The perineal body is located where four muscles (the superficial anal sphincter, the bulbospongiosus and both superficial transverse perineal muscles) have a common insertion at a nondescript point between the vagina or penile bulb and the anus. Health professions students have difficulty identifying its location and do not have a full…

The transition to parenthood marks a significant developmental period for the mother. Clinical and preclinical studies evidence neural and hormonal changes that support maternal behavior that is critical to infant survival and development. These changes suggest marked plasticity as a result of reproduction in the mother. Furthermore, multiple…

Surgical anatomy is taught early in medical school training. The literature shows that many physicians, especially surgical specialists, think that anatomical knowledge of medical students is inadequate and nesting of anatomical sciences later in the clinical curriculum may be necessary. Quantitative data concerning this perception of an…

Medical education underwent standardization at the turn of the 20th century and remained fairly consistent until recently. Incorporation of a patient-centered or case-based curriculum is believed to reinforce basic science concepts. One negative aspect is a reduction in hours spent with cadaveric dissection in the gross anatomy laboratory. For…

Investigated use of newly developed assessment instrument for premenstrual syndrome, the Premenstrual Assessment Form (PAF), as a retrospective assessment instrument, and the PAF subtypes as accurate reflectors of subjective premenstrual symptomatology. Severely premenstrually symptomatic and asymptomatic women completed the PAF. Results partially…

Health care for women--emphasizing the reproductive organs--is discussed. (JD)

Against the background of the problems associated with teaching the pelvic examination and the success reported in the literature for using "simulated patients," the uniformly positive student and faculty assessment of the acceptability of using partners as subjects for teaching this examination suggests strongly that this approach is…

The current status of teaching reproductive biology and human sexuality was surveyed in 118 medical schools, with an 82 percent response rate. Only 34 percent of those responding had organized courses in reproductive biology, and overall training was found to be inadequate. (LBH)

Fifty-nine girls (age 12 and under) who were associates of victims of sexual abuse received a colposcopic examination. Forty-five of the girls were found to have abnormal genital findings, which were considered specific for sexual abuse in 40 cases. Medical evaluation of siblings and close associates of sexual abuse victims is recommended.…

This article discusses the need for a women's health course. It provides information on the organization of the course and the content of such a course. (RC)

This book introduces middle school students to the basic facts of human reproduction and explains the physical, emotional, and social aspects of growing into adolescence. Designed with a structured sequence of six lessons and activities, this module includes teacher scripts, reproducible worksheets, and transparency masters. Lessons cover: (1)…

Written for women from the three main cultural groups in New Mexico (Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo), this pamphlet discusses the causes and symptoms, some remedies for the symptoms of menopause, and presents ideas for organizing support groups to help middle-aged women and their families deal with menopausal problems. Explanations of the…