Reproductive System Flashcards
(20 cards)
Overview of the Reproductive Systems
Male System: Testes, vas deferens, prostate, penis.
Female System: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.
Function: Production of gametes (sperm in males, eggs in females), reproduction, hormone regulation.
Male Reproductive Anatomy
Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.
Epididymis: Stores and matures sperm.
Vas Deferens: Transports sperm during ejaculation.
Seminal Vesicles: Secrete fluid that nourishes sperm.
Prostate Gland: Produces fluid to enhance sperm mobility.
Penis: External organ for sperm delivery.
Female Reproductive Anatomy
Ovaries: Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
Fallopian Tubes: Site of fertilization, transport eggs to the uterus.
Uterus: Houses and nurtures a developing fetus.
Endometrium: Lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle.
Cervix: Lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Vagina: Birth canal and organ for sexual intercourse.
Menstrual Cycle Phases
Menstrual Phase: Shedding of the endometrium.
Follicular Phase: Follicle growth in ovaries, estrogen rises.
Ovulation: Release of an egg from the ovary (around day 14).
Luteal Phase: Corpus luteum forms, secretes progesterone.
Female Reproductive Hormones
Estrogen: Promotes development of secondary sex characteristics and regulates the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for pregnancy and maintains pregnancy.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): Stimulates follicle development in the ovaries.
Male Reproductive Hormones
Testosterone: Produced by the testes; responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics and sperm production.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Stimulates testosterone production.
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): Promotes sperm production.
Spermatogenesis
Definition: The process of sperm production.
Location: Seminiferous tubules in the testes.
Stages: Spermatogonia → Primary spermatocytes → Secondary spermatocytes → Spermatids → Spermatozoa.
Duration: Approximately 64 days.
Oogenesis
Definition: The process of egg (ova) production.
Location: Ovaries.
Stages: Oogonia → Primary oocyte → Secondary oocyte → Ovum (after fertilization).
Timing: Begins before birth, with ovulation occurring monthly after puberty.
Fertilization
Definition: Union of a sperm and egg to form a zygote.
Location: Typically occurs in the fallopian tube.
Process: Sperm penetrates the egg, combining genetic material.
Result: A diploid zygote, which begins cell division.
Pregnancy Overview
Stages:
First Trimester: Organ development (organogenesis).
Second Trimester: Fetal growth, detectable movements.
Third Trimester: Further growth and preparation for birth.
Hormonal Changes: High levels of estrogen and progesterone maintain pregnancy.
Labor and Delivery
Stages of Labor:
Stage 1: Dilation of the cervix.
Stage 2: Delivery of the baby.
Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta.
Hormones Involved: Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions.
Common Interventions: Epidural, induction, cesarean section.
Lactation
Hormonal Control:
Prolactin: Stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.
Oxytocin: Stimulates milk ejection (“let-down reflex”).
Breastfeeding Benefits: Provides antibodies, nutrients, and promotes mother-infant bonding.
Menopause
Definition: The cessation of menstruation and reproductive ability in women.
Age Range: Typically occurs between 45-55 years.
Symptoms: Hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis risk.
Hormonal Changes: Decline in estrogen and progesterone.
Contraception Methods
Barrier Methods: Condoms, diaphragms.
Hormonal Methods: Birth control pills, patches, IUDs.
Permanent Methods: Tubal ligation, vasectomy.
Emergency Contraception: “Morning-after pill” (prevents ovulation or fertilization).
Common Male Reproductive Disorders
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate gland causing urinary issues.
Testicular Cancer: Cancer of the testes; often treatable with early detection.
Prostate Cancer: Common cancer in older men; diagnosed via PSA testing.
Common Female Reproductive Disorders
Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and cysts in ovaries.
Uterine Fibroids: Benign tumors in the uterus, may cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
Cervical Cancer: Caused by HPV; detected via Pap smear.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic, can cause infertility.
Gonorrhea: Symptoms include pain and discharge; can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Syphilis: Presents in stages, from sores to systemic infection.
HPV: Causes genital warts and can lead to cervical cancer.
HIV/AIDS: Attacks the immune system, leading to life-threatening infections.
Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam
Pap Smear: Screening test for cervical cancer by collecting cells from the cervix.
Pelvic Exam: Physical exam of the reproductive organs to check for abnormalities.
Frequency: Recommended every 3-5 years for women starting at age 21.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
Purpose: Screening for prostate cancer.
High Levels Indicate: Possible prostate enlargement, inflammation, or cancer.
Controversy: Some false positives, leading to unnecessary biopsies.
Nursing Assessment of the Reproductive System
History: Ask about sexual activity, contraception use, menstrual cycles, and any reproductive issues.
Physical Exam: Palpate the testes in males, perform breast and pelvic exams in females.
Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests for hormone levels, imaging (ultrasound, MRI), and STI screening.
