anal canal.
- It plays a supportive role for the lower urinary and digestive tracts.
- The perineum is highly sensitive due to its numerous nerve endings.
- An episiotomy, an incision of the perineum, may be performed during childbirth to widen the vaginal opening.
Isthmus
- The isthmus is the narrowest part of the fallopian tube and measures 2.5 cm in length.
- It acts as a reservoir for sperm due to its lower temperature compared to the rest of the tube.
Ampulla
- The ampulla is the widened lateral area of the fallopian tube where fertilization typically occurs.
- It measures 5 cm in length.
Infundibulum
- The infundibulum is the trumpet-shaped outer end of the fallopian tube and measures 2 cm in length.
- It opens into the peritoneal cavity through the tubal ostium.
Ovaries
- Ovaries are the female gonads or sex glands responsible for developing and releasing an ovum each month.
- A woman is born with approximately 400,000 immature eggs known as follicles.
- Throughout a lifetime, a woman releases between 400 and 500 fully matured eggs for fertilization.
- Follicles in the ovaries produce the female sex hormones, progesterone, and estrogen.
- These hormones prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg.
Menstrual Cycle
- Menarche marks the onset of menstruation, signaling the physical changes that transform a female body.
- The menstrual cycle involves cyclic changes in the endometrium due to estrogen and progesterone.
- The average age for menarche is 12.8 years old.
- The amount of menstrual bleeding varies among women.
- Expulsion of blood clots is a common occurrence.
- Menstrual blood color can range from bright red to dark maroon.
- The cycle typically occurs every 25 to 32 days.
Menstrual Cycle: Hormonal Control
- The menstrual cycle is regulated by a hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis.
- The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
- GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to produce:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Responsible for ovum maturation in ovarian follicles and estrogen production.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): Stimulates the release of the mature ovum and the development of the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone.
Negative Feedback Mechanism
- Each hormone is secreted until its target organ is stimulated.
- The stimulated organ then secretes a hormone that inhibits the production of the initial hormone.
Components of the Female Reproductive Cycle
- Menstrual cycle: Cyclic changes in the endometrium caused by estrogen and progesterone.
- Ovarian cycle: Cyclic changes in the ovaries influenced by FSH and LH.
Menstrual Phase
- Corresponds to the first day of the menstrual cycle.
- Lasts 4-5 days.
- The functional layer of the uterine wall is shed and discharged as menstrual flow.
- Blood discharge is mixed with small pieces of endometrial tissue.
Proliferative Phase
- Characterized by repair and proliferation of the uterine lining.
- Lasts 9 days.
- Controlled by estrogen secreted by follicles.
- Endometrial thickness increases by 2-3 mm.
- Glands increase in number and length, and spiral arteries elongate.
- Glandular epithelium secretes glycogen-rich material.
Secretory Phase
- Begins with ovulation and ends with menstruation.
- Spiral arteries extend into the superficial layer.
- Arteries become more coiled.
- A large venous network develops.
Fertilization Occurs
- The fertilized ovum implants in the endometrium around the 6th day of the secretory phase.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast.
- hCG maintains estrogen and progesterone production by the corpus luteum.
Fertilization Does Not Occur
- The corpus luteum degenerates due to lack of hCG.
- Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease.
- The secretory endometrium enters an ischemic phase leading to menstruation.
Ischemic Phase
- Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels.
- Cessation of glandular secretion.
- Loss of interstitial fluid.
- Endometrial shrinkage.
- Constriction of spiral arteries, leading to venous stasis and ischemic necrosis.
- Rupture of damaged vessel walls, causing blood seepage into connective tissues.
- Increased polymorphonuclear leukocytes migrate from the vascular system 2 days before menstruation.
Ovulation
- Occurs around mid-cycle, approximately 14 days in a 28-day cycle.
- An ovarian follicle undergoes rapid growth and bursts under the influence of FSH and LH.
- These hormones prepare the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg.
Ovarian Cycle
- FSH and LH regulate cyclic changes in the ovaries.
Follicular Phase
- Primordial follicles begin to grow under the influence of FSH.
- Only one follicle reaches maturity, becoming the Graafian follicle.
- The mature follicle secretes steroid hormones.
Ovulatory Phase
- Ovulation marks the expulsion of a mature ovum from the ruptured Graafian follicle.
- The ovum is caught by the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube.
- Occurs around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle.
Luteal Phase
- The ruptured Graafian follicle transforms into the corpus luteum.
- The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and a small amount of estrogen.
- These hormones prepare the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg.
- If the oocyte is fertilized, the corpus luteum remains active for the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates within 10-12 days.
Nursing Role During Menstrual Cycle (Health Teaching)
-
Sanitary Pads and Tampons:
- Wash hands before and after perineal care.
- Wipe from front to back.
- Use sanitary pads occasionally, especially at night.
- Apply pads snugly to prevent movement.
- Avoid touching the pad's contact side.
- Take warm baths for hygiene.
-
Diet:
- Reduce caffeine intake to minimize anxiety.
- Decrease simple sugars.
- Limit salty foods to reduce fluid retention.
- Eat six small meals a day to prevent hypoglycemia.
- Increase fluid intake.
- Avoid alcohol to prevent depression.
-
Nutritional Self-Care:
- Vitamin B complex (lean meats, whole grains, leafy greens) reduces nervousness.
- Vitamin B6 relieves bloating.
- Vitamin E (yeast, wheat germ) is a mild prostaglandin inhibitor, improving circulation and reducing muscle spasms.
- Iron prevents iron depletion.
- Calcium (yogurt, cheese) helps alleviate menstrual symptoms.
-
Exercise:
- Regular exercise prevents cramps and constipation.
- Deep breathing increases blood oxygenation, relaxing the uterus.
- Aerobic activities (jogging, walking) alleviate irritability and tension.
-
Heat and Massage:
- Warm applications are beneficial for painful periods.
- Massage soothes aching muscles and promotes relaxation and blood flow.
Reproductive Health
- Reproductive health encompasses complete physical, mental, and social well-being regarding the reproductive system and its functions.
- It includes the ability to make informed choices about when to become pregnant.
- Access to contraceptive options contributes to population control and environmental sustainability.
- Increased contraceptive access reduces unsafe abortions, a leading cause of maternal deaths.
- Providing essential care after complications from abortions allows for contraception counseling, preventing unwanted pregnancies.
- Reducing pregnancy-related deaths improves newborn and child survival and enhances productivity.
- Effective maternal health systems contribute to overall death system improvements.
Basic Elements of Reproductive Health
- Women's employment
- Women's nutrition
- Adolescent health care
- Safe sexual practices
- Safe motherhood
- Widely available family planning services
- Elimination of unsafe abortions
- Prevention of unwanted pregnancies
- Prevention and management of infertility
- Male involvement
- Prevention and treatment of reproductive malignancies and post-menopausal care
- Women's and men's reproductive health needs
Women's Reproductive Health Needs
- Span from sexual health to post-menopausal care, including:
- Sexuality
- Prevention of sexually transmitted infections
- Fertility by choice
- Pre-conceptional care
- Normal labor
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Postnatal care
- Menopausal and post-menopausal health care
- Women's reproductive health needs include:
- Sexuality
- Protection against sexually transmitted infections
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