Download The female reproductive system enables a woman to

Health Science 1
The female reproductive system enables a woman to:
 produce eggs (ova) the women’s sex cells
 protect and nourish the fertilized egg until it is fully developed
 Reproduce and give birth
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Vulva: The external part of the female reproductive organs
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The labia (lips) are two pairs of skin flaps surround the vaginal opening.
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The labia minora
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The labia majora are two outer flaps of tissue that sorround the labia minora and the
opening of the vagina.
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Clitoris: an organ of sensitive erectile tissue located anterior to the urinary meatus.
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urethra (the canal that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) is located
between the labia as well as the opening to the vagina.
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Perineum: region between the vaginal opening and the anus
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Bartholin glands:2 small glands on either side of vaginal orifice
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Vagina: a fibro muscular tube that connects from the cervix to the outside of the vulva.
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Cervix:the lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
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Uterus: a hollow, pear shaped organ with a muscular wall and a lining.
 3 layers; endometrium, myometrium and uterine serosa
 Upper portion:fundus
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Fallopian Tubes: funnel shaped passages to the ovaries about 10 cm long. Fimbriae:
finger like structures at the end near the ovaries
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Ovaries: main reproductive organs of women
about the shape/size of an almond.
produce hormones; estrogens and progesterone
contains graafian follicles, which contain an ovum. Ovum released during ovulation
Corpus luteum (yellow body)
Breasts
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Accessory organ of reproduction
Mammary glands
Glandular tissue (contain milk glands)
Fibrous and fatty tissue
Lactiferous ducts (milk ducts)
Mammary papilla (nipple)
Areola- dark pigmented area
Menstrual Cycle
Lasts approximately 28 days
A complex process of hormone secretion and tissue changes in the uterus
A mature ovum is released from an ovary on about the 14th day of each cycle
If the released ovum is not fertilized, the endometrium is released from the body along with the
ovum
The sloughing of this bloody tissue, or menses, lasts from 3 to 7 days
Menarche 9 to 16 years old
The menstrual cycle continues until 45 to 50 years of age
Disorders of the Reproductive System
Cancer of the female reproductive system
 Breast, endometrial, cervical, ovarian
Cervicitis: bacterial infection
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Chlamydia
 Caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, is the most common sexually transmitted
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Endometriosis
 Growth of endometrial tissue in an area other than the uterus
Disorders
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Fibroid tumors
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Benign growths found in the uterus (leiomyomas)
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Ovarian Cysts: collection of fliud in a sac in the ovary
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PID: inflammation in pelvic region
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Fibrocystic disease: nodular consistency of the breast
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Genital warts
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Caused by one type of human papillomavirus
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Gonorrhea
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Bacterial infection and one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases
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Herpes simplex virus
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One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases
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Disorders
Syphilis
 Caused by a spirochete bacteria, Treponema pallidum
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Trichomonas vaginalis
 A parasitic protozoon
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Vaginitis
 A nonspecific infection
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Yeast infection
 An overgrowth of yeast in the vagina
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Clinical tests
Pap smear: microscopic analysis of cervical cells
Pregnancy Tests: Detect HCG in blood
Hysterosalpingography: xray image of the uterus and fallopian tubes using contrast
Mammography: xray image of the breast
Ultrasound: sound waves produce an image
Aspiration: withdraw fluid from a cavity
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Procedures
Cauterization: burning
Colposcopy:view vagina and cervix
Conization: remove cone shaped section of cervix
Cryosurgery: freezing tissue
Culdocentesis: remove fluid from cul de sac
D&C: scrape endometrium
Exenteration: remove internal organs
Laparoscopy: view abdominal cavity
Tubal ligation: sterilization procedure