REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: OVERVIEW
OVARIES
- forms and expel ova (eggs)
-secretes estrogen and progesterone
ESTROGEN- responsible for the development of secondary female characteristics
PROGESTERONE- sexual desires and maintains pregnancy
FALLOPIAN TUBES
-muscular tubes lying near the ovaries and connected to the uterus; propels the ova from the ovaries to
the uterus
-SITE FOR FERTILIZATION
CERVIX/CERVICAL CANAL
-located between the internal OS and external OS
INTERNAL OS- opens onto the uterine cavity
EXTERNAL OS- opens into the vagina
VAGINA
-”birth canal”
-passageway for menstrual blood flow, for penis for intercourse, and for the fetus
-muscular tube from the cervix to the opening in the perineum
PENIS
-structures include body/shaft, glans penis, and urethra
FUNCTIONS: pathway for urination and organ used for intercourse
SCROTUM
-structures include TESTES (testicles/gonads), epididymis, and vas deferens
-normal temperature is slightly cooler than body temperature
PROSTATE GLAND
-secretes milky alkaline fluid
-(PROSTATIC FLUID- protects and nourishes the sperm)
-enhances sperm movement and neutralizes vaginal secretion
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
FOLLICULAR PHASE
-follicles in the ovary mature
LUTEAL PHASE
-begins with ovulation
-body temperature increases by 1 degrees Fahrenheit
-CORPUS LUTEUM secretes ESTROGEN and PROGESTERONE
-MATURATION OF THE EGG-prepares the uterus for pregnancy
MENSTRUAL PHASE
-4 to 6 “days of bleeding”
-decreases levels of ESTROGEN and PROGESTERONE
-thickened endometrial breaks down
PROLIFERATIVE PHASE
-section of LH (Leutinizing hormone)
Stimulates ovulation and the development of the CORPUS LUTEUM
-ESTROGEN is high
Stimulates the proliferation and growth of the endometrium
SECRETORY PHASE
-Increase of LH
Triggers ovulation
-Progesterone prepares the endometrium for pregnancy if a fertilized ovum is being implanted
FERTILIZATION AND IMPLANTATION
-Fertilization occurs in the AMPULLA
Intermediate dilated portion that curves over the ovary
-When fertilized, the membrane of the ovum undergoes changes that prevent the entry of the sperm
-Sperm carry an X or Y chromosome
XY for male and XX for female
FETAL DEVELOPMENT
SALIENT MILESTONES:
PREEMBRYONIC PERIOD – first 2 weeks of conception
EMBRYONIC PERIOD – day 15 to 18th week
FETAL PERIOD – week 9 to birth
Week 2 to 3 heart begins to beat
WEEK 8 – umbilical cord is well established
Served as the circulatory system
-every organ system is present
WEEK 12- kidneys begin to form urine
-spontaneous movements occur
-heartbeat is detected by doppler
-sex of fetus is visually recognizable
WEEK 24- fetus has ability now to hear
AMNIOTIC FLUID
-800 to1200 ml- end of pregnancy
-surrounds, cushion, and protects the fetus and allows fetal movement
-maintains body temperature of the fetus
-contains fetal urine ( ...for fetal kidney function)
PLACENTA
-provides exchange of nutrients and waste products between the mother and fetus
-begin to form at implantation (completes by week 12)
-large particles can’t pass through the placenta but NUTRIENTS, MEDICATION, ALCOHOL, ANTIBODY, and
VIRUSES can pass thru
FETAL CIRCULATION
UMBILICAL CORD (AVA: 2 arteries, 1 vein)
ARTERIES-carries DEOXYGENATED BLOOD and waste products from fetus
VEINS-carries OXYGENATED BLOOD and provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
FETAL HEART RATE (FHR)
FIRST TRIMESTER: 160-170 beats per minute
NEAR OR AT TERM: 110-160 bears per minute
FHR is about twice the maternal Heart Rate
FETAL CIRCULATION BYPASS
-present because of a still non - functioning lungs
DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS – connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta (bypassing the lungs)
DUCTOS VENOSUS – connects the umbilical vein and inferior vena cava (bypassing the liver)
FORAMEN OVALE – opening between the right and left atria of the heart (bypassing the lungs)
FAMILY PLANNING
-includes choosing when to have children (includes contraception, presentation of pregnancy and
methods to achieve pregnancy)
FACTORS WHEN CHOOSING A METHOD OF BIRTH CONTROL:
Effectiveness
Safety
Personal preference
-women’s preference is the most important (still to consider people’s cultural and religious practices
FOR WOMEN WHO ARE FREQUENTLY ENGAGED IN COITUS:
-oral contraception and long term method such as implants of IUD may be considered
INFERTILITY
-involuntary ability to conceive when desired
FACTORS INCLUDE (men):
-abnormalities of the sperm, abnormalities in erections and ejaculation or abnormalities of the
seminal fluid
FACTORS INCLUDE (women):
-disorders of ovulation or abnormalities of the fallopian tubes or cervix
NOTE: THE NURSE SHOULD PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE COUPLE IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS