Chapter 15: The Female Reproductive System; Pregnancy and Birth

1. Chapter 15: The Female Reproductive System; Pregnancy and Birth

2. Chapter Objectives • Female reproductive tract and describe the function of each part. • Structure and function of the mammary glands. • Menstrual cycle. • Main disorders of the female reproductive system. • Major events that occur in the first 2 months after fertilization. • Structure and function of the placenta. • The three stages of childbirth. • Hormonal and nervous controls over lactation. • Roots pertaining to the female reproductive system, pregnancy & birth. • Abbreviations used in referring to reproduction.

3. Key TermsFemale Reproductive SystemNormal Structure and Function

4. Key TermsFemale Reproductive SystemNormal Structure and Function (cont’d)

5. Key TermsFemale Reproductive SystemNormal Structure and Function (cont’d)

6. Key TermsFemale Reproductive SystemNormal Structure and Function (cont’d)

7. Key TermsFemale Reproductive System Disorders

8. Key TermsFemale Reproductive System Disorders (cont’d)

9. Key TermsFemale Reproductive SystemDiagnosis and Treatment

10. Key TermsFemale Reproductive SystemDiagnosis and Treatment (cont’d)

11. Supplementary TermsFemale Reproductive SystemNormal Structure and Function

12. Supplementary TermsFemale Reproductive SystemNormal Structure and Function (cont’d)

13. Supplementary TermsFemale Reproductive SystemDisorders

14. Supplementary TermsFemale Reproductive SystemDisorders (cont’d)

15. Supplementary TermsFemale Reproductive SystemDiagnosis and Treatment

16. Supplementary TermsFemale Reproductive SystemDrugs

17. AbbreviationsFemale Reproductive System

18. AbbreviationsFemale Reproductive System (cont’d)

19. AbbreviationsFemale Reproductive System (cont’d)

20. Female Reproductive System • Ovaries are female gonads • Held by ligaments in pelvic cavity • Ova (eggs) develop inside • At ovulation one ovum released from ovary • Follicle remains behind • If no fertilization, functions for two weeks • If fertilization, functions for two months

21. Female Reproductive System

22. Oviducts and Uterus • After ovulation, ovum moves into one oviduct (tube) • Attached to upper lateral portion of uterus • Arches above ovary • Fingerlike projections (fimbriae) sweep released ovum into oviduct • Uterus is pear-shaped organ that nourishes fetus • Upper rounded fundus • Triangular cavity • Lower narrow cervix

23. Oviducts and Uterus (cont’d) • Endometrium • Innermost layer of uterine wall • Rich blood supply • Receives fertilized ovum • Becomes part of placenta if pregnancy occurs • If no fertilization, endometrium is shed during menstrual period • Myometrium • Muscle layer of uterine wall

24. Vagina • Muscular tube • Functions: • Transports menstrual flow from body • Receives penis during intercourse • Acts as birth canal

25. External Genital Organs • Collectively known as vulva • Includes: • Labia majora • Labia minora • Clitoris

26. External Genital Organs (cont’d) • Perineum • Region between thighs from external genital organs to anus • Episiotomy procedure • Facilitates childbirth • Prevents tearing of tissue • Technically perineotomy • Because root episi/o means “vulva”

27. External Genital Organs

28. Mammary Glands • Commonly known as breasts • Composed of: • Glandular tissue • Fat • Function: • Provide nourishment to newborn • Milk: • Secreted by glands • Carried in ducts to nipple

29. Menstrual Cycle • Starts with menarche • Controlled by anterior pituitary gland • FSH begins cycle • Ovum ripens in graafian follicle • Follicle secrets estrogen • Hormone prepares endometrium for egg • LH (luteinizing hormone) • Triggers ovulation and conversion of follicle to corpus luteum

30. Menstrual Cycle (cont’d) • Corpus luteum • Remains in ovary • Secretes progesterone and estrogen • If no fertilization: • Hormone levels decline • Endometrium is released in menstruation • Average cycle 28 days • Ovulation occurs about day 14

31. Menopause • End of monthly menstrual cycles • Usually occurs between 45 and 55 • Hormone levels decline • Egg cells degenerate • Possible symptoms: • Hot flashes • Headaches • Insomnia • Mood swings • Urinary problems • Vaginal dryness

32. Menopause (cont’d) • Used to alleviate symptoms: • Hormone-replacement therapy • Antidepressants • Vitamin E

33. Contraception • Prevention of fertilization of ovum by: • Stopping sperm penetration • Preventing implantation of fertilized egg • Preventing ovulation • Sterilization by: • Vasectomy (Male) • Tubal ligation (Female)

34. Sterilization

35. Clinical Aspects of Female Reproduction • Infections • Genital herpes • Vaginitis • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease • Salpingitis • Fibroids • Cause heavy menstrual bleeding and rectal or bladder pressure

36. Clinical Aspects of Female Reproduction (cont’d) • Endometriosis • Growth of endometrial tissue outside of uterus • Causes: inflammation, fibrosis, adhesions • Results in pain, dysmenorrhea, infertility • Laparoscopy for diagnosis or to remove abnormal tissue

37. Menstrual Disorders • Dysfunctional uterine bleeding • Oligomenorrhea (too light flow) • Menorrhagia (too heavy flow) • Amenorrhea (absence of monthly flow) • Dysmenorrhea (painful, difficult menstruation) • Caused by: • Hormone imbalances • Systemic disorders • Uterine problems

38. Menstrual Disorders (cont’d) • More common in adolescence or near menopause • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) • Describes symptoms appearing in 2nd half of cycle • Symptoms: emotional changes, fatigue, bloating, headaches, appetite changes • Possible symptom relief: hormone therapy, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, exercise, dietary control, rest, relaxation

39. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome • Endocrine disorder • Increased androgen and estrogen secretions • Interferes with normal FSH and LH secretion • Effects: • Anovulation and infertility • Scant or absent menses • Excessive hair growth • Resistance to insulin • Obesity

40. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (cont’d) • Treated with: • Hormones • Drugs • Weight reduction • Partial removal of ovary

41. Cancer of Female Reproductive Tract • Endometrial cancer • Most common female reproductive cancer • Not always detected by Pap smear • Treatment with: • Hysterectomy • Radiation therapy

42. Cancer of Female Reproductive Tract (cont’d) • Cervical cancer • Almost all patients also have been infected with HPV • Preceded by dysplasia of epithelial cells lining cervix • Diagnosis with: • Pap smear • Colposcope exam • Biopsy

43. Cancer of Female Reproductive Tract (cont’d) • Ovarian cancer • No early symptoms • High mortality rate • Treatment • Oophorectomy • Salpingectomy • Hysterectomy • Chemotherapy • Radiation therapy

44. Breast Cancer • Second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in U.S. women • Metastasizes rapidly via lymph nodes • Ultrasound • Diagnosed with mammography • MRI • Biopsy

45. Breast Cancer (cont’d) • Treatment: • Mastectomy (removal of breast) • Radiation therapy • Chemotherapy • Hormone therapy

46. Roots for Female Reproduction and the Ovaries

47. Roots for the Oviducts, Uterus, and Vagina

48. Roots for the Female Accessory Structures

49. Key TermsPregnancy and BirthNormal Structure and Function

50. Key TermsPregnancy and BirthNormal Structure and Function (cont’d)