Chapter 17 Spelling Words Flashcards
gynecology
-the branch of medicine that deals with the diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system
gynecologist
-a physician who specializes in the field of gynecology
ovum
-female egg
puberty
- period of life in which the ability to reproduce begins and the development of secondary sex characteristics occur (breast development, pubic hair growth, menstruation)
- reproductive organs are fully mature
coitus
- sexual intercourse
- also known as copulation
- only refers to heterosexual intercourse
menstruation
- shedding of the uterine lining through a bloody discharge
- repeats monthly throughout reproductive years
menopause
- also called climacteric
- end of the reproductive years marked by the cessation or stopping of the menstrual cycles
climacteric
- also called menopause
- end of the reproductive years marked by the cessation or stopping of the menstrual cycles
mammary glands
- considered an accessory organ
- produce milk (lactation) to nourish the infant
- the breasts
vulva
-term used to collectively refer to the external genitalia which consists of the mons pubis, labia majora, clitoris, labia minor, vestibule, urinary meatus, vaginal orifice, Bartholin’s glands, and the perineum
labia majora
- two folds of skin containing fatty tissue and covered with hair on either side of the vaginal opening
- extends from the mons pubis to the perineum
- out surface=hair, inner surface=smooth and moist
labia minora
- two thin folds of tissue located within the folds of the labia majora
- extends from clitoris to the perineum
- at the lower end it comes together to form the fourchette
Bartholin’s glands
- on either side of the vaginal orifice
- secrete a mucous that lubricates the vagina
clitoris
-short, elongated organ composed of erectile tissue
hymen
- thin layer of elastic connective tissue that forms a border around the outer opening of the vagina and pay partially cover the vaginal opening
- it may remain in tact or may be stretched or torn during sexual intercourse
perineum
- between vaginal orifice and the anus
- helps support the pelvic structures
vagina
- muscular tube that connects the uterus with the vulva
- contains rugae
- it is the female organ of copulation (coitus) and passageway for menstruation
uterus
- pear-shaped, hollow, muscular organ that houses the fertilized implanted ovum as it develops throughout pregnancy
- also called the womb
- has 3 identifiable parts: the fundus, the body of the uterus, and the cervix of the uterus
myometrium
-the middle, muscular layer of the wall of the uterus
endometrium
-the innermost, highly vascular layer that builds up to receive a fertilized egg or is shed through a bloody discharge known as menstruation
endo=within metri/o=uterus -um=noun ending
fallopian tubes
- also known as the uterine tubes or oviducts
- the passageway for the ova (eggs) as they exit the ovary en route to the uterus
- lined with mucous and cilia
- one end opens at the uterus and the other in the peritoneal cavity
fimbriae
- the fringe-like end of the fallopian tube
- fingerlike projections that draw the ovum into the tub through wavelike motions when the ovum is released from the ovary
gonads
- sex organs; ovaries in the female
- a gamete-producing gland such as an ovary or testis
areola
- the darker pigmented area surrounding the nipples
- also called the areola mamma or the areola papillaris
- contains the sebaceous glands called Montgomery’s tubercles or glands, active only during pregnancy and lactation where they secrete a waxy substance to keep the nipple soft and prevent dryness during nursing
- plural: areolae
pelvimetry
-the measurement of the pelvis opening
menarche
- the first period
- onset of menstruation
ovulation
- the release of the mature ovum from the ovary
- occurs appr. 14 days prior to the beginning of menses
premenstrual syndrome
- a drop in hormone levels when fertilization does not occur
- symptoms: irritability, fluid retention, tenderness of the breasts, and a general feeling of depression
- PMS
adnexa
- tissues or structures in the body that are next to or near another
- e.g in the uterus, the adnexa consists of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and ligaments of the uterus
cervix
- the part of the uterus that protrudes into the cavity of the vagina
- the neck of the uterus
corpus luteum
- a yellowish mass that forms within the ruptured ovarian follicle after ovulation
- contains high levels of progesterone and some estrogen
- functions as a temporary endocrine gland to secrete estrogen and large amounts of progesterone that will sustain pregnancy if it occurs until the placenta forms
- if pregnancy does not occur, it will degenerate in appr. 3 days prior to the beginning of menstruation
cul-de-sac
- a pouch between the uterus and rectum within the peritoneal cavity
- formed by one of the ligaments that serves as support to the uterus
- blood, pus, and other drainage collect in the cul-de-sac because it is the lowest part of the abdomin
diaphragm
-represents a form of contraception
estrogen
-one of the female hormones that promotes the development of female secondary sex characteristics