This page now has Digestive System Med Term & Reproductive System Outline
Alimentary Tract-- tract through which food passes
Digestion -- Process by which food is broken up physically & more or less dissolved (digest) & changed into a substance suitable for absorption & use by the body.
Entero --root word meaning intestine
Gastro-- root word meaning stomach
Gastrointestinal System-- system that includes the stomach & intestines
Nutrient -- chemical substance that provides nourishment & affects the nutritive & metabolic process of the body.
Nutrients-- are essential for growth, reproduction, & maintenance of health.
NUTRIENTS
Carbohydrate---: any of a group of organic compounds made up carbon & water.
Fat---: Nutrient composed of glycerol & fatty acids occurring in various consistencies ranging from liquid to solid. The term fat means “load,” indicating that a gram of fat is “loaded” with more than twice as many calories as other nutrients.
Triglyceride--- fat by-product consisting of three types of fatty acids, saturated fat, monosaturated fat, & polyunsaturated fat. Examples include fat from animals, which is primarily saturated fat, & fat from vegetables, nuts, or seeds, which is mainly monosaturated & polyunsaturated fat.
Cholesterol---: Fat-soluble type of steroid substance found in animal products such as butter and egg yolks.
Fatty Acid---: any of several organic acids produced by the breakdown of fat.
Lipid---: any of the free fatty acid fractions in the blood.
Lipoprotein---: Substance in which fat has attached itself to a protein so that it can circulate throughout the body. Examples of lipoproteins are (chylomicrons) which originate in the intestine & digested fat in blood stream. The remaining types of lipoproteins are named for their density, such as
(HDL) high-density lipoproteins. The low-density lipoproteins
are referred to as “bad” because high amounts are associated
with diseases such as heart disease.
Essential Mineral---: any inorganic substance that plays a part in
the regulation of body functions; examples include iron,
magnesium, potassium; a deficiency of any of the minerals
can cause illness, such as iron deficiency anemia.
Vitamin: any organic substance vital to health & living.
Examples include vitamin A, C, & E. Because vitamins are
essential for health, a deficiency in any one results in some form
of disease.
Terms related to Salivary Glands
Parotid---: Salivary glands situated around the front of each ear
Saliva---: colorless, watery fluid secreted into the mouth by the
salivary glands & containing digestive juices..
Sublingual---Salivary gland located under the tongue.
Submandibular---: Salivary gland located under the lower jawbone.
Terms Related To The Mouth
Bucca--: inside of the cheek that makes up the wall of the mouth.
Os, Ora--: opening into the mouth
Stoma--: (mouth) This is also the general term for a mouthlike
opening.
Tongue---: Highly moveable muscular structure that functions to mix
saliva with food & aids in chewing & swallowing. Numerous
taste buds are located on its surface.
Tonsil--: Prominent oval mass of tissue on each side of the back of the
mouth at the fauces.
Uvula--: small grapelike structure hanging from the back edge of the
soft palate.
Terms Related To Sets Of Teeth
Deciduous teeth--: also referred to as “milk teeth” & “baby teeth” The
teeth that normally fall out & are replaced by permanent teeth.
Edentulous--: Condition in which there is a lack of teeth : commonly
referred to as toothless.
Permanent teeth--: any of the 32 adult teeth that replaces the 20
deciduous teeth
Wisdom teeth : common term for the third molars, the last teeth of
the upper & lower jaw. They are referred to as wisdom teeth
because of the assumption that a person gains wisdom
around the same time as these teeth appear, about 17 to 21
years of age.
Cementum --tissue on the outer surface of the root of the tooth that
holds the tooth firmly in place.
Dentin--: hard section of the tooth
Enamel--: hard, glossy covering of the crown of the tooth.
Gingiv--: root word meaning “gums”.
Periodontal Membrane--: fibrous connective tissue around the tooth.
Pulp Cavity--: central hollow portion of the tooth that contains pulp, the
inner substance of the tooth.
Root--: portion of the tooth embedded in the alveolus.
Frenulum---: small band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the
floor of the mouth. It is also referred to as the lingual frenum.
Papillae--: small nipple-shaped projections on the surface of the
tongue; commonly referred to as the taste buds because they
pick up taste & are shaped like small buds.
Cardiac sphincter---: circular band of muscle fibers that keeps the
entrance to the stomach, which is near the heart closed tightly.
Fundus -- upper portion of the stomach toward the left.
Body--: middle portion of the stomach
Rugae---: wrinkles or folds of the stomach wall that permit the
stomach to expand.
Antrum--: chamber of the stomach that is the entranceway to the
duodenum.
Pyloris--: opening between the stomach & the intestine. The
action of the pyloris controls the emptying of the stomach.
Pyloric sphincter-- circular band of muscle that keeps the exit from the
stomach closed tightly.
I. Duodenum: first portion of the small intestine, which is 12
finger-breadths long the name means 12.
Jejunum--: middle section of the small intestine, so named because it
has been found to be empty at death.
Ileum--: last section of the small intestine, so named because it is the
most twisted part of the intestines.
Ileocecal Valve--: structure controlling the flow of intestinal contents
from the ileum to the cecum; the ileum is the end of the small
intestine & the cecum the beginning of the large intestine.
Appendix--: wormlike organ hanging down from the end of the
cecum. It is commonly referred to as the appendix although
its full name is the Vermiform appendix
Cecum--: beginning part of the large intestine, which has a blind
pouch (appendix).
Colon--: large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum.
III. Ascending Colon--: section of large intestine that moves upward.
Transverse Colon--: section of the large intestine that goes across the
abdomen.
Descending Colon--: section of the large intestine that moves
downward.
Sigmoid Colon--: part of the large intestine that is shaped like the
Greek letter sigma
IV. Rectum--: part of the large intestine that is straight.
Anus--: ringlike opening at the end of the Alimentary Tract through
which solid wastes of digestion are excreted. This opening
has a sphincter that allows a person to hold the anus tightly
closed.
Mesentery--: membrane attached to the intestines that holds
them more or less in the middle of the abdominal cavity.
Peritoneum--: membrane lining the abdominal cavity enclosing
the abdominal organs. It stretches around the abdominal
contents.
Omentum--: fold of peritoneum hanging like an apron from the
stomach to adjacent organs in the abdominal cavity.
Celiac--: abdominal cavity
.
Omphal-- : belly button
Umbilicus--:belly button located in the middle of the abdomen where the umbilicus
exits the body of the fetus & connects to the mother. Hepatic Duct: tube
that leads from the liver. Cystic Duct: tube that
leads from the gallbladder. Common Bile Duct: duct
formed by the joining of the hepatic & cystic ducts that continues too join
the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic Duct: tube that carries the
digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the duodenum.
Mastication: act of chewing
Deglutition: act of swallowing or passing food down the throat.
Peristalsis: progressive waves of contractions around the walls of the
digestive organs that move contents through the digestive tract.
Absorption: action in which the end products of digestion are taken away
or sucked up from the digestive system into the lymphatic system.
Defecation: act of removing waste matter of the intestines from the body.
Flatus: release or blowing of accumulated air from the intestines.
Reproduction in humans is sexual, new human offspring requires contribution of two parent cells-
the female ovum & male sperm.
I. Common Structural & Functional Characteristics between the Sexes
there is a common general structure & function between the Reproductive systems of the
male & female. In both men & women the organs of the repro-system are
adapted for the specific sequence of functions that permit development of sperm
or ova followed by successful fertilization & then the normal development & birth
of a baby
The male & female repro-systems are similar in that both have Essential & Accessory
Organs
GAMETES: The sex cells in humans
Male Gametes ; sperm Female Gametes; ova
Zygote; The ova & sperm fuse during fertilization to produce a cell called a zygote
When the sperm & ovum unite it becomes a zygote it is a zygote until it attaches to the
uterine wall
Upon implanting in the uterine wall the zygote becomes an embryo it is a embryo until the
end of the 7th week
from the start of the 8th week until its delivered it is a fetus
GESTATION: period of time during which the development of a child is progressing
( in the UTERUS)
II. Essential Organs Or MAIN ORGAN
The Essential organs of reproduction in the male are the GONADS
Gonads are a pair of main sex glands called TESTES
TESTES; produce SPERMATOZOA ( THE MALE SEX CELLS)
consist of the following structures.
1. A series of passageways or ducts that carry the sperm from the testes to the exterior.
2. Additional sex glands that provide secretions that protect & nurture sperm.
3. The external reproductive organs called the external genitals.
GONADS: testes (right & left Testes)
Table of ACCESSORY ORGANS
Ducts SUPPORTIVE SEX GLANDS EXTERNAL GENITALS
2 Epididymis 2 seminal vesicles scrotum
2 vas deferens 2 bulbourethral or penis
2 ejaculatory duct COWPER’S GLAND
urethra prostrate gland
The glands provide secretions that nurture & provide motility. In both the male & female
reproductive system.
TESTES ( Structure & Location)
Testes are the gonads of men, located in the pouchlike scrotum which is suspended outside the
body cavity behind the penis. There are two of them they hang in a double pouch sac with a
septum in between.
This exposed location provides an environment about 1 C (3 F) cooler than the normal body
temperature. Which is an important requirement for the normal production & survival of sperm.
Each TESTIS is a small oval gland about 3.8 cm ( 1 1/2 inches) long, & 2.5 cm ( 1 inch) wide.
The testis is shaped like an egg that has been flattened slightly from side to side.
Tough whitish membrane that surrounds each testis, it covers the testicle & then enters the gland
to form the many septa that divide it into sections or LOBULES
INTERSTITIAL CELLS small, specialized cells lying near the septa that separate the lobules
they are the interstitial cells of the testes that secrete the MALE SEX HORMONE
TESTOSTERONE
Seminiferous Tubule each is a long duct with a central lumen or passageway
SPERM develops in the walls of the tubules & are then released into the lumen & begin their
journey to the exterior of the body.
TESTIS FUNCTION
SPERMATOGENESIS SPERM PRODUCTION
From Puberty on the seminiferous tubules continuously form spermatozoa or sperm
The number of sperm produced each day diminish with increasing age, most men continue to
produce significant number of sperm throughout life.
The testes prepare for sperm production before puberty by increasing the numbers of SPERM
PRECURSOR ( STEM) cells called SPERMATOGONIA
SPERMATOGONIA cells located near the outer edge of each seminiferous tubule. Before puberty
SPERMATOGONIA increase in number by the process of MITOTIC CELL DIVISION
MITOTIC CELL DIVISION Recall that MITOSIS results in the division of a PARENT CELL into 2
DAUGHTER CELLS each identical to the parent cell & each containing a complete copy of the
genetic material represented in the normal number of 46 chromosomes.
FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH)
when a boy enters puberty circulating levels of FSH cause a SPERMATOGONIUM undergo a
unique type of cell division. When the SPERMATOGONIUM cell division & Mitosis under the
influence of FSH it produces 2 daughter cells. One of these cells remains as a
SPERMATOGONIUM and the other forms another more specialized cell called a PRIMARY
SPERMATOCYTE
PRIMARY SPERMATOCYTES then undergo a specialized type of division called MEIOSIS which
ultimately results in sperm formation.
DIAGRAM OF MEIOTIC EVENTS & CELL TYPES LEADING TO SPERM FORMATION
SPERMATOGONIUM ONE CELL UNDER GOES MITOTIC DIVISION
RESULTS IN TWO DAUGHTER CELLS ( ONE Cell remains SPERMATOGONIUM)
(ONE Cell = PRIMARY SPERMATOCYTE)
PRIMARY SPERMATOCYTE UNDERGOES MEIOSIS1 = 2 Secondary Spermatocyte
2 Secondary Spermatocyte undergoes MEIOSIS ( DNA not replicated before division)
Results in4SPERMATIDS which develop into Spermatozoa
SPERMATIDS have only half the genetic material & half the chromosomes (23) of other cell
bodies
This Genetic information can fuse with the genetic material contained in the mother’s ovum only if
successful fertilization occurs.
Ejaculation of sperm into the female vagina during sexual intercourse is only one step in a long
journey that these sex cells must make before they can meet and fertilize an ovum.
STRUCTURE OF A MATURE SPERM
Sperm head= contains the nucleus with its genetic material from the father
ACROSOME= covers the nucleus: a specialized structure containing enzymes that enable the
sperm to break down the covering of the ovum and permit entry if contact occurs.
MIDPIECE= contains MITOCHONDRIA that breaks down (ATP) to provide energy for the tail
movements required to propel the sperm
FLAGELLA = tail of sperm allows movement of sperm
PRODUCTION OF TESTOSTERONE The Other FUNCTION OF THE TESTES
1. It MASCULINIZES. The various characteristics that we think of as male develop because of
testosterones influence ( Example- Young boy’s voice change)
2. It promotes & maintains the development of the male accessory organs ( prostate gland,
seminal vesicles, and so on )
3. It has a stimulating effect on protein anabolism . Testosterone thus is responsible for the
greater muscular development & strength of the male.
TESTOSTERONE is thought of as the “MASCULIZING HORMONE” or the “ANABOLIC
HORMONE”
REPRODUCTIVE DUCTS
The ducts through which sperm must pass after exiting from the testes until they reach
the exterior of the body.
Sperm are formed within the walls of the seminiferous tubules of the testes. When they
exit from these tubules within the testes they enter and pass in sequence,
through the EPIDIDYMIS, DUCTUS (VAS) DEFERENS, EJACULATORY DUCT,
and the URETHRA on their journey out of the body.
EPIDIDYMIS (2)
Each epididymis consists of a single & very tightly coiled tube about 6 m (20 feet) in
length. It is a comma shaped structure that lies along the top & behind the testes
inside the scrotum. Sperm mature & develop their ability to move or swim as they
pass through the EPIDIDYMIS.
DUCTUS ( VAS) DEFERENS (2)
is the tube that permits sperm to exit from the epididymis and pass through the scrotal
sac upward into the abdominal cavity . Each DUCTUS DEFERENS is a thick
smooth very muscular and movable tube that can be easily felt or palpated
through the thin skin of the scrotal wall . It passes through the inguinal canal into
the abdominal cavity as part of the SPERMATIC CORD
SPERMATIC CORD a connective tissue sheath that also encloses blood vessels &
nerves
EJACULATORY DUCT & URETHRA
once in the abdominal cavity the ductus deferens extends over the top & down the
posterior surface of the bladder where it joins the duct from the seminal vesicle
to form the ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory duct passes through the substance
of the prostate gland and permits sperm to empty into the urethra which
eventually passes through the penis and opens to the exterior at the external
urethral orifice.
ACCESSORY GLANDS OR SUPPORTIVE SEX GLANDS
SEMEN or SEMINAL FLUID mixture of sex cells or sperm produced by the testes and
the secretions of the accessory or supportive sex glands.
The accessory glands contribute over 95% of the secretions to the gelatinous fluid part of
the semen including the 2 seminal vesicles, one prostate gland, and 2
bulbourethral ( COWPER’s) glands.
In addition to the production of sperm, the seminiferous tubules of the testes contribute
somewhat less than 5% of the seminal fluid volume Usually 3 to 5 mL ( about 1 t)
of semen is ejaculated at one time and each millimeter normally contains about
one million sperm.
Semen is ALKALINE and protects sperm from the acidic enviroment of the female
repro-tract.
SEMINAL VESICLES (2)
are pouchlike glands that contribute about 60% of the seminal fluid volume. Their
secretions are yellowish, thick, & rich in sugar fructose. This fraction of the
seminal fluid helps provide a source of energy for the highly motile sperm.
PROSTATE GLAND (1)
lies just below the bladder and is shaped like a doughnut. The urethra passes through the
center of the prostate before traversing the penis to the end at the external
urinary orifice.
The prostate secretes a thin, milk-colored fluid that constitutes about 30% of the total
seminal fluid volume. This fraction helps to activate the sperm & maintain their
motility.
BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS ALSO CALLED ( COWPER’S GLANDS) 2
Resemble peas in size & shape. Located just below the prostate gland & empty their
secretions into the penile portion of the urethra. The mucus-like secretions of
these glands lubricate the terminal portion of the urethra & contribute less than
5% of the seminal fluid volume.
Breakdown of Seminal Fluid
seminal vesicles 60%
prostate gland 30%
bulbourethral glands ( cowper’s glands) less than 5%
seminiferous tubules less than 5%
EXTERNAL GENITALS
The penis & scrotum make up the external reproductive organs or GENITALIA
PENIS the organ that when made stiff & erect by the filling of its spongy or erectile tissue
components with blood during sexual arousal, can enter & deposit sperm in the
vagina during intercourse.
the penis has 3 seperate columns of erectile tissue in its shaft
1. CORPUS SPONGIOSUM surrounds the urethra
2. CORPORA CAVERNOSA which lies on top of the corpus spongiosum to the outside
3. GLANS at the distal end of the shaft over which the skin is folded doubly to form a
loose-fitting retractable casing called the FORESKIN or PREPUCE
If the foreskin fits too tightly about the glans a CIRCUMCISION or surgical removal of the
foreskin is usually performed to prevent irritation.
The external urethral orifice is the opening of the urethra at the tip of the glans.
SCROTUM skin covered pouch suspended from the groin. It is divided into 2 sacs by a
septum; each sac contains a testis, epididymis, the lower part of the ductus
deferens and the beginning of the spermatic cords.
STRUCTURAL PLAN composed of essential & accessory organs
ESSENTIAL ORGANS are GONADS
GONADS are the 2 Ovaries
OVARIES produce OVA
OVA are the female sex cells
ACCESSORY ORGANS
1. A series of ducts or modified duct structures that extend from near the ovaries to the
exterior
2. Additional sex glands, including the mammary glands, which have an important
reproductive function only in women.
3. The external reproductive organs or external genitals
TABLE OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
ESSENTIAL ORGANS
GONADS; right & left OVARIES
ACCESSORY ORGANS
DUCTS SEX GLANDS EXTERNAL GENITALS
2 uterine tubes 2 Bartholin’s glands VULVA
uterus 2breasts
Vagina
OVARIES
STRUCTURE & LOCATION
Are the gonads of the female, they have a puckered, uneven surface, each weighs about
3 grams. They resemble large almonds in size & shape and are attached by
ligaments in the pelvic cavity on each side of the uterus.
OVARIAN FOLLICLES: are embedded in a connective tissue matrix just below the outer
layer of each ovary in a newborn baby girl are about 1 million ovarian follicles
each Ovarian Follicle contains an OOCYTE
OOCYTE an immature stage of the female sex cell
By the time a girl reaches puberty further development has resulted in the formation of a
reduced number of ovarian follicles
About 400,000 of what are now called PRIMARY FOLLICLES
PRIMARY FOLLICLES each follicle has a layer of GRANULOSA CELLS around the
oocyte
During the reproductive lifetime of most women only about 350 to 500 of the primary
follicles fully develop into MATURE FOLLICLES
MATURE FOLLICLES ovulate & release an ovum for potential fertilization
Follicles that do not mature degenerate and are reabsorbed into the ovarian tissue.
GRAAFIAN FOLLICLE a mature ovum in its sac
PROGRESSION OF DEVELOPMENT from Primary Follicle to OVULATION
As the thickness of the granulosa cell layer around the oocyte increases a hollw chamber
called an ANTRUM appears & a secondary follicle is formed.
Development continues & after ovulation the ruptured follicle is transformed into a
hormone secreting glandular structure called the CORPUS LUTEUM (YELLOW
BODY)
OVARY FUNCTIONS
OOGENSIS the production of female gametes ( sex cells) -- This specialized type of cell
division is responsible for development of OVA
During the developmental phases experienced by the female sex cell from its earliest
stage to just after fertilization, 2 meiotic divisions occur.
As a result of meiosis in the female sex cell, the number of chromosomes is reduced
equally in each daughter cell to half the number (23) found in other body cells (46)
However the amount of CYTOPLASM is divided unequally The result is formation of one
large OVUM & small daughter cells called POLAR BODIES that DEGENERATE
The ovum with its large supply of CYTOPLASM is one of the body’s largest cells & is
uniquely designed to provide nutrients for rapid development of the embryo until
implantation in the uterus occurs
At fertilization the sex cells from both parents fuse & the normal chromosome number
(46) is achieved.
PRODUCTION of ESTROGEN & PROESTROGEN
The second major function of the ovary is secretion of the sex hormones
Hormone production in the ovary begins at puberty with the cyclic development &
maturation of the ovum. The granulosa cells around the oocyte in the growing and
mature follicle secrete estrogen
The corpus luteum which develops after ovulation cheifly secretes proestrogen but also
some estrogen
ESTROGEN the sex hormone that causes development and maintenance of the female
secondary sex characteristics & stimulates growth of the epithelial cells lining the
uterus.
ACTIONS OF UTERUS
1. Development & maturation of female reproductive organs, including the external
genitals
2. Appearance of pubic hair & breast development
3. Development of female body contours by deposition of fat below skin surface & in the
breasts & hip region.
4. Initiation of the first menstrual cycle
PROGESTERONE is produced by corpus luteum which is a glandular structure that
develops from a follicle that has just released an ovum
If stimulated by the appropriate anterior pituitary hormone the corpus luteum produces
progesterone for about 11 days after ovulation
PROGESTERONE stimulates proliferation & vascularization of the epithelial lining of the
uterus & acts with estrogen to initiate the menstral cycle in girls entering puberty.
REPRODUCTIVE DUCTS
2 UTERINE TUBES also called (FALLOPIAN TUBES or OVIDUCTS) serve as ducts for
the ovaries even though they are not attached to them
The outer end of each tube terminates in an expanded funnel-shaped structure that has
fringelike projections called FRIMBRIAE along its edges.
This part of the tube curves over the top of each ovary& opens into the abdominal
cavity.The inner end of each uterine tube attaches to the uterus & the cavity
inside the tube opens into the cavity in the uterus Each tube is about 10 cm
(4inches) in length.
After ovulation the discharged ovum first enters the abdominal cavity & then enters
the uterine tube assisted by the wavelike movement of the FIMBRIAE & the beating
of the cilia on their surface once in the tube the ovum begins its journey to the
uterus.
Fertilization occurs in the first third of the uterine tube in the wide area.
UTERUS a small organ only about the size of a pear ( very strong)
Made mostly of muscle ( MYOMETRIUM) with only a small cavity inside. During
pregnancy the uterus grows many times larger so that it becomes big enough to
hold a baby and a considerable amount of fluid.
PARTS OF UTERUS
BODY: the upper portion
CERVIX: the lower narrow section
FUNDUS the area above the level where the uterine tubes attach to the body of the
uterus ( it rounds out to form a bulging prominence)
The uterus normally ( not in pregnancy) lies in the pelvic cavity just behind the
urinary bladder.
By the end of pregnancy it becomes large enough to extend up to the top of the
abdominal cavity, it then pushes the liver against the under side of the diaphragm
3 FUNCTIONS OF UTERUS
1. Menstruation
2. Pregnancy
3. Labor
The corpus luteum stops secreting progesterone & decreases its secretion of
estrogens about 11 days after ovulation.
About 3 days later, when the progesterone & estrogen concentrations in the blood
are at their lowest levels menstruation starts. Small pieces of the mucous
membrane lining of the uterus or the ENDOMETRIUM ( inside lining of uterus) pull
loose leaving torn blood vessels underneath. Blood & bits of endometrium trickle
out of the body. Immediately after menstruation, the endometrium starts to repair
itself. It again grows thick & becomes lavishly supplied with blood in preparation for
pregnancy. If fertilization does not take place the uterus once again sheds the lining
made ready for a pregnancy that did not occur. This cycle continues & repeats itself
and is called MENSTRUAL CYCLE
MENSTRUATION first occurs at puberty normally repeats itself about every 28 days
or 13 times a year for 30 to 40 years. before it ceases at menopause when a
women is somewhere around 50
VAGINA
a distensible tube about 10 cm (4 inches) long main mainly of smooth muscle &
lined with mucous membrane, it lies in the pelvic cavity between the urinary bladder
& the rectum. Functions as part of the female repro-tract that opens to the exterior,
it is the organ that sperm enter to journey to the ovum & is also the organ from
which the baby emerges
ACCESSORY OR SUPPORTIVE SEX GLANDS
BARTHOLIN’S GLANDS (greater vestibular)
One lies to the right of the vaginal outlet & one lies to the left of the vaginal outlet
Secretion of a mucuslike lubricating fluid is their function, their ducts open into the
space between the labia minora & the vaginal orifice called the VESTIBULE
BREASTS
Lie over the pectorial muscles & are attached to them by connective tissue
ligaments (of COOPER) . Breast size is dertimined more by the amount of fat
around the glandular (milk-secreting) tissue than by the of glandular tissue itself.So
the size of the breast has little to do with its ability to secrete adequate amounts of
milk after the birth of a baby.
Each breast consists of 15 to 20 divisions or lobes that are arranged radially. Each
lobe consists of several lobules and each lobule consists of milk secreting glandular
cells. the milk-secreting cells are arranged in grapelike clusters called ALVEOLI
Small LACTIFEROUS DUCTS drain the aveoli & converge toward the nipple.
AREOLA colored area around the nipple
EXTERNAL GENITALS
the external genitalia or VULVA of women consist of the following parts
1. MONS PUBIS Skin covered pad of fat over the symphysis pubis covered with
hair after puberty
2. CLITORIS composed of erectile tissue is located just behind the anterior junction
of the labia minor ( the female version of the penis) ( is the center of arousal &
orgasism in women)
3. ORIFICE of URETHRA just below the clitoris ( the opening of the urethra)
4. LABIA MINORA (small lips) located within the labia majora & are covered with
modified skin. these two lips join anteriorly at the midline
5. VESTIBULE the area between the labia minora & the vaginal orifice
6. HYMEN membranous ( partially closes the vaginal orifice) in virginity
7. ORIFICE, ( DUCT of BARTHOLIN’S GLAND) open on either side of the vaginal
orifice inside the labia minora
ORIFICE of VAGINA opening to vagina
LABIA MAJORA extended downward from the elevated mons pubis they are the
large lips these elongated folds are composed mainly of fat & numerous glands are
covered with pigmented skin & hair on the outer surface & are smooth & free from
hair on the inner surface
PERINEUM the area between the vaginal opening & the anus. This area is
sometimes cut in surgical procedures called an epistomy to prevent tearing of
tissue during childbirth
MENSES menstrual flow
MENARCHE the first menstrual flow
LINKS For NURSING INFORMATION
Interactive A&P Exams
A&P Exams & Outlines
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