Chapter 28 - Reproductive System Flashcards
1
Q
What is sexual reproduction?
A
The process by which organisms produce offspring by making germ cells (gametes)
2
Q
What two things come together during fertilization?
A
A male gamete (sperm cell) and a female gamete (secondary oocyte)
3
Q
What are the names of the gonads in males and females?
What is their function?
A
Testes in males
Ovaries in females
- produce gametes and secrete sex hormones
4
Q
What is the function of accessory sex glands?
A
Produce substances that protect the gametes and facilitate their movement
5
Q
What organs are included in the male reproductive system?
A
Testes
System of ducts: epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory ducts, urethra
Accessory sex glands: seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands
Supporting structures: scrotum and penis
6
Q
What is the scrotum?
What does it consist of?
A
The supporting structure for the testes
- consists of loose skin
- hangs from the root of the penis
7
Q
What is the raphe?
A
Median ridge of the scrotum
8
Q
What is the scrotal septum?
A
Internally divides the scrotum into two sacs
- each containing a single testis
9
Q
What is dartos muscle?
A
Muscle tissue in the subcutaneous layer of the scrotum
10
Q
What is the cremaster muscle?
A
The muscle of the spermatic cord, by which the testicle can be partially raised
11
Q
What regulates the temperature of the testes?
A
Location of the scrotum and the contraction of its muscle fibres
- cold temps = cremaster and dartos muscles contract
- warm temps = cremaster and dartos muscles relax
12
Q
At what temperature does normal sperm production occur?
A
Requires to be 2-3 degrees cooler than body temperature
13
Q
What is the function of the testes?
A
Produce sperm and secrete hormones (testosterone)
14
Q
What does the tunica vaginalis cover?
A
Partially covers the testes
- forms during the descent of the testes
15
Q
What is the tunica albuginea?
A
White fibrous capsule that covers the testes
- composed of dense irregular connective tissue
- extends inward
- forms the septa that divide the testis into lobules
16
Q
What are lobules of the testes?
A
Series of internal compartments
- approx 200-300 lobules per testis
17
Q
What is contained within the lobules of the testes?
A
Contains 1-3 tightly coiled tubules
- seminiferous tubules
18
Q
What happens inside seminiferous tubules?
A
Sperm is produced
19
Q
What is spermatogensis?
A
Process by which seminiferous tubules produce sperm
20
Q
What two kinds of cells are found within seminiferous tubules?
A
- Spermatogenic cells - sperm-forming cells
2. Sertolic cells - support spermatogensis
21
Q
What are spermatogonium (spermatogonia)?
A
Stem cells
- a cell produced at an early stage in the formation of spermatozoa
22
Q
What is a spermatozoon?
A
A sperm cell
23
Q
What is the function of the blood-testis barrier?
A
Protects the developing sperm cells from an immune response
- the immune system detects surface antigens on sperm as “foreign”
24
Q
Where are Leydig (insterstitial) cells located and what do they do?
A
Located between adjacent seminiferous tubules
- secrete testosterone
25
What is an androgen?
A hormone that promotes the development of masculine characteristics (testosterone is an androgen)
26
How many days does spermatogensis take?
65-75 days
27
What do spermatogonia differentiate into?
```
Primary spermatocytes (diploid, 2n)
- they still have 46 chromosomes
```
28
What happens to a primary spermatocyte after it forms?
It undergoes meiosis I
- forms secondary spermatocytes (haploid, n)
(only has 23 chromosomes)
29
What happens to secondary spermatocytes after they form?
Ungergoes meiosis II
| - results in 4 HAPLOID cells called spermatids
30
How many spermatids will a SINGLE primary spermatocyte produce?
4
31
What is spermiogenesis?
Development of haploid spermatids into sperm
- each spermatid becomes a single sperm
- spherical spermatids transform into elongated, slender sperm
32
What are the main parts of a sperm cell?
Head - contains the nucleus (23 chromosomes)
| Tail (neck, middle piece, principal piece, end piece)
33
What is an acrosome?
A cap-like vesicle covering the front 2/3 of the nucleus
| - filled with enzymes that help a sperm to penetrate a secondary oocyte to bring about fertilization
34
What does the middle piece of a sperm tail contain?
Mitochondria
| - provide energy for locomotion and for sperm metabolism
35
What is the function of GnRH in relation to the male reproductive system?
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
| - stimulates the secretion of two gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone)
36
What effect does LH (luteinizing hormone) have on the male reproductive system?
Stimulates Leydig cells (located between seminiferous tubules) to secrete testosterone
- through negative feedback, testosterone suppresses the secretion of LH
37
What effect does FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) have on the male reproductive system?
Indirectly stimulates spermatogenesis
| - FSH and testosterone act synergistically on the sertoli cells to stimulate secretion of androgen-binding protein (ABP)
38
What does ABP do? (androgen-binding protein)
Binds to testosterone
| - keeping its concentration high
39
What does testosterone do in spermatogenesis?
Finalizes the final steps
40
How does inhibin come into play with regards to the male reproductive system?
Sertoli cells release inhibin
- inhibits the release of FSH
- if spermatogenesis is proceeding too slowly, less inhibin is released which allows more FSH secretion
41
What are the effects of androgens?
- prenatal development
- development of male sexual characteristics
- development of sexual function
- stimulation of anabolism
42
How do sperm move along the lumen of the semiiniferous tubules and then into the straight tubules?
By pressure generated by the fluid secreted by sertoli cells
43
After leaving the seminiferous tubules, where do the sperm go to next? (until they reach the ductus epididymis)
Seminiferous tubules --> Straight tubules --> Rete testis --> Efferent ducts --> Ductus Epididymis
44
What is the function of the epididymis?
Site of sperm maturation
- takes about 14 days
- also helps to propel sperm into ductus (vas) deferens during sexual arousal
- stores sperm
45
What happens to sperm during sperm maturation?
Process by which sperm acquire motility and the ability to fertilize an ovum
46
What is the ductus deferens (vas deferens)?
The duct that conveys sperm from the testicle to the urethra
47
What is the function of the spermatic cord?
Supporting structure that ascends out of the scrotum
- consists of ductus (vas) deferens, testicular artery, veins that drains the testes, autonomic nerves, lymphathic vessels and the cremaster muscle
48
What forms the ejaculatory duct?
Formed by the union of the duct from the seminal vesicle and the ampulla of the ductus (vas) deferens
49
What does the urethra serve as a passage way for?
Urine and semen
| - subdivided into three parts.
50
What are the three parts of the male urethra?
1. Prostatic urethra - passes through the prostrate
2. Membranous urethra - passes through the corpus spongiosum of the penis
3. Spongy (penial) urethra
- ends at the external urethral orifice
51
What do the accessory sex glands include?
Seminal vesicles, the prostrate, and the bulbourethral glands
52
What do the seminal vesicles secrete?
Secrete an alkaline, viscous fluid that contains fructose, prostagladins and clotting proteins.
- neurtalize acidic environments (female tract and male urethra)
- fructose is used for ATP production
- prostaglandins contribute to sperm motility and viability
- clotting proteins help semen coagulate after ejaculation
53
What does the prostrate secrete?
A milky, slightly acidic fluid that contains citric acid (used for ATP), proteolytic enyzmes (break down the clotting proteins from seminal vesicles), acid phosphate (unknown function) and seminalplasmin (antibiotic, destroys bacteria).
54
What do the Cowper's glands secrete? (bulbourethral glands)
Secrete an alkaline fluid into the urethra that protects the passing sperm by neutralizing acids from urine in the urethra.
- also secrete a mucus that lubricates the end of the penis, decreasing the number of sperm damaged during ejaculation
55
What is semen?
Mixture of sperm and seminal fluid
| - secretion from seminal vesicles, prostate, Cowper's glands
56
Is semen slightly acidic or basic? Why?
BASIC!
| - counteracts the acidity of the female tract and the male urethra
57
What is the function of the penis?
Passageway for the ejaculation of semen and the excretion of urine
58
What three cylindrical masses of tissue that make up the penis?
1. Corpora cavernosa penis (x2)
| 2. Corpus spongiosum penis - keeps it open during ejaculation
59
What is erectile tissue composed of?
Numerous blood sinuses, lined by endothelial cells and surrounded by smooth muscle and elastic connective tissue
60
What is the glans penis?
The distal end of the penis
| - slightly enlarged
61
What is the external urethral orifice?
The terminal slit-like opening of the urethra
62
What is prepuce or foreskin?
Loose fitting skin covering the glans penis
| - uncircumcised
63
What is an erection?
The enlargement and stiffening of the penis
- parasympathetic fibers produce and release NO (vasodilator)
- allows blood vessels to dilate
64
What helps maintain an erection?
The expansion of the blood sinuses compress the veins that drains the penis
- slowing blood outflow
65
What is ejaculation?
The powerful release of semen from the urethra to the exterior
- sympathetic reflex
- urinary bladder sphincter closes (no pee!)
66
What is emission?
The discharge of a small volume of semen before ejaculation
| - may also occur during sleep
67
How does a penis return to the flaccid state?
Arterioles supplying the erectile tissue of the penis constrict and the smooth muscle contracts, making blood sinuses smaller
- relieves pressure on the veins, allows them to drain
68
What are the organs of the female reproductive system?
Ovaries, uterine (fallopian tubes), uterus, vagina, external organs
69
What are the ovaries?
| What do they produce?
The female gonads
- produce gametes
- produce hormones
70
What is the tunica albuginea?
A whitish capsule of dense irregular connective tissue located immediately deep to the germinal epithelium
71
What do ovarian follicles consist of?
Oocytes (in various stages of development) and the cells surrounding them
72
What are follicular cells?
| What is their function?
```
Surrounding cells (in a single layer) in the ovarian follicles
- nourish the developing oocyte and begin to secrete estrogens as the follicle grows larger
```
73
What are granulosa cells?
Follicular cells that have developed further
| - form several layers
74
What is a mature (graafian) follicle?
A large, fluid-filled follicle that is ready to rupture and expel its secondary oocyte
- process known as ovulation
75
What is ovulation?
Process whereby a mature ovarian follicle (part of the ovary) discharges an egg (also known as an ovum, oocyte, or female gamete)
76
What does the corpus luteum contain?
| What doe it produce?
Contains the remnants of a mature follicle after ovulation
| - produces progesterone, estrogens, relaxin, and inhibin
77
What is corpus albicans?
Fibrous scar tissue leftover from the corpus luteum
78
What is oogenesis?
Formation of gametes in the ovaries
| - begins in females before they are born
79
What are oogonia (oogonium)?
Diploid (2n) stem cells that divide mitotically to produce millions of germ cells
- during FETAL development
80
What is atresia?
Process whereby most the germ cells (oogonia) degenerate
| - only a FEW develop into primary ooctyes
81
What happens to primary oocytes during fetal development?
Primary oocytes enter prophase of meiosis I during fetal development but do not complete the phase until after puberty
82
What surround primary oocytes during fetal development?
Primordial follicle
| - single layer of flat follicular cells
83
What is the ratio of germ cells, to primary oocytes, to primary oocytes present at puberty, to the number that will mature and ovulate?
Germ cells - Millions!
Primary oocytes - 200,000 - 2,000,000
At puberty - 40,000
Mature and ovulate = ONLY approx. 400
84
What does a primary follicle consist of?
Primary oocyte surrounded by several layers of granulosa cells (cubodial cellss)
- in a later stage of development
85
As a primary follicle grows, what does it form between the primary oocyte and the granulosa cells?
Zona pellucida
| - a clear glycoprotein layer
86
What is the corona radiata?
Innermost layer of the cumulus oophorus
- directly adjacent to the zona pellucida,
- main purpose is to supply vital proteins to the cell
87
What does the primary follicle develop into?
Secondary follicle
88
What does the secondary follicle develop into?
Mature (graafian) follicle
- produces two haploid (n) cells of UNEQUAL size
- each with 23 chromosomes
89
What is the first polar body?
Smaller cell produced by meiosis I
| - essentially a packet of discarded nuclear material
90
What is the secondary oocyte?
An oocyte in which the first meiotic division is completed
| - the second meiotic division usually stops short of completion unless fertilization occurs
91
What happens to the secondary oocyte if fertilization occurs?
Splits into two haploid cells again
- of UNEQUAL size (again!)
- larger is the OVUM (mature egg) and the smaller one is the second polar body
92
What is a zygote?
A diploid cell (2n) resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes
- a fertilized ovum
93
What is the function of the uterine (fallopian) tubes or oviducts?
Provide a route for sperm to reach an ovum and transport secondary oocytes and fertilized ova from the ovaries to the uterus
94
What is the infundibulum of the female reproductive tract?
Funnel-shaped portion of each fallopian tube
| - close to the ovary but is open to the pelvic cavity
95
What are fimbriae?
Finger-like projections at the fringe of the infundibulum
| - one is attached to the uterus
96
What is the ampulla of the female reproductive tract?
The widest, longest portion of the uterine tube
97
What is the isthmus of the female reproductive tract?
Short, narrow, thick-walled portion of the uterine tube that joins to the uterus
98
How long after ovulation can fertilization occur?
Up to 24 hours
99
How long does it take the zygote to reach the uterus after fertilization?
6-7 days
100
What is the function of the uterus?
Serves as a pathway for sperm (deposited in vagine) to reach the uterine tubes
- also the site of implantation of the fertilized ovum, development of fetus
- source of menstrual flow
101
What are the anatomical subdivisions of the uterus?
1. Fundus - dome-shaped portion superior to uterine tubes
2. Body - tapering central portion
3. Cervix - inferior narrow portion (opens to vagina)
102
What is the uterine cavity?
The interior of the body of the uterus
103
What is the cervical canal?
Interior of the cervix
104
What is anteflexion?
Position of the body of the uterus
| - projects anteriorly and superiorly over the urinary bladder
105
What are the three layers of the uterus?
1. Perimetrium - outer layer
2. Myometrium - middle layer
3. Endometrium - inner layer
106
The endometrium of the uterus is divided into which two layers?
1. Stratum functionalis - lines the uterine cavity and sloughs off during menstruation
2. Stratum basalis - permanent layer, gives rise to a new stratum functionalis after each menstruation
107
What do the uterine arteries supply?
Supply blood to the uterus
108
What do straight arterioles supply?
Supply the stratum basalis with materials needed for regeneration of the stratum functionalis
109
What do spiral arterioles supply?
Supply the stratum functionalis
| - change during menstruation
110
What do the secretory cells of the mucosa of the cervix produce?
Cervical mucus
| - mixture of water, glycoproteins, lipids, enzymes, and inorganic salts
111
Where does the vagina extend to and from?
Extends from the exterior of the body to the uterine cervix
112
What is the function of the vagina?
- Receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse
- Outlet for menstrual flow
- Passageway for childbirth
113
What is the fornix?
A recess that surrounds the vaginal attachment to the cervix
114
What is the function of cervical mucus?
- supplements the energy needs of sperm
- protects sperm from phagocytes
- plays a role in capacitation
115
Where does the mucosa of the vagina lie in?
Lies in a series of transverse folds called RUGAE
| - mucosa contain large stores of glycogen, results in acidic environment
116
What does the muscularis layer of the vagina allow it to do?
STRETCH!
- stretch to accommodate the penis
- stretch during childbirth
117
What is the hymen?
Thin fold of vascularized mucous membrane
| - partially closes the inferior end of the vaginal opening to the exterior
118
What makes up the vulva or pudendum?
The external genitals of the female
119
What are the components of the vulva?
- mons pubis
- labia majora
- labia minora
- clitoris
- vestibule
- bulb of the vestibule
120
What is the mons pubis?
Elevation of adipose tissue covered by skin and coarse pubic hair
- cushions the pubic symphysis
121
What are the labia majora?
Two longitudinal folds of skin
| - contains adipose tissues, sebaceous (oil) glands, sudoriferous glands (sweat)
122
What are the labia minora?
Two smaller folds of skin
- devoid of pubic hair and fat
- few sudoriferous glands
- many sebaceous glands
123
What is the clitoris?
Small, cylindrical mass
| - located in the anterior junction of the labia MINORA
124
What is the prepuce of the clitoris?
The point where the labia minora unite and cover the body of the clitoris
125
What is the vaginal orifice?
The opening of the vagina to the exterior
| - bordered by the hymen
126
What is the external urethral orifice?
The opening of the urethra to the exterior
127
What do the greater vestibular (Bartholin's) glands produce?
Produce a small quantity of mucus during sexual arousal and intercourse
- provides lubrication
128
What happens to the bulb of the vestibule during intercourse?
Becomes engorged with blood
| - narrows vaginal orifice and places pressure on the penis
129
What is the perineum?
Area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva
| - contains external genitals and anus
130
What is the pigmented projection on each breast called?
A nipple
131
What do nipples contain?
Lactiferous ducts
| - where milk emerges
132
What is the areola of the breast?
Circular pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple
| - appears rough b/c it contains modified sebaceous (oil) glands
133
What is a mammary gland?
```
Modified sudoriferous (sweat) glands that produce milk
- consists of 15-20 lobes
```
134
What are the lobules of the breast?
Each lobe (15-20 per mammary gland) contains several smaller components called lobules
135
What are lobules composed of?
Grape-like clusters of milk-secreting glands called alveoli
136
What helps alveoli propel milk toward the nipples?
Contraction of myoepithelial cells
| - surround the alveoli
137
Where does milk go after it leave the alveoli?
Secondary tubules --> mammary ducts --> lactiferous sinuses (where some milk is stored before draining into lactiferous duct)
138
What is lactation?
Synthesis, secretion and ejection of milk
139
What is milk production stimulated by?
Prolactin (anterior pituitary)
| - ejection of milk is stimulated by oxytocin
140
What is the ovarian cycle?
Series of events in the ovaries that occur during and after the maturation of an oocyte
141
What is the uterine (menstrual) cycle?
Concurrent series of changes in the endometrium of the uterus
- prepares it for the arrival of a fertilized ovum that will develop there until birth
- if fertilization does not occur, ovarian hormones wane, which causes the stratum functionalis of the endometrium to slough off
142
What is the hormone that controls the ovarian and uterine cycles?
Where is it secreted?
GnRH
- gonadotropin-releasing hormone
- secreted by hypothalamus
143
What does GnRH stimulate the release of?
| female reproduction
FSH - follicle stimulating hormone, initiates follicular growth
LH - luteinizing hormone. stimulates further development of the ovarian follicles
144
What are the main functions of estrogens?
- promote development of reproductive structures, secondary sex, breasts
- increase protein anabolism
- lowers blood cholesterol
- inhibit release of GnRH, FSH and LH
145
What are the main function of progesterone?
- prepares and maintains endometrium for implantation
- prepares mammary glands for milk secretion
- inhibit secreteion of GnRH and LH
146
What are the functions of relaxin?
- relaxes the uterus
- inhibits contractions of uterine smooth muscle
- during labor, increases flexibility of pubic symphysis and dilates uterine cervix
147
What is the function of inhibin?
Inhibits the secretion of FSH
- and to a lesser extent, LH
- secreted by corpus luteum
148
What is the duration of the female reproductive cycle?
24-36 days
149
What are the four phases of the female reproductive cycle?
1. Menstrual phase
2. Pre-ovulatory phase
3. Ovulation
4. Post-ovulatory phase
150
What events happen in the ovaries during the menstrual phase?
Several primordial follicles develop into primary follicles, then into secondary follicles
- make take several months to occur
* a follicle that begins to develoip at the beginning of a particular menstrual cycle may not reach maturity and ovulate until several cycles later!
151
What events happen in the uterus during the menstrual phase?
Menstrual flow discharges (from uterine cavity --> cervix --> vagina
- occurs due to declining levels of progesterone and estrogens
- entire stratum functionalis sloughs off
152
When does the menstrual phase occur?
First 5 days of the cycle
153
When does the pre-ovulatory phase occur?
Between the end of menstruation and ovulation
| - lasts from 6-13 days (in a 28 day cycle)
154
What events happen in the ovaries of the pre-ovulatory phase?
- secondary follicles begins to secrete estrogens and inhibin
- dominant follicle emerges
- mature (graffian) follicle continues to grow
155
What is the dominant follicle?
A single secondary follicle outgrows all the others
| - decreases secretion of FSH, which causes the smaller follicles to stop growing
156
What is the mature (graafian) follicle?
One dominant secondary follicle continues to enlarge until it is ready for ovulation
157
What is the follicular phase?
The combination of the menstrual and pre-ovulatory phases
158
What events happen in the uterus of the pre-ovulatory phase?
- estrogens stimulate the repair of the endometrium
- produce a new stratum functionalis
- also known as proliferative phase
159
What happens during ovulation?
The rupture of the mature (graafian) follicle and the release of the secondary oocyte into the pelvic cavity
- usually occurs on day 14
160
Describe the feedback system during the last part of the pre-ovulatory phase with HIGH levels of estrogens.
1. High levels of estrogens stimulates more frequent release of GnRH
- also stimulates secretion of LH
2. GnRH promotes release of FSH and additional LH
3. LH causes the rupture of the mature (graafian) follicle and expulsion of a secondary oocyte
- about 9 hours after peak of LH surge
161
When does the post-ovulatory phase occur?
Between ovulation and onset of the next menses
- lasts for 14 days
- from day 15-28
162
What events happen in the ovary during the post-ovulatory phase?
- after ovulation, mature follicle collapses
- if the oocyte is NOT fertilized, the corpus luteum has a lifespan of 2 weeks (new ovarian cycle begins)
- if the oocyte IS fertilized, and begins to divide, the corpus luteum persists past its 2 week lifespan
163
What is the luteal phase?
The lining of your uterus normally becomes thicker to prepare for a possible pregnancy
164
What effect does the human chorionic gonadotropin have on the corpus luteum?
If an oocyte is fertilized, hCG prevents the corpus luteum from degeneration
- detected in home pregnancy tests
165
What events happen in the uterus during the post-ovulatory phase?
- thickening of the endometrium
- also called the secretory phase
- prepares for the possible arrival of a fertilized ovum
- if fertilization does not occur, levels of progesterone and estrogens decline - withdrawal causes menstration
166
What does birth control refer to?
Control fertility and prevent conception
167
What is complete abstinence?
Avoidance of sexual intercourse
168
What is a vasectomy?
A portion of each ductus deferens is removed
- sperm can no longer reach the exterior
- does not effect sexual desire or performance
169
What is a tubal ligation?
Both uterine tubes are tied closed and then cut
- secondary oocyte cannot pass through the uterine tubes
- sperm cannot reach the oocyte
170
What is the function of oral contraceptives?
Hormones designed to prevent pregnancy
- most effective means of birth control
- inhibits ovulation by suppressing the FSH and LH
171
What are the variations of oral contraceptives?
1. Combined pill: progestin and estrogens (3 weeks on, 1 week off)
2. Seasonal: progestins and estrogens (12 weeks on, 1 week off)
3. Minipill: progestin only, taken every day
172
What are some examples of non-oral hormonal methods of contraception?
- skin patch
- nuvaring (vaginal contraceptive ring)
- morning after pill (emergency contraception)
- hormone injections
173
What is an IUD?
Intrauterine device
- small object inserted into the cavity of the uterus
- prevents fertilization from taking place by blocking sperm
174
What are spermicides?
Various foams, creams, jellies, suppositories and douches that contain sperm-killing agents
- make vagina and cervix unfavorable for sperm survival
- more effective when used with a barrier method
175
What is the barrier method of contraception?
The use of a physical barrier
- designed to prevent sperm from gaining access to the uterine cavity and uterine tubes
- condom
- protection against STDs
176
What is a male condom?
Nonporous, latex covering plaved over the penis that prevents deposition of sperm in the female reproductive tract
177
What is a diaphragm? (female condom)
Rubber, dome-shaped structure that fits over the cervix
- stops most sperm from entering the cervix
- used with spermicide
178
What is the rhythm method?
Abstaining from sexual activity on the days that ovulation is likely to occur in each reproductive cycle
- 3 days before ovulation, day of ovulation and 3 days after ovulation
179
What is an abortion?
Premature expulsion of the products of conception from the uterus
- before the 12th week of pregnancy
- may be spontaneous (naturally occurring, miscarriage) or induced (intentional)
180
What is testicular cancer?
Most common cancer in males (20-35)
| - common sign is a mass in the testes
181
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Consistent inability of an adult male to ejaculate or to attain or hold an erection long enough for sexual intercourse
182
What is pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Cyclical disorder of severe physical and emtional distress
| - appears during post-ovulatory phase
183
What is endometriosis?
The growth of endo metrial tissue outside the uterus
184
What is breast cancer?
1 in 8 women face the prospect of breast cancer
| - second leading cause of death in women from cancer
185
Why is ovarian cancer so dangerous?
Has no symptoms that can be detected early
186
How can cervical cancer be detected?
By regular PAP smears
187
What is vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Yeast-like fungus
- characterized by severe itching, thick, yellow, cheesy discharge
- yeasty odor and pain
188
What is an STD?
Sexually transmitted disease
| - spread by sexual contact
189
What is chlamydia?
STD
- in males: clear, discharge, burning on urination, frequent urination, painful urination
- in females: can lead to infertility due to the formation of scar tissue in the tubes
190
What is gonorrhea?
STD
- males: profuse pus drainage and painful urination
- females: discharge of pus
191
What is syphilis?
STD
- painless open sore (chancre)
- skin rash, fever and aches in joints and muscles
- neurosyphilis (tertiary stage)
192
What is gential herpes?
STD
| - painful blisters that disappear and reappear but the virus remains
193
What is endocervical curettage?
A procedure:
| Cervix is dilated and the endometrium of the uterus is scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette
194
What is an ovarian cyst?
Most common form of ovarian tumor
| - fluid-filled follicle or corpus luteum persists and continues growing
195
What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
Bacterial infection of the pelvic organs
| - lower back pain, abdominal pain, urethritis
196
What is smegma?
Secretion found chiefly around the external genitals
| - and under the foreskin in males
