BIOPHYSICAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN REPRODUCTION

NOTES IN MATERNAL AND CHILD NURSING
Reference: NURSE’S NOTES: MATERNAL and CHILD NURSING
Maritess Manalang-Quinto, RN, MAN(c)

Obstetrics
Branch of medicine that deals with parturition, its antecedents and sequel
Etymology
Comes from the word “OBSTETRIX” which means “midwife”

Biophysical Aspects of Human Reproduction
Reproductive Development
- occurs during intrauterine life, gender determined through chromosome information
- Puberty (childhood-sexual maturity transitional age)
Girls: 10-13y/o Boys: 12-14y/o
- Androgen and estrogen production
- Secondary sex characteristics

Secondary Sex characteristics
Growth spurt
Increase in the transverse diameter of the pelvis
Growth of pubic hair
Onset of Menstruation
Growth of Axillary hair
Vaginal secretions
Increase in weight
Growth of testes
Growth of face, axillary and pubic hair
Voice changes
Penile growth
Increase in height
Spermatogenesis

Human Sexual Response
Excitement
Plateau
Orgasm
Resolution

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Menstruation
Also termed as the female reproductive cycle
Menarche: average age of onset 12-13 years old; average range or 9-17 years old
Interval between cycles: average of 28 days; cycles of 23 to 35 days
Duration of the menstrual flow: average of 30-80ml per menstrual period
Color: dark red
Odor: like marigolds

Menstrual Cycle
Proliferative phase
Immediately after menstrual flow
Ovary produces estrogen
Endometrium thickens
Approx 5 to 14 days
Also known as estrogenic, follicular or postmenstrual
Secretory phase
Formation of progesterone in the corpus luteum
Capillaries of the endometrium increase in amount until the lining takes on the appearance of a rich spongy velvet
Ischemic
Decrease in both estrogen and progesterone occurs
Capillaries ruptures and corpus luteum degenerates
Menstrual
Degenerated portion of the endometrium is shed