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Nursing Notes

Introduction and Functions

The terms the subject rests on, how the female and male reproductive systems compare, and the six functions of the female reproductive system with the organ responsible for each.

Topic 1 of 3 · 2 min · 4 sections

1 Terms

Obstetrics
The branch of medical science that deals with pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, including newborn care.
Gynaecology
The study of the health of the female reproductive system and its related disorders.
Midwifery
A health science, and the health professionals practising it, dealing with pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and the sexual and reproductive health of women throughout their lives.
Andrology
The study of the health of the male reproductive system and its related disorders.
Father of modern gynaecology
J. Marion Sims (J.M.S.).
Gerontology
The study of old age.

2 Gynaecology and Andrology Compared

Gynaecology and andrology compared

Gynaecology
Andrology
Female reproductive system
Male reproductive system
Ova / ovum — the gamete, 23 chromosomes, haploid
Sperm — the gamete, 23 chromosomes, haploid
Ovary — the gonad (sex gland)
Testes — the gonad (sex gland)
Oogenesis — production of the ovum
Spermatogenesis — formation of sperm
Ovum formation time: 6–8 days
Spermatogenesis: 61 days (Dutta; other texts give 64–74)
Ovum — largest cell of the human body
Sperm — smallest cell of the human body
Platelet — smallest blood cell
Neuron — longest cell
Lifespan of ovum: 12–24 hours
Lifespan of sperm: 48–72 hours
Female hormone: oestrogen
Male hormone: testosterone

3 Functions of the Female Reproductive System

The reproductive organs in the female are those concerned with copulation, fertilisation, growth and development of the fetus, and its subsequent exit to the outer world.

Primary sex organs
Ovary and testes.
  1. Ovulation — release of the ovum from the ovary.
  2. Copulation (the coital act) — vagina.
  3. Fertilisation — fusion of ovum and sperm, in the fallopian tube (ampulla).
  4. Implantation — the organ of implantation is the uterus; on the anterior or posterior wall of the body of the uterus.
  5. Growth and development of the fetus — uterus.
  6. Expulsion of the fetus — vagina, the birth canal.

4 External and Internal Organs

The female reproductive system divides into the external genital organs and the internal genital organs.

External genital organs

  1. Mons pubis / mons veneris
  2. Labia majora
  3. Labia minora
  4. Vestibule
  5. Clitoris
  6. Perineum

Internal genital organs

  1. Vagina
  2. Uterus
  3. Fallopian tube
  4. Ovary