This document provides an overview of the female reproductive system, including its structures and their functions, the menstrual cycle and hormones involved, pregnancy and childbirth, common diagnoses and procedures, and key terms. It defines objectives for learning about the female reproductive system and lists parts like the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and external genitalia. Pathways like the egg's path during the ovarian and menstrual cycles are depicted. Hormones, cycles, fertilization, and prevention of fertilization are outlined. Combining forms and common abbreviations are defined. Diagnostic tests, procedures, and pathological conditions are also detailed.

1. 1
Female Reproductive System

2. 2
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

3. 3
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

4. 4
Structure and Function
The Female Reproductive System Functions to:
•Produce female sex cells (ova) in the ovaries or gonads
•Move the ova to the site of fertilization
•Nurture fertilized ova until birth
Uterine tube
Ovary
Uterus
Urinary bladder
Symphysis pubis
Urethra
Clitoris
Labia minora
Labia majora
Vagina
Fimbriae
Cervix
Rectum
Vagina
Anus

5. 5
Path of an Egg
Path of an Egg in
the Ovarian Cycle
•Ovaries release the eggs
cyclically from the graafian
follicle
•The fertilized egg is
transported to the uterus
where it develops into an
embryo
•At the end of gestation the
infant is born through the
vagina or surgically through
the abdomen in a Cesarean
delivery
Ovary
Egg
Uterine tube
Uterus
If not
fertilized
If fertilized
Expulsion
through
menstruation
Implantation

6. 6
The Female Breast
The Female Breast
•Also called mammary
glands. It is an
accessory organ of
the female
reproductive system
•Provides milk to
nurse the infant
(lactation) after birth
•Consists of mammary
glands and ducts
•The dark-pigmented
area surrounding the
nipple is called the
areola
Rib
Adipose
tissue
Mammary
glands
Lactiferous
duct
Mammary
duct

7. 7
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.

8. 8
Uterus
Uterus
•Consists of three parts
-Upper portion fundus
-Middle portion body
-Lower portion cervix
•Consists of three
layers
-Outer layer (perimetrium)
-Middle layer (myometrium)
-Inner layer (endometrium)
•Is about 3 inches long
The ovum, fertilized or
not, will end up in the
uterus.
•If fertilization does not
occur, the ovum will be
released along with the
endometrium during
menstruation.
•If fertilization does
occur, the ovum will
attach to the
endometrium where it will
be nourished for the
duration of gestation
(about 40 weeks).

9. 9
Movement of an Oocyte
Movement of an Oocyte During the Female Cycle
Fertilization
Egg cell
Secondary oocyte
Beginning of
implantation
8-cell
stage
4-cell
stage
2-cell
stage
Ovulation
Egg nucleus
Sperm
nucleus
Sperm
cells

10. 10
External Genitalia
External Genitalia
•Known collectively as
the vulva
•Consists of the:
-mons pubis
-labia majora
-labia minora
-clitoris
-perineum
Bartholin’s glands
secrete a fluid into the
vagina and is located
in the space between
the labia minora
Clitoris
Urethral
orifice
Hymen
Bartholin’s
glands
(duct orifices)
Labia
majora
Labia
minora
Vaginal
orifice
Perineum
Anus

11. 11
Hormones and Cycles
estrogen progesterone
prolactin oxytocin
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing
hormone (LH)
Human
chorionic
gonadotropin
(HCG)
Hormones
and
Cycles

12. 12
Sample 28-Day Cycle
Sample 28-Day Cycle
LH FSH
FSH LH
Developing ovum Ovulation Breaking down of ovum
Days 1 7 14 21 28
Uterine activity
Estrogen
Progesterone
Estrogen
Progesterone
Thickness of
endometrium
Build-up to ovulation Ovulation Post-ovulation period Menstruation
Menstruation

13. 13
Preventing Fertilization
Preventing Fertilization
At the point of
ovulation, fertilization
can be prevented with
contraception.
Forms of Contraception
•Condom
•Intrauterine device (IUD)
•Spermicide
•Diaphragm
•Rhythm method
NOTE:
High doses of estrogen
and progesterone can
prevent ovulation.

14. 14
Fertilization
Fertilization
As a result of sexual intercourse (coitus),
fertilization may occur.
Pregnancy
gravida para
umbilical cord amniotic fluid
chorion
afterbirth

15. 15
Combining Forms &
Abbreviations (amni)
Combining Form Meaning
amni(o)
cervic(o)
colp(o)
episi(o)
galact(o)
gynec(o)
hyster(o)
amnion
cervix
vagina
vulva
milk
female
uterus

16. 16
Combining Forms &
Abbreviations (lact)
Combining Form Meaning
lact(o)
mamm(o)
mast(o)
men(o)
metr(o)
oo
oophor(o)
milk
breast
breast
menstruation
uterus
egg
ovary

17. 17
Combining Forms &
Abbreviations (ov)
Combining Form Meaning
ov(i)
ovari(o)
perine(o)
salping(o)
uter(o)
vagin(o)
vulv(o)
egg
ovary
perineum
fallopian tube
uterus
vagina
vulva

18. 18
Combining Forms &
Abbreviations (AB)
Abbreviation Meaning
AB
AFP
AH
CIS
CS
C-section
CX
abortion
alpha-fetoprotein
abdominal hysterectomy
carcinoma in situ
cesarean section
cesarean section
cervix

19. 19
Combining Forms &
Abbreviations (D&C)
Abbreviation Meaning
D&C
DES
DUB
ECC
EDC
EMB
ERT
dilation and curettage
diethylstilbestrol
dysfunctional uterine
bleeding
endocervical curettage
expected date of
confinement
endometrial biopsy
estrogen replacement
therapy

20. 20
Combining Forms &
Abbreviations (FHT)
Abbreviation Meaning
FHT
FSH
G
gyn
HCG
HRT
HSG
fetal heart tones
follicle-stimulating hormone
gravida (pregnancy)
gynecology
human chorionic
gonadotropin
hormone replacement
therapy
hystersalpingography

21. 21
Combining Forms &
Abbreviations (HSO)
Abbreviation Meaning
HSO
IUD
LH
LMP
multip
OB
OCP
hysterosalpingoophorectomy
intrauterine device
luteinizing hormone
last menstrual period
multiparous
obstetrics
oral contraceptive pill

22. 22
Combining Forms &
Abbreviations (P)
Abbreviation Meaning
P
Pap smear
PID
PMP
PMS
para (live births)
papanicolaou smear
pelvic inflammatory
disease
previous menstrual period
premenstrual syndrome

23. 23
Combining Forms &
Abbreviations (primip)
Abbreviation
primip
TAH-BSO
TSS
UC
Meaning
primiparous
total abdominal hysterectomy
with bilateral salpingo-
oophorectomy
toxic shock syndrome
uterine contractions

24. 24
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.

25. 25
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
-use of a lighted instrument
to examine the interior of the
uterus
Culdoscopy
-use of an endoscope
to examine the
contents of the pelvic
cavity

26. 26
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)

27. 27
Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy Test
•A blood or urine test to
detect human chorionic
gonadotropin (HCG).
•Also can be detected by
palpation of the uterus
during an internal
examination by the
gynecologist or
obstetrician.
Fertility Test
•Hysterosalpingograph
y is an examination of
the uterus and uterine
tubes following the
injection of a contrast
medium.

28. 28
Pathological Terms
The premature end of a pregnancy is called abortion.
Types of abortions
•Habitual abortion
•Spontaneous abortion
•Missed abortion
Pregnancy Complications
•ectopic pregnancy
•abruptio placentae
•placenta previa
•preeclampsia
•Rh incompatibility
•breech presentation

29. 29
Pathological Terms Part 2
Menstrual
Abnormalities
Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea
Menorrhagia Oligomenorrhea
Menometrorrhagia Metrorrhagia
Absence of
menstruation
Painful cramping
Excessive menstrual
bleeding
Scanty menstrual flow
Irregular and excessive
bleeding during or
between periods
Bleeding between periods

30. 30
Pathological Terms Part 3
Inflammatory and Infectious Conditions
Cervicitis Mastitis Salpingitis Vaginitis
Toxic Shock Syndrome Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
•Syphilis
•Gonorrhea
•Herpes II
•Human papilloma virus
•Chlamydia
•HIV/AIDS
•Trichomoniasis

31. 31
Surgical Terms
Surgical Procedures
•Salpingotomy
-incision into one of the
fallopian tubes
•Tubal Ligation
-method of female sterilization
•Cryosurgery
-using cold temperatures to
destroy tissue
•Cauterization
-using hot temperatures to
destroy tissue
Surgical Removal
•Conization
-removal of a cone-shaped
section of the cervix
•Aspiration
-type of biopsy in which fluid
is removed from the breast
•Hysterectomy
-removal of the uterus
•Myomectomy
-removal of fibroid tumors
•Mastectomy
-removal of a breast

32. 32
Pharmacology
Birth Control Agents
•Birth control pills
•Implants
•Abortifacients
Hormonal Agents
•Hormone replacement
therapy (HRT)
•Oxytocin
Note: A tocolytic agent stops labor contractions

33. 33
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

34. 34
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

35. 35
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

36. 36
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