Female Reproductive System Flashcards
adnexa
Tissues or structures in the body that are next to or near another. As in the uterus, this consists of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and ligaments of the uterus
areola
The darker pigmented, circular area surrounding the nipple of each breast; also known as the areola mammae or the areola papillaris. (plural: areolae)
Bartholin’s glands
two small, mucus-secreting glands located on the posterior and lateral aspects of the entrance to the vagina
cervix
the part of the uterus that protrudes into the cavity of the vagina; the neck of the uterus.
climacteric
the cessation of mensturation; also called menopause
clitoris
the vaginal erectile tissue (structure) corresponding to the male penis
coitus
the sexual union of two people of the opposite sex in which the penis is introduced into the vagina; also known as sexual intercourse or copulation.
corpus luteum
a yellowish mass that forms within the ruptured ovarian follicle after ovulation, containing high levels of progesterone and some estrogen. It functions as a temporary endocrine gland for the purpose of secreting estrogen and large amounts of progesterone, which will sustain pregnancy (should it occur) until the placenta forms. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will degenerate approximately three days prior to the beginning of menstruation.
cul-de-sac
a pouch located between the uterus and rectum within the peritoneal cavity. This pouch is formed by one of the ligaments that serves as support to the uterus. Because it is the lowest part of the abdominal cavity, blood, pus, and other drainage collect here.
diaphragm
a term used in gynecology to represent a form of contraception
endometrium
the inner lining of the uterus
estrogen
one of the female hormones that promotes the development of the female secondary sex characteristics.
fallopian tubes
one of a pair of tubes opening at one end into the uterus and at the other end into the peritoneal cavity, over the ovary.
fertilization
the union of a male sperm and a female ovum
fimbriae
the fringelike end of the fallopian tube
fourchette
a tense band of mucous membranes at the posterior rim of the vaginal opening: the poiny at which the labia minora connect.
fundus
the dome-shapped cnetra, upper portion of the uterus between the points of insertin of the fallopian tubes.
gamete
a mature sperm or ovum
gonads
a gamete-producing gland such as an ovary or a testis
graafian follicles
a mature, fully developed ovarian cyst containing the ripe ovum
gynecologist
a physician who specializes in the medical specialty that deals with the diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system
gynecology
the branch of medicine that deals with the study of diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system
hymen
a thin layer of elastic, connective tissue membrane that forms a border around the outer opening of the vagina and may partially cover the vaginal opening.
labia majora
two folds of skin containing fatty tissue and covered with hair that lie on either side of the vaginal opening, extending from the mons pubis to the perineum. The outer surface is covered by pubic hair; the inner surface is smooth and moist.
labia minora
two folds of hairless skin located within the folds of the labia majora. it extends from the clitoris downward toward the perineum.
lumpectomy
surgical removal of only the tumor and immediate adjacent breast tissue; a method of treatment for breast cancer when detected in the early stage of the disease.
mammary glands
the female breasts
mastectomy
surgical removal of the breast as a treatment method for breast cancer; can be simple (breast only), modified radical (breast plus lymph nodes in axilla), or radical (breast, lymph nodes, and chest muscles on affected side).
mastitis
inflammation of the breast
meatus
an opening or tunnel through any part of the body
menarche
onset of menstruation; the first menstrual period
menopause
the permanent cessation (stopping) of menstrual cycles
menorrhea
menstrual flow; menstruation
menses
another name for menstruation or menstrual flow.
menstruation
the periodic shedding of the lining of the nonpregnant uterus through a bloody discharge that passes through the vagina to the outside of the body. it occurs at monthly intervals and lasts for 3 to 5 days.
myometrium
the muscular layer of the uterine wall.
orifice
the entrance or outlet of any body cavity
ovary
one of a pair of female gonads responsible for producing mature ova (eggs) and releasing them at monthly intervals (ovulation); also responsible for producing the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone
ovulation
the release of the mature ovum from the ovary, occurring approximately 14 days prior to the beginning of menses.
ovum
the female reproductive cell; female sex cell or egg
perineum
the area between the vaginal orifice and the anus that consist of muscular and fibrous tissue and serves as support fro the pelvic structures.
pregnancy
the period of intrauterine development of the fetus from conception through birth. the average pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks; also known as the gestational period
premenstrual syndrome
a group of symptoms that include irritability, fluid retention, tenderness of the breasts, and a general feeling of depression occurring shortly before the onset of menstruation; also called PMS.
progesterone
one of the female hormones secreted by the corpus luteum and the placenta. It is primarily responsible for the changes that occur in the endometrium in anticipation of a fertilized ovum and for development of the maternal placenta after implantation of a fertilized ovum.
puberty.
the period of life at which the ability to reproduce begins; that is, in the female, it is the period when the female reproductive organs are fully developed.
sperm
a mature male germ cell; spermatozoon.
testes
the paired male gonads that produce sperm. They are suspended in the scrotal sac in the adult male.