1. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
CHAPTER 17
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2. Female Reproductive System Overview
Purpose of Female Reproductive System
Reproduction
Secretes hormones that support secondary sex characteristic changes
Secretes hormones that sustain pregnancy should fertilization occur
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3. External Genitalia Mons Pubis Labia Majora
Fatty tissue that covers and cushions the symphysis pubis
Labia Majora
Two folds of skin containing fatty tissue and covered with hair
Located on either side of the vaginal opening, extending from the mons pubis to the perineum
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4. External Genitalia (continued)
Labia Minora
Two thin folds of tissue located within the folds of the labia majora
Extends from the clitoris downward toward the perineum
Bartholin’s Glands
Located on either side of the vaginal orifice
Secrete a mucous substance that lubricates the vagina
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5. External Genitalia (continued)
Clitoris
Short, elongated organ composed of erectile tissue
Located just behind the upper junction of the labia minora
Homologous to the penis in the male
Urinary Orifice
Not true part of female reproductive system, but part of the vulva
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6. External Genitalia (continued)
Vaginal Orifice
Located in the lower portion of the vestibule, below the urinary meatus
Also known as the vaginal introitus
Perineum
Area between vaginal orifice and the anus
Consists of muscular and fibrous tissue and serves as support for the pelvic structures
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7. Internal Genitalia Vagina
Muscular tube that connects the uterus with the vulva
Rests between bladder (anteriorly) and rectum (posteriorly)
Stretchable folds of inner lining known as rugae
Capable of expanding during childbirth to permit passage of baby’s head without tearing lining
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9. Internal Genitalia (continued)
Uterus
Pear-shaped, hollow, muscular organ that houses the fertilized implanted ovum as it develops throughout pregnancy
Source of monthly menstrual flow if pregnancy does not occur
Three identifiable portions
Fundus – small dome-shaped upper portion
Body – central portion
Cervix – narrower, necklike portion at lower end
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10. Internal Genitalia (continued)
Wall of uterus contains three layers
Perimetrium
Outermost serous membrane layer
Myometrium
Middle, muscular layer
Endometrium
Innermost layer, highly vascular
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12. Internal Genitalia (continued)
Fallopian Tubes
Also known as uterine tubes or oviducts
Serve as passageway for the ova as they exit the ovary enroute to the uterus
Free end of each tube ends in fingerlike projections called fimbriae
Fimbriated ends draw ovum into tube through wavelike motions when ovum is released from ovary
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13. Internal Genitalia (continued)
Ovaries
Female sex cells = Female Gonads
Almond shaped pair of ovaries, held in place by ligaments
Responsible for:
Producing mature ova and releasing them at monthly intervals
Producing hormones necessary for normal growth and development of female
Producing hormones necessary for maintaining pregnancy should it occur
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15. Mammary Glands (Breasts)
Known as the breasts
Responsible for production of milk (lactation)
Consist of glandular tissue with supporting adipose tissue and fibrous connective tissue, covered with skin
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17. Mammary Glands (Breasts) (continued)
Structures of the Breasts
Nipple
Located at center of each breast
Consists of sensitive erectile tissue
Areola
Darker pigmented area surrounding the nipple
Montgomery’s tubercles – small sebaceous glands present in areola
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18. Mammary Glands (Breasts) (continued)
Tissues of the Breasts
Adipose
Connective
Glandular
Lactiferous Ducts
Narrow tubular structures of the breast that transport milk to the nipple for breastfeeding
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19. Female Pelvis Landmarks of the Pelvis True Pelvis boundaries
Sacrum, Coccyx, Pubic bone, Ischial spines
Serve as reference points for measuring across pelvic outlet from varying angles
Measurement determines size of pelvic
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20. Puberty and The Menstrual Cycle
Period of life at which the ability to reproduce begins
Female reproductive organs are fully developed
Secondary sex characteristic changes occur
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21. Puberty and The Menstrual Cycle (continued)
Menstrual Phase
Days 1 – 5
Menstrual flow occurs on day one and last for 3 – 5 days
Postmenstrual Phase
Days 6 – 12
Interval between menses and ovulation
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22. Puberty and The Menstrual Cycle (continued)
Ovulatory Phase
Days 13 – 14
Graafian follicle ruptures, releasing mature ovum into pelvic cavity = ovulation
Premenstrual Phase
Days 15 – 28
Phase between ovulatory phase and onset of menstrual flow
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24. Common Signs and Symptoms
Amenorrhea
Absence of menstrual flow
Dysmenorrhea
Painful menstrual flow
Menorrhagia
Abnormally long or very heavy menstrual periods
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25. Common Signs and Symptoms (continued)
Metrorrhagia
Uterine bleeding at times other than the menstrual period
Oligomenorrhea
Abnormally light or infrequent menstruation
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26. Forms of Contraception
Abstinence
Abstaining from having vaginal intercourse
Advantage: % effective
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27. Forms of Contraception (continued)
Oral Contraceptives
Birth control pills
Contain synthetic forms of the hormones, estrogen and progesterone
Advantages
Disadvantage
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28. Forms of Contraception (continued)
Depro-Provera Injection
Form of contraception administered intramuscularly, approximately once every 12 weeks
Advantages
Disadvantages
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29. Forms of Contraception (continued)
Lunelle Injection
Monthly contraceptive injection
Advantages
Disadvantages
Intrauterine Device
Small plastic T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent implantation of an ovum into the uterus
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30. Forms of Contraception (continued)
Barrier Methods
Methods of birth control that place physical barriers between the cervix and the sperm
Sperm cannot pass the cervix and enter the uterus, and thus the fallopian tubes
Examples
Spermicidal jellies and creams
Condoms
Diaphragms
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31. Forms of Contraception (continued)
Permanent Methods of Birth Control
Tubal Ligation
Surgically cutting and tying the fallopian tubes to prevent passage of ova or sperm through the tubes
Prevents pregnancy
Known as female sterilization
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32. Forms of Contraception (continued)
Tubal Ligation
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33. Forms of Contraception (continued)
Permanent Methods of Birth Control (continued)
Vasectomy
Also known as male sterilization
Surgically cutting and tying the vas deferens to prevent the passage of sperm
Prevents pregnancy
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34. Permanent Methods of Birth Control
Vasectomy
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35. PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
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36. Carcinoma of the Breast
Pronounced
(car-sin-OH-mah of the breast)
Defined
Malignant tumor of the breast tissue
Most common type (ductal carcinoma) originates in the mammary ducts
Has ability to invade surrounding tissue if not detected early enough
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37. Cervical Carcinoma Pronounced Defined (SER-vih-kal car-sin-OH-mah)
Malignant tumor of the cervix
Symptoms include bleeding between menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, after menopause, and an abnormal Pap smear
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39. Cervicitis Pronounced Defined (ser-vih-SIGH-tis)
An acute or chronic inflammation of the uterine cervix
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40. Cystocele Pronounced Defined (SIS-toh-seel)
Herniation or downward protrusion of the urinary bladder through the wall of the vagina
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42. Endometrial Carcinoma
Pronounced
(en-doh-MEE-tree-al car-sin-OH-mah)
Defined
Malignant tumor of the inner lining of the uterus
Also known as adenocarcinoma of the uterus
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43. Endometriosis Pronounced Defined (en-doh-mee-tree-OH-sis)
Presence and growth of endometrial tissue in areas outside the endometrium (lining of the uterus)
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44. Common Sites of Endometriosis
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45. Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Pronounced
(figh-broh-SIS-tik breast dih-ZEEZ)
Defined
Presence of single or multiple fluid-filled cysts that are palpable in the breasts
Cysts are benign and fluctuate in size with the menstrual period
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46. Fibroid Tumor Pronounced Defined (FIGH-broyd tumor)
A benign, fribous tumor of the uterus
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47. Leiomyoma Pronounced Defined (ligh-oh-my-OH-mah)
Benign, smooth muscle tumor of the uterus
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48. Ovarian Carcinoma Pronounced Defined (oh-VAY-ree-an car-sin-OH-mah)
Malignant tumor of the ovaries, most commonly occurring in women in their 50s
Rarely detected in early stage
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49. Ovarian Cysts Pronounced Defined (oh-VAY-ree-an SISTS)
Benign, globular sacs (cysts) that form on or near the ovaries
May be fluid filled or may contain semisolid materials
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50. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pronounced
(PELL-vik in-FLAM-mah-toh-ree dih-ZEEZ)
Defined
Infection of the fallopian tubes
Also known as salpingitis
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51. Toxic Shock Syndrome Pronounced Defined (toxic shock SIN-drom)
A potentially fatal condition caused by toxin-producing strains of the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus
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52. Vaginitis Pronounced Defined (vaj-in-EYE-tis)
Inflammation of the vagina and the vulva
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53. DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
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54. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures
Aspiration Biopsy
An invasive procedure in which a needle is inserted into an area of the body, such as the breast, to withdraw a tissue or fluid sample for microscopic examination and diagnosis
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55. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures (continued)
Breast Self-Examination
A procedure in which the woman examines her breasts and surrounding tissue for evidence of any changes that could indicate the possibility of malignancy
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56. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures (continued)
Colposcopy
Visual examination of the vagina and cervix with a colposcope
Lighted binocular microscope used for direct examination of the surfaces of the vagina and cervix
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57. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures (continued)
Conization
Surgical removal of a cone-shaped segment of the cervix for diagnosis or treatment
Also known as a cone biopsy
Cryosurgery
Destruction of tissue by rapid freezing with substances such as liquid nitrogen
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58. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures (continued)
Culdocentesis
Surgical puncture through the posterior wall of the vagina into the cul-de-sac to withdraw intraperitoneal fluid for examination
Checking for evidence of inflammation, purulent drainage, bleeding, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, or ovarian malignancy
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59. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures (continued)
Dilation and Curettage
Dilatation or widening of the cervical canal with a dilator, followed by scraping of the uterine lining with a curet
Also termed D & C
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60. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures (continued)
Endometrial Biopsy
An invasive test for obtaining a sample of endometrial tissue with a small curet, for examination
Hysterosalpingography
X-ray of the uterus and the fallopian tubes, by injecting a contrast material into these structures
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61. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures (continued)
Laparosopy
Process of viewing the abdominal cavity with a laparoscope
Mammography
Process of examining with x-ray the soft tissue of the breast to detect various benign and/or malignant growths before they can be felt
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62. Laparosopy
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63. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures (continued)
Papanicolaou Smear
Microscopic examination of cells scraped from within the cervix, from around the cervix, and from the posterior part of the vagina to test for cervical cancer
Also known as the Pap Smear
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64. Speculum
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65. Papanicolaou Smear
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66. Papanicolaou Smear
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67. Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures (continued)
Pelvic Ultrasound
Noninvasive procedure that used high-frequency sound waves to examine the abdomen and pelvis
Pelvimetry
Process of measuring the female pelvis, manually or by x-ray, to determine its adequacy for childbearing
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