Female Reproductive System

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 Objectives
After studying this chapter you will be able to:

•Name the parts of the female reproductive

system and discuss the function of each part

•Define combining forms used in building words

that relate to the female reproductive system

•Identify the meaning of related abbreviations

•Name the common diagnoses, clinical

procedures, and laboratory tests used in treating
the female reproductive system
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 Objectives Part 2
•List and define the major pathological conditions
of the female reproductive system and discuss the
function of each part

•Explain the meaning of surgical terms related to

the female reproductive system

•Recognize common pharmacological agents used

in treating the female reproductive system

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The Female Reproductive System Functions to:
Structure and Function
•Produce female sex cells (ova) in the ovaries or gonads
•Move the ova to the site of fertilization
•Nurture fertilized ova until birth

Fimbriae
Uterine tube
Ovary

Uterus

Urinary bladder
Cervix
Symphysis pubis
Urethra Rectum
Clitoris
Labia minora Vagina
Labia majora Anus
Vagina

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 Ovary Path of an Path
Eggof an Egg in
the Ovarian Cycle
Egg •Ovaries release the eggs
cyclically from the graafian
Uterine tube
follicle

•The fertilized egg is

Uterus transported to the uterus
where it develops into an
embryo
If not If fertilized
fertilized •At the end of gestation the
infant is born through the
vagina or surgically through
Expulsion Implantation
the abdomen in a Cesarean
through
menstruation delivery
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The Female Breast
The Female Breast
•Also called mammary
Rib
glands. It is an
accessory organ of Mammary
the female Adipose glands
reproductive system tissue

•Provides milk to
nurse the infant
(lactation) after birth

•Consists of mammary
glands and ducts
Lactiferous
•The dark-pigmented duct
area surrounding the Mammary
nipple is called the duct 6
areola
Reproductive Organs
Reproductive Organs
Ovaries
•Two small solid oval structures
•Located in the pelvic cavity
•Produce ova and secrete female hormones
•At birth most female ovaries contain between
200,000 to 400,000 immature ova (oocytes) in
each ovary

Between the ages of 10-14 years, the first menstruation

(menarche) occurs.
Menopause signals the end of the childbearing years.

Climacteric is the period leading up to menopause. 7

 The ovum, fertilized or
Uterus
Uterus not, will end up in the
uterus.
•Is about 3 inches long
•If fertilization does not
•Consists of three parts occur, the ovum will be
released along with the
-Upper portion fundus
endometrium during
-Middle portion body
menstruation.
-Lower portion cervix

•Consists of three •If fertilization does

layers occur, the ovum will
-Outer layer (perimetrium) attach to the
-Middle layer (myometrium) endometrium where it will
-Inner layer (endometrium) be nourished for the
duration of gestation
(about 40 weeks).
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Movement of an Oocyte During the Female Cycle
Movement of an Oocyte
Sperm Fertilization
cells
Sperm Egg cell
nucleus
Egg nucleus Secondary oocyte

Ovulation

Beginning of
implantation
2-cell
stage
4-cell 8-cell
stage stage

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 External Genitalia
External Genitalia
•Known collectively as
the vulva
Clitoris
Labia •Consists of the:
Urethral majora -mons pubis
orifice -labia majora
Labia
Hymen minora -labia minora
Vaginal -clitoris
Bartholin’s orifice -perineum
glands Perineum
(duct orifices) Bartholin’s glands
Anus
secrete a fluid into the
vagina and is located
in the space between
the labia minora
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estrogen
Hormones and Cycles
progesterone

prolactin oxytocin

Human Hormones
chorionic and Luteinizing
gonadotropin Cycles hormone (LH)
(HCG)

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) 11

 Sample 28-Day Cycle

LH FSH Sample 28-Day Cycle

FSH LH

Developing ovum Ovulation Breaking down of ovum

Days 1 7 14 21 28
Uterine activity
Estrogen
Progesterone

Progesterone
Estrogen
Thickness of
endometrium

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Menstruation Build-up to ovulation Ovulation Post-ovulation period Menstruation
 Preventing Fertilization
Preventing Fertilization
At the point of
ovulation, fertilization NOTE:
can be prevented with
contraception. High doses of estrogen
and progesterone can
prevent ovulation.
Forms of Contraception
•Condom
•Intrauterine device (IUD)
•Spermicide
•Diaphragm
•Rhythm method
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Fertilization
Fertilization
As a result of sexual intercourse (coitus),
fertilization may occur.
chorion
gravida para

Pregnancy

umbilical cord amniotic fluid

afterbirth
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 Combining Forms &
Combining Form Meaning
amni(o)
Abbreviations (amni)
amnion

cervic(o) cervix

colp(o) vagina

episi(o) vulva

galact(o) milk

gynec(o) female

hyster(o) uterus 15
 Combining
Combining Form
Forms &
Meaning

lact(o)
Abbreviations (lact)
milk

mamm(o) breast

mast(o) breast

men(o) menstruation

metr(o) uterus

oo egg

oophor(o) ovary
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 Combining
Combining Form
Forms &
Meaning

ov(i)
Abbreviations (ov)
egg

ovari(o) ovary

perine(o) perineum

salping(o) fallopian tube

uter(o) uterus

vagin(o) vagina

vulv(o) vulva
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 Combining Forms &
Abbreviation Meaning
AB
Abbreviations
abortion
(AB)
AFP alpha-fetoprotein

AH abdominal hysterectomy

CIS carcinoma in situ

CS cesarean section

C-section cesarean section

CX cervix
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 Combining
Abbreviation
Forms
Meaning
&
D&C Abbreviations (D&C)
dilation and curettage

DES diethylstilbestrol

DUB dysfunctional uterine

bleeding
ECC endocervical curettage

EDC expected date of

confinement
EMB endometrial biopsy
ERT estrogen replacement 19
therapy
 Combining
Abbreviation
Forms
Meaning
&
FHT Abbreviations (FHT)
fetal heart tones

FSH follicle-stimulating hormone

G gravida (pregnancy)

gyn gynecology

human chorionic
HCG
gonadotropin
HRT hormone replacement
therapy
HSG hystersalpingography 20
 Combining
Abbreviation
Forms
Meaning
&
HSO Abbreviations (HSO)
hysterosalpingoophorectomy

IUD intrauterine device

LH luteinizing hormone

LMP last menstrual period

multip multiparous

OB obstetrics

OCP oral contraceptive pill

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 Combining Forms &
Abbreviation Meaning
Abbreviations (P)
P para (live births)

Pap smear papanicolaou smear

PID pelvic inflammatory

disease
PMP previous menstrual period

PMS premenstrual syndrome

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 Combining
Abbreviation
Forms
Meaning
&
primip
Abbreviations (primip)
primiparous

TAH-BSO total abdominal hysterectomy

with bilateral salpingo-
oophorectomy
TSS toxic shock syndrome

UC uterine contractions

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 Diagnostic, Procedural &
Laboratory Terms
Gynecologists are physicians who diagnose and
treat disorders of the female reproductive system.

An obstetrician diagnoses and treats both normal

and abnormal pregnancies and childbirth. 24
 Vaginal & Cervical Examinations
Examination of the Vagina and Cervix
•Papanicolaou Smear
-gathers cells from the cervix to detect cervical and
vaginal cancer
-speculum is used

•Colposcopy
-a lighted instrument used to examine the cervix and
vagina
Other Examinations
Hysteroscopy Culdoscopy
-use of a lighted instrument -use of an endoscope
to examine the interior of the to examine the
uterus contents of the pelvic
cavity 25
Mammography
Mammography
•X-ray of the breast,
used to screen for
breast cancer

•Recommended age
differs based on family
history, physical
condition and the
recommending body
(AMA, ACS, and NIH)

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 Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy Test
•A blood or urine test to
detect human chorionic
gonadotropin (HCG).

•Also can be detected by

Fertility Test
palpation of the uterus
during an internal
•Hysterosalpingograph
examination by the
y is an examination of
gynecologist or
the uterus and uterine
obstetrician.
tubes following the
injection of a contrast
medium. 27
 Pathological Terms
The premature end of a pregnancy is called abortion.
Types of abortions
•Habitual abortion
•Spontaneous abortion
•Missed abortion

Pregnancy Complications

•ectopic pregnancy •preeclampsia

•abruptio placentae •Rh incompatibility
•placenta previa •breech presentation

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 Pathological Terms Part 2
Dysmenorrhea
Amenorrhea
Absence of Painful cramping
menstruation
Menstrual
Abnormalities
Menorrhagia Oligomenorrhea
Excessive menstrual Scanty menstrual flow
bleeding

Menometrorrhagia Metrorrhagia
Irregular and excessive Bleeding between periods
bleeding during or
between periods
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 Pathological Terms Part
Inflammatory and Infectious Conditions
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Cervicitis Mastitis Salpingitis Vaginitis

Toxic Shock Syndrome Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

•Syphilis •Human papilloma virus

•Gonorrhea •Chlamydia

•Herpes II •HIV/AIDS

•Trichomoniasis

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Surgical Procedures Surgical Terms
Surgical Removal
•Salpingotomy •Conization
-incision into one of the -removal of a cone-shaped
fallopian tubes section of the cervix

•Tubal Ligation •Aspiration

-method of female sterilization -type of biopsy in which fluid
is removed from the breast
•Cryosurgery
-using cold temperatures to •Hysterectomy
destroy tissue -removal of the uterus

•Cauterization •Myomectomy
-using hot temperatures to -removal of fibroid tumors
destroy tissue
•Mastectomy
-removal of a breast
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 Pharmacology
Birth Control Agents Hormonal Agents

•Birth control pills

•Hormone replacement
therapy (HRT)
•Implants
•Oxytocin
•Abortifacients

Note: A tocolytic agent stops labor contractions

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 Apply Your Knowledge
Which of the following structures is responsible
for releasing the mature ova during ovulation?

A. uterus

B. fallopian tubes

C. ovaries

Answer: C. ovaries

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 Apply Your Knowledge Part 2
The uterus consists of three linings. Which lining
is shed monthly during menstruation?

A. endometrium

B. perimetrium

C. myometrium

Answer: A. endometrium
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 Apply Your Knowledge Part 3
Margaret is about to give birth to her third child.
She has been pregnant four times. Which of the
following would correctly describe her pregnancy
history?

A. gravida 3 para 4

B. gravida 3 para 3

C. gravida 4 para 3

Answer: C. gravida 4 para 3

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 Apply Your Knowledge Part 4
The presence of the HCG hormone in the blood
or urine would indicate which of the following
conditions?

A. cervical cancer

B. pregnancy

C. onset of menstruation

Answer: B. pregnancy
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