Key Terms Flashcards
corpus luteum
The small yellow structure that develops from the graafian follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone and estrogen
fimbriae
The long finger-like extensions of the oviduct that wave to capture the released ovum (singular: fimbria)
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that acts on the gonads. In the female, it stimulates ripening of the ova in the ovary
fornix
An arch-like space, such as the space between the uppermost wall of the vagina and the cervix; from Latin meaning “arch”
greater vestibular gland
A small gland that secretes mucus through a duct that opens near the vaginal orifice; also called Bartholin (BAR-to-lin) gland (see Fig. 15-2)
luteinizing hormone (LH)
A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that acts on the gonads. In the female, it stimulates ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum
menarche
The first menstrual period, which normally occurs during puberty
myometrium
The muscular wall of the uterus
ovarian follicle
The cluster of cells in which the ovum ripens in the ovary
ovum
The female gamete or reproductive cell (plural: ova) (root: oo, ov/o)
perineum
The region between the thighs from the external genitals to the anus (root: perine/o)
progesterone
A hormone produced by the corpus luteum and the placenta that maintains the endometrium for pregnancy
rectouterine pouch
A blind pouch, such as the recess between the rectum and the uterus; the cul-de-sac or pouch of Douglas
tubal ligation
Surgical constriction of the oviducts to produce sterilization
vulva
The external female genital organs (root: vulv/o, episi/o)
dysmenorrhea
Painful or difficult menstruation.
endometriosis
Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, usually in the pelvic cavity
fibroid
Benign tumor of smooth muscle (see leiomyoma)
leiomyoma
Benign tumor of smooth muscle, usually in the uterine wall (myometrium). Another word for fibroid.
metrorrhagia
Uterine bleeding between normal menstrual periods
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Condition caused by the spread of infection from the reproductive tract into the pelvic cavity.
colposcope
Instrument for examining the vagina and cervix
cone biopsy
Removal of a cone of tissue from the lining of the cervix for cytologic examination
dilation and curettage (D&C)
Procedure in which the cervix is dilated (widened) and the uterine lining is scraped with a curette
Pap smear
Study of cells collected from the cervix and vagina for early detection of cancer. Also called Papanicolaou smear or Pap test.
sentinel node biopsy
Biopsy of the first lymph nodes to receive drainage from a tumor;
stereotactic biopsy
Needle biopsy using a computer-guided imaging system to locate suspicious tissue and remove samples for study
tomosynthesis
Three-dimensional x-ray imaging technique for detection of breast cancer;
adnexa
Appendages, such as the adnexa uteri—the ovaries, oviducts, and uterine ligaments
Graafian follicle
Mature ovarian follicle
hymen
A fold of mucous membrane that partially covers the entrance of the vagina
oocyte
An immature ovum
perimenopause
The period immediately before and after menopause; begins at the time of irregular menstrual cycles and ends one year after the last menstrual period; averages three to four years
vestibule
The space between the labia minora that contains the openings of the urethra, vagina, and ducts of the greater vestibular glands
cystocele
Herniation of the urinary bladder into the wall of the vagina
dyspareunia
Pain during sexual intercourse
fibrocystic disease of the breast
A condition in which there are palpable lumps in the breasts, usually associated with pain and tenderness. These lumps or “thickenings” change with the menstrual cycle and must be distinguished from malignant tumors by diagnostic methods
leukorrhea
White or yellowish discharge from the vagina.
rectocele
Herniation of the rectum into the wall of the vagina
chorion
The outermost layer of the embryo that, with the endometrium, forms the placenta (adjective: chorionic)
colostrum
Breast fluid that is secreted in the first few days after giving birth, before milk is produced
ductus arteriosus
A fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery with the descending aorta, thus allowing blood to bypass the lungs
foramen ovale
A small hole in the interatrial septum in the fetal heart that allows blood to pass directly from the right to the left side of the heart
gravida
Pregnant woman
human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
A hormone secreted by the embryo early in pregnancy that maintains the corpus luteum so that it will continue to secrete hormones
para
Woman who has produced a viable infant. Multiple births are considered as single pregnancies
parturition
Childbirth (root: nat/i); labor (root: toc/o)
prostaglandins
A group of hormones with varied effects, including the stimulation of uterine contractions
zygote
The fertilized ovum
