Female reproductive system

The concentration gradient of solutes.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone).

Uterus, vagina, bones, and blood vessels.

Inhibited by dopamine during the non-pregnant/non-breastfeeding state.

A thin base layer and a functional layer.

Where the embryo attaches to the uterine wall.

Androstenedione diffuses to nearby granulosa cells and is converted to testosterone by 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

In millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Progesterone levels decrease, allowing milk synthesis in alveoli.

The vagina extends from the uterus and opens into the vulva.

It is characterized by vaginal dryness and loss of vaginal rugae, leading to dyspareunia.

Mastitis is a bacterial infection that usually presents unilaterally with localized warmth and flu-like symptoms; treatment includes continued breastfeeding, NSAIDs, and antibiotics.

Descent, where the presenting part reaches the pelvic inlet.

Two tubes associated with each ovary, lined with smooth muscle and cilia.

Essential for progression of labor, control of postpartum bleeding, and return of the uterus to its pre-pregnancy state (involution).

Cholesterol desmolase converts cholesterol into pregnenolone.

It seals the endocervical canal.

Transitional milk is produced 7–10 days postpartum; it is thinner than colostrum and has a light yellow color.

Decreased connective tissue strength due to increased adrenal steroid levels.

The contraction of myoepithelial cells surrounding alveoli in the breasts, leading to milk ejection.

Uterosacral ligaments and round ligaments.

The relationship of fetal parts to one another.

Decreased estrogen and progesterone lead to increased bursts of GnRH and elevated FSH and LH levels.

At the level of the umbilicus.

Hips flexed and knees extended, with the bottom presenting.

Stratified squamous epithelium.

Suckling by the infant at the breast.

8–12 hours.

Produced mainly by the ovaries, with some estrogen produced in the adrenal cortex, adipose tissue, and secreted by the placenta during pregnancy.

Primordial follicles → primary follicles → secondary follicles → tertiary (Graafian) follicles.

By decreasing irritability of the myometrium, reducing the risk of spontaneous abortion.

Power, passenger, passage.

Mature milk contains protein, fat, sugars (like lactose and oligosaccharides), vitamins, minerals, immunoglobulins, antibodies (especially secretory IgA), immune cells, and immune-modulating factors.

The initiation of milk secretion from lactating breast tissue.

Perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium.

Rapid degradation by placental oxytocinase and progesterone-induced inhibition of oxytocin receptors.

It promotes bone remodeling and increases bone density.

A vaginal discharge with a pH of 3.5–6.0 that protects against bacterial infections.

300 kcal/day.

Breastfeeding accelerates uterine involution and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes and certain cancers.

Fetal attitude, lie, and presentation.

17-beta-estradiol.

Approximately 280 days (40 weeks).

Intense contractions every 1.5–2 minutes, lasting 60–90 seconds, with cervical dilation of 7–10 cm.

Around age 50.

It stops making hormones after about ten days and becomes fibrotic, turning into the corpus albicans.

Contraindications include certain maternal medications (like chemotherapy), illicit drugs (such as cannabis and heroin), HIV infection, herpes lesions on the breast, and tuberculosis.

It induces oxytocin receptor expression and increases myometrial sensitivity to oxytocin.

It promotes skin elasticity.

Primordial oocyte cells that undergo mitotic division to increase in number.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and decreased bone marrow density, leading to osteoporosis and fractures.

25–35 pounds (11.5–16 kg).

Primary oocytes surrounded by granulosa cells form primary (primordial) follicles.

Antrum (fluid-filled cavity) forms; granulosa cells secrete nourishing fluid for the primary oocyte.

To sweep the zygote towards the uterus.

True labor has regular contractions that increase in frequency, duration, and intensity, producing cervical changes, while false labor has irregular, intermittent contractions with no cervical changes.

It stimulates milk ejection from the alveoli (let-down reflex).

Posterior to the bladder and anterior to the rectum.

Fundus, uterine body, uterine isthmus, and cervix.

Increased size and capacity due to hypertrophy and hyperplasia, increased strength and distensibility, and softening of the uterine isthmus.

Birth weight ≥ 90th percentile for gestational age or > 4500 g.

It leads to spider nevi, angiomas, and palmar erythema.

Lordosis.

It indicates softening of the uterine isthmus, a probable sign of pregnancy.

Increased vascularity leading to a bluish-purple color.

Increases endometrial proliferation and secretion in collaboration with progesterone.

It is the superior, domed area that connects to the sides of the cervix.

Ovarian, broad, and suspensory ligaments.

The shedding of the uterine functional endometrium.

A brief surge of LH on Day 14.

They produce androstenedione, which is converted into estradiol in granulosa cells.

The movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

They are also known as false labor contractions.

Involved in the production and release of milk.

It inhibits the release of GnRH, leading to decreased LH and FSH, which reduces ovarian follicle development and ovulation.

Estradiol (most biologically active), estrone, and estriol.

Mature milk is produced 2 weeks postpartum, has a watery, slight bluish color, and its fat content increases during feeding.

Thickening and shedding.

Perimenopause, which lasts about 4 years before the final menstrual period.

Stimulation of uterine myometrium and alpha-receptors, along with numerous oxytocin receptors on the uterine fundus.

Regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis through feedback loops.

It is composed of smooth muscle that aids in uterine contractions.

Increased uterine contractions lead to fetal head pushing against the cervix, triggering more oxytocin release and further contractions.

A neuroendocrine reflex that triggers milk ejection from the alveoli.

Required for closure of epiphyseal plates, has an anabolic effect on bones, and maintains flexibility of blood vessels.

Increased heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output, with decreased blood pressure.

Breast milk has a higher whey to casein ratio, immunoglobulins, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and beneficial bacteria, aiding absorption and reducing infection risk.

A semi-permeable membrane.

Oxytocin.

3–7 cm.

To calculate the estimated date of delivery (EDD) from the last menstrual period (LMP).

Mild softening of the cervix due to edema and hyperplasia.

The dominant follicle ruptures and releases a secondary oocyte into the fallopian tube.

It forms a mucus plug.

The remains of the follicle turn into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone if fertilization occurs.

It increases alveolar-lobular development and prevents milk production by inhibiting prolactin.

Estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, and hCG.

Hot flashes are caused by hypothalamus-associated thermoregulatory dysfunction leading to vasomotor instability.

Avoid triggers like hot drinks and spicy foods, maintain a cool environment, and wear lighter clothing.

Sore, cracked nipples are often caused by improper latch or positioning.

Gynecoid pelvis, which has a rounded pelvic inlet.

The amount of milk produced depends on the amount removed at feeding (supply meets demand).

The small amounts of thick, yellowish fluid produced during the second half of pregnancy, rich in immune cells and antibodies.

Primary follicle → secondary follicle → tertiary (Graafian) follicle.

In the ampulla region.

The fetal position changes that occur during labor.

Synthesized in the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary.

Amenorrhea, breast fullness, tenderness, nausea/vomiting, urinary frequency, fatigue, fetal movement (16–20 weeks).

Menstrual cycles have stopped for an entire year with no identified pathological cause.

It stimulates contractile activity of the uterine myometrium, reducing postpartum bleeding and promoting uterine involution.

50%.

Breast milk is low in vitamin D, so supplementation is often recommended.

Increased sensitivity to CO2, mild hyperventilation, and decreased airway resistance.

Cephalic presentation, specifically vertex position.

Oxytocin is required for milk to be released from alveoli.

Secreted by the placenta to support the uterus and stimulate development of the myometrium.

Made up of an outer cortex containing ovarian follicles and an inner medulla with blood vessels and nerves.

MHT, including estrogen or estrogen plus progestin, can be helpful in managing menopausal symptoms.

Uterine contractions, cervical changes, and delivery of the baby and placenta.

Cells can gain or lose water, affecting their size and function.

G: number of pregnancies, T: number of term infants born, P: number of preterm infants born, A: number of spontaneous/induced abortions, L: number of currently living children.

Progesterone.

Increased cutaneous blood flow leading to enhanced heat dissipation.

It begins with full cervical dilation.

Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone via cholesterol desmolase.

Oxytocin.

Longitudinal, where the fetal spine lies along the maternal spine.

Maturation of female reproductive organs and development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone and relaxin.

Increased need for glucose and insulin production, leading to hypertrophy and hyperplasia of pancreatic beta cells.

Milder contractions continue to clamp down on placental arteries, reduce bleeding, and gradually decrease the size of the uterus (involution).

It increases alveolar-lobular development and prevents milk production.

Estrogen levels decrease, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity, osteoporosis, and sexual dysfunction.

Maturing follicles and proliferation of uterine mucosa, dominated by estrogen.

The expulsion of the anterior shoulder followed by the posterior shoulder.

Delivery of the placenta, umbilical cord, and fetal membranes.

Cervical changes including softening and expulsion of the mucus plug.

Mesothelial, epithelial, secretory, and intercalary cells.

The oocyte becomes a mature ovum, and progesterone is produced until the placenta forms.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone).

Prolactin (PL).

Decidual tissue for implantation.

Fetal head size, particularly cephalopelvic disproportion.

External os (to vagina) and internal os (into uterine cavity).

It undergoes apoptosis and progesterone levels fall.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Human placental lactogen (hPL) and progesterone.

Separation of abdominal rectus muscles due to an enlarging uterus.

Engorgement is caused by milk accumulation in breast tissue and can be treated by emptying the breasts through increased breastfeeding or pumping, using warm compresses before feeding, and cool compresses afterward.

Superior and lateral to the uterus.

Increased size, weight, nodularity, and vascular prominence.

They begin meiotic division and become primary oocytes.

Mood instability, depression, anxiety, and decline in cognitive function.

The fetal head passes under the symphysis pubis and emerges from the vagina.

The gravid uterus pressing on the inferior vena cava.

The distance from the symphysis pubis to the top of the uterus, used to estimate gestational age.

Yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans and may occur if there is a history of infant oral or diaper candidal infection or maternal vaginal candidal infection.

600 mcg/day.

It develops into a mature follicle with an outer theca layer and produces estrogen.

Physiological adaptation to blood loss and initiation of uterine involution.

Graafian follicles grow, and the follicle with the most FSH receptors becomes the dominant follicle.

The dominant follicle ruptures, releasing the secondary oocyte into the peritoneal cavity, which is then pulled into the fallopian tube.

The corpus luteum degenerates into the corpus albicans.

It secretes inhibin, decreasing FSH, estrogen, and LH, while luteinized theca cells increase progesterone.

To secrete estrogen and progesterone.

The space between the labia minora that includes the vaginal and urethral openings.

Labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, and mons pubis.