Female Anatomy

Ovary Female

Reproductive organ that produces eggs and the hormone estrogen and progesterone.

Fallopian Tube Transport an

egg from the ovary to the uterus.

Site of fertilization

Uterus Provides a

place to support a developing human.

It is a muscular cavity.

Myometrium The myometrium

(muscular layer), contracts during labor to allow for the crowning of the fetus.

After delivery the myometrium contracts to expel the placenta and reduce blood loss.

Endometrium Lining for the uterus

that sheds during menstruation.

During the menstrual cycle the endometrium grows to a thick, blood vessel-rich, glandular tissue layer.

This represents an optimal environment for the implantation.

Perimetrium The outer most

layer of the uterus wall lining.

Cervix During menstruation

the cervix stretches open slightly to allow the endometrium to be shed.

This stretching is believed to be part of the cramping pain that many women experience.

During childbirth, contractions of the uterus will dilate the cervix up to 10 cm in diameter to allow the child to pass through.

Vagina Female

reproductive organ that connects the outside of the body to the uterus

Allows menstrual flow to exit the body

Receives sperm during reproduction, site of sexual intercourse

Labia Protection is

the main function.

During sexual arousal, the labia minora become engorged with blood, typically swelling slightly and darkening or reddening in color.

Hymen A mucus

membrane that normally partially covers the entrance to the vagina

Ovulation Release of an

egg from a follicle in the ovary.

Approximately ½ way through the cycle

Example: If a girl’s cycle is 30 days long, what day(s) will she ovulate???

Menstruation Occurs in most females from puberty to

menopause.

Monthly series of hormone controlled changes that prepare the uterine lining for a pregnancy.

The breakdown and discharge of the uterine lining out of the vagina then occurs.

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Menopause

The permanent cessation of ovarian function occurring some time before the end of the natural lifespan.

The most typical age range for menopause (last period) is between the ages of 40 and 60 and the average age for last period is 51 years.

Yeast Infection Estimated that

between 20%-50% of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.

Occur when new yeast is introduced into the vaginal area, or when there is an increase in the quantity of yeast already present in the vagina relative to the quantity of normal bacteria.

Endometriosis Endometrial-like

cells appear and flourish in areas outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries.

Endometriosis is typically seen during the reproductive years.

Estimated that it occurs in roughly 5% to 10% of women

Breast Cancer The first noticeable symptom of breast cancer is

typically a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue.

More than 80% of breast cancer cases are discovered when the woman feels a lump.

By the time a breast lump is noticeable, it has probably been growing for years.

The earliest breast cancers are detected by a mammogram.

Lumps found in lymph nodes located in the armpits can also indicate breast cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Most women with ovarian

cancer report one or more symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort, an abdominal mass, bloating, back pain and a range of other non-specific symptoms.

The “Silent Killer” Ovarian TUMORS are solid

masses and can be cancerous

Ovarian CYSTS are fluid-filled and not cancerous

Cervical Cancer Pap smear screening

can identify potentially precancerous changes.

Treatment of high grade changes can prevent the development of cancer.

Some strains of genital warts cause cervical cancer.