chapter 7 vocab Flashcards
female reproductive system
abnormal vaginal bleeding
Unusual bleeding from the vagina, including very heavy menstrual flow, bleeding between cycles, or prolonged bleeding
adenocarcinoma
A condition where advanced, precancerous cells are found in the glandular tissue of the cervix.
adnexa
The accessory structures of the uterus, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries
amenorrhea
The absence of menstrual flow
anovulation
The absence of ovulation when an egg is not released from the ovaries
batholin’s glands
Glands that secrete mucus to keep the vestibular area moist, located near the vaginal opening
bilateral oophorectomy
Removal of both ovaries
bilateral salpingo-ooporectomy
Removal of both ovaries and both Fallopian tubes
biopsy
A diagnostic procedure where tissue, fluid, or lymph nodes are removed for examination under a microscope
breast cancer
Malignant tumors developing from breast tissue cells
breast-conserving surgery
Surgical procedure removing only the cancerous part of the breast, not the entire breast
breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A diagnostic imaging technique used to create detailed images of the breast tissue, often used in detecting and evaluating breast abnormalities
breast ultrasound
A diagnostic imaging technique using sound waves to create images of the breast tissue
cervical cancer
Cancer arising from the cervix, often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
cervix
The lower part of the uterus, connecting the uterus to the vagina
chemotherapy
The use of drugs to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancerous cells
clitoris
Erectile tissue originating from the same fetal cells as the penis, containing abundant nerves important in sexual sensation and orgasm
cold knife conization
A procedure using a scalpel or laser to remove a cone-shaped section of abnormal cervical tissue
colonoscopy
A procedure using a lighted magnifying instrument to examine
the cervix and potentially remove tissue for biopsy
conception
The process of a sperm fertilizing an ovum, forming a zygote
contraception
Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy
corpus luteum
A temporary endocrine structure in female ovaries that is involved in the production of relatively high levels of progesterone and moderate levels of estrogen and inhibin A.
cryotherapy
A treatment method using extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue
cystocele
A prolapse of the bladder into the vagina, often referred to as an anterior vaginal prolapse
diagnostic mammogram
An enhanced mammogram used when an area of the breast looks abnormal on a screening mammogram
dilation & curettage (D & C)
A surgical procedure to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus
dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Abnormal bleeding from the uterus, often due to hormonal imbalances
dysmenorrhea
Painful menstruation, often with cramps
dysparenuria
Pain during sexual intercourse
ectopic pregnancy
A pregnancy where the embryo implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube
embryo
The early developmental stage of an organism following fertilization
endometrial ablation
A procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding
endometrial cancer
Cancer that originates in the lining of the uterus (endometrium)
endometrial sampling
A procedure to remove tissue from the endometrium for examination under a microscope
endometriosis
A painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus
endometrium
The innermost lining of the uterus, providing the site for implantation of a fertilized egg or shedding during menstruation
estrogen
A hormone produced by the ovaries, playing a key role in the female reproductive system, including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
fallopian tubes
Tubes that transport oocytes from the ovary to the uterus
fibrocystic breasts
Condition characterized by lumpy or ropelike breast tissue, often experiencing pain, tenderness, and lumpiness especially before menstruation.
fimbriae
The fringe-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes, near the ovaries, which help to guide the ovum into the tube after ovulation
fistula
An abnormal passageway between two organs or between an internal organ and the body surface. In the context of the female reproductive system, it could be between the vagina and another organ such as the urinary bladder, colon, or rectum
follicles
In the context of the female reproductive system, these are the fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, each containing an immature ovum (egg)
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
A hormone released by the brain that stimulates the growth of ova (eggs) in the ovaries
follicular phase
The menstrual cycle phase where the endometrium thickens, and follicle growth is stimulated by FSH and LH
gynecologist
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system and the breasts
gynecology
Study of the female reproductive system
high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)
More serious changes in the cervical cells that indicate a higher risk of progressing to cervical cancer
hirsutism
Excessive hair growth on the face and body, often a symptom of PCOS
hormonal therapy
Treatment using hormones to block cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow
HPV test
A test to check for infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus that can lead to cervical cancer
human papillomavirus (HPV)
A group of viruses, some of which can cause genital warts and are associated with an increased risk of cervical and other types of cancers
hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus, which may include the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other surrounding structures
hysterosalpingogram
A common imaging procedure performed to assess for potential causes of infertility in women. During the procedure, radiopaque dye is injected into the uterus and fills the uterine cavity, continues into the fallopian tubes, and eventually reaches fimbriated ends next to the ovaries. Structures are visualized with an x-ray.
hysteroscopy
A procedure to look inside the uterus using a thin, telescope-like device inserted through the vagina and cervix
implantation
The process by which a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to begin pregnancy
infertility
The inability to conceive after a year or more of regular sexual activity without contraception
intrauterine devices
Contraceptive devices inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy
irregular bleeding
Bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause
labia majora
Larger outer folds of hair-covered skin that begin just posterior to the mons pubis
labia minora
Thinner, hairless, and more pigmented folds found medially to the labia majora, protecting the female urethra and the entrance to the female reproductive tract
lactation
The process of producing milk in the mammary glands to feed an infant
lactiferous ducts
Tubes carrying milk from the mammary glands (lobules) to the nipple
laparoscopy
A surgical procedure using a laparoscope to examine the organs inside the abdomen
laparotomy
A surgical procedure with a large incision in the abdomen to access the abdominal organs
laser therapy
The use of an intense light beam (laser) to treat various medical conditions, including removing abnormal cervical tissue
loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
A surgical technique used to remove abnormal cervical tissue using a thin wire loop that carries an electric current
low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL)
Changes in the cervical cells that are often associated with HPV infection and are typically mild, often resolving on their own
luteinizing hormones (LH)
A hormone involved in triggering ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum
lymphadenectomy
Another term for lymph node dissection, often used in the context of cancer treatment
lymph node dissection
Surgical removal of lymph nodes to examine for the presence of cancer
mammogram
An X-ray image of the breast used to detect and diagnose breast abnormalities
mastitis
Inflammation of the breast, often occurring during lactation
medical oncologists
Physicians specializing in treating cancer with medication
menarche
The first occurrence of menstruation in a female
menometrorrhagia
Excessive and prolonged uterine bleeding occurring at irregular and/or frequent intervals
menopause
The end of menstrual cycles in a woman’s life, marking the end of reproductive years
menorrhagia
Excessive menstrual bleeding
menstruation
The monthly shedding of the endometrial lining in females, typically involving vaginal bleeding
metastasized
The process by which cancer spreads from the primary site to other parts of the body
metorrhagia
Bleeding from the uterus at any time other than normal menstruation
modified radical mastectomy
Surgery removing the entire breast with cancer, most of the lymph nodes, and sometimes other tissues
mons pubis
A rounded mass of fatty tissue lying over the joint of the pubic bones, becoming covered in hair after puberty
myolysis
A procedure involving the destruction of fibroids using electric current or freezing
myomectomy
Surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus
obstetrics
The branch of medicine and surgery concerned with childbirth and the care of women giving birth
oligomenorrhea
Infrequent or very light menstruation
omentectomy
Surgical removal of the omentum, a part of the peritoneum in the abdomen
oophorectomy
Surgical removal of one or both ovaries
ovarian cancer
Cancer that originates in the ovarian tissues
ovarian cyst
A fluid-filled sac in the ovary, often part of the normal menstrual cycle or a benign condition
ovary
Female reproductive gland responsible for producing oocytes (eggs) and hormones
ovulation
The release of an ovum (egg) from the dominant follicle in the ovary, typically occurring around the middle of the menstrual cycle
ovum
The female reproductive cell, or egg, which, when fertilized by a sperm, can develop into an embryo
papanicolaou smear (pap smear)
A screening procedure for cervical cancer and precancerous conditions, involving the collection of cells from the cervix
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections
perineum
The area between the vaginal opening and the anus
peritoneum
The membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering most of the abdominal organs
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges
polymenorrhea
Condition characterized by frequent menstrual cycles, shorter than 21 days in length
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
A severe form of PMS characterized by significant mood disturbances
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
A group of symptoms that occur in women, typically between ovulation and a period
progesterone
A hormone released by the corpus luteum in the ovary. It plays a role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy
prolapse
The slipping down or displacement of an organ or part, such as the uterus
radiation oncologists
Doctors who treat cancer using radiation therapy
radiation therapy
The use of high-energy rays to kill or damage cancer cells
radical hysterectomy
Extensive surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and sometimes other tissues for cancer treatment
rectocele
A posterior vaginal prolapse where the rectum protrudes into the vagina
salpingectomy
Surgical removal of one or both Fallopian tubes
salpingo-oophorectomy
Removal of a Fallopian tube and its corresponding ovary
sexual intercourse
The physical act of sex, involving the insertion of the penis into the vagina
speculum
An instrument used to widen the opening of the vagina during medical examinations
subtotal hysterectomy
Removal of part of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place
surgeons
Medical doctors who perform operations
surgery
Medical procedures involving the manual and instrumental techniques to treat diseases, injuries, or deformities
tampon
A plug of soft material inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood
targeted therapy
Treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression
total abdominal hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus
through an incision in the abdomen
total hysterectomy
Removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix
total hysterectomy/bilateral salpingectomy oophorectomy (TAH/BSO)
A surgical procedure involving the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), both Fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and both ovaries (oophorectomy)
total laparoscopic hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus using laparoscopic techniques, involving small incisions and a camera
total mastectomy
Surgical removal of the entire breast that has cancer
toxic shock syndrome
A rare, life-threatening complication of certain bacterial infections, associated with tampon use
transvaginal ultrasound
An ultrasound procedure where a probe is inserted
tubal ligation
A permanent surgical procedure for female sterilization, involving sealing, tying, or cutting the Fallopian tubes
tubo-ovarian abscess
An inflammatory mass involving the fallopian tube and ovary, often a complication of PID
uterine artery embolization
Another term for uterine fibroid embolization
uterine fibroid
Benign tumors in the muscular wall of the uterus
uterine fibroid embolization
A procedure to block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink
uterine prolapse
A condition where the uterus sags or slips from its normal position into the vaginal canal
uterus
A muscular, pear-shaped organ responsible for housing and nourishing a developing fetus
vagina
A muscular canal serving as the entrance to the reproductive tract and the exit from the uterus during menstruation and childbirth
vaginal candidiasis
A fungal infection in the vagina, commonly known as a yeast infection, causing itching and a thick, white discharge
vaginal hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus through the vagina
vaginal prolapse
A condition where the vagina itself sags or slips out of its normal position
vulva
The external part of the female genitalia, which includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and the opening of the vagina
