Female Reproductive System Terms Flashcards
Amnion
Inner of two membranous sacs surround fetus; amniotic sac contains amniotic fluid in which baby floats
Amniotic Fluid
Fluid inside amniotic sac
Anteflexion
While uterus is normally in this position, exaggeration of forward bend of uterus is abnormal; forward bend is near neck of uterus; position of cervix, or opening of uterus, remains normal
Areola
Pigmented area around nipple of breast
Bartholin’s Glands
Glands located on either side of vaginal opening that secrete mucus for vaginal lubrication
Breasts
Milk-producing glands to provide nutrition for newborn; also called ‘mammary gland.’
Breech Presentation
Placement of fetus in which buttocks or feet are presented first for delivery rather than head
Cervix (Cx)
Narrow, distal portion of uterus that joins to vagina
Chorion
Outer of two membranous sacs surrounding fetus; helps to form placenta
Clitoris
Small organ containing erectile tissue covered by labia minora; contains sensitive tissue aroused during sexual stimulation and is similar to penis in male
Conception
Fertilization of ovum by a sperm
Corpus
Body or central portion of uterus
Crowning
When head of baby is visible through vaginal opening; a sign that birth is imminent
Delivery
Emergence of baby from birth canal
Dilation Stage
First stage of labor; begins with uterine contractions that press fetus against cervix causing it to dilate to 10 cm and become thin; thinning of cervix is called ‘effacement.’
Effacement
Thinning of cervix during labor
Embryo
Term to describe developing infant from fertilization until end of eighth week
Endometrium
Inner lining of uterus; contains rich blood supply and reacts to hormonal changes every month, which results in menstruation; during pregnancy, lining of uterus does not leave body but remains to nourish unborn child
Erectile Tissue
Tissue with numerous blood vessels and nerve endings; becomes filled with blood and enlarges in size in response to sexual stimulation
Estrogen
One of hormones produced by ovaries; works with progesterone to control menstrual cycle and is responsible for producing secondary sexual characteristics
Expulsion Stage
Stage of labor and delivery during which baby is delivered
Fallopian Tubes
Organs in female reproductive system that transport eggs from ovary to uterus
Fertilization
Also called ‘impregnation’; fusion of ova and sperm to produce embryo
Fetus
Term to describe developing newborn from end of eighth week until birth
Fimbriae
Finger-like extensions on end of fallopian tubes; drape over each ovary in order to direct ovum into fallopian tube after it is expelled by ovary
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland; stimulates growth of eggs in females and sperm in males