Page 106 - 86 human physiology part-2

The Female Reproductive System

ability to specialize into endometrial cells. These same cells were responsible for the growth of the
woman's reproductive organs when she was an embryo. It is believed that genetic or environmental
influences in later life allow these cells to give rise to endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

Experts estimate that up to one in ten American women of childbearing age have endometriosis.
There is some thinking that previous damage to cells that line the pelvis can lead to endometriosis.
There are several ways to diagnose endometriosis:

1. Pelvic exam
2. Ultrasound
3. Laparoscopy Usually used, most correct diagnosis
4. Blood test

Enometriosis can be treated with:

1. Pain medication
2. Hormone therapy
1. Oral contraceptives
3. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone(Gn-Rh)agonists and antagonists
4. Danazol(Danocrine)
5. Medroxyprogesterone(Depo-Provera)
6. Conservative surgery which removes endometrial growths.
7. Hysterectomy

Check Your Understanding

1. In homology, the ___________ in the female is equal to the penis in the male

A) labia majora
B) clitoral hood
C) clitoris
D) labia minora
E) none of the above

2. This contains some of the strongest muscles in the human body

A) uteras
B) clitoris
C) cervix
D) labia majora

3. This protects the vaginal and urethral openings

A) labia majora
B) labia minora
C) clitoris
D) urethra

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