OB/GYN terms Flashcards
amnion
amni/o = amnion
fetal membrane forming the amniotic sac encasing the fetus; contains amniotic fluid in which the fetus floats
cervix (CX) (plural cervices)
cervic/o = cervix
narrow, lower portion of the uterus; opens into the vagina to allow passage of menstrual fluids; dilates during labor to allow the birth of a baby; also call the neck of the uterus
chorion
chori/o = chorion
outer sac surrounding and protecting a fetus; forms part of the placenta; the placenta is formed from both maternal and fetal tissue and lies along the inner wall of the uterus; the fetus connects to the placenta by the umbilical cord; the point of exchange between maternal and fetal circulations (oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the fetus and carbon dioxide and waste are removed)
vagina (plural vaginae or vaginas)
colp/o = vagina
muscular tube extending from the cervix to the outside of the body; passageway for menstrual flow and the fetus during birth; receives penis and semen during intercourse; also called the birth canal
embryo (plural embryos)
embry/o = embryo
an early stage of human development from the time of fertilization until approximately the end of the second month of pregnancy; during this time period, all the major organs and body systems are formed
vulva (plural vulvae)
episi/o = vulva
a general term for all female external genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris; the two pairs of labia are folds of skin that protect the clitoris, vaginal opening, and urinary meatus; the clitoris is sensitive erectile tissue aroused during sexual activity; although it is not part of the vulva, the perineum is the area located between the vulva and anus
fetus (plural fetuses)
fet/o = fetus
a later stage of human development from approximately the beginning of the third month to birth; during this period of time, organs and systems grow, mature, and begin to function
pregnancy (plural pregnancies)
-gravida = pregnancy
pregnancy is measured by a length of time called gestation; the normal gestation period for humans is 40 weeks
uterus (plural uteri)
hyster/o = uterus
a hollow pear-shaped organ in the lower pelvic cavity between the urinary bladder and rectum; the fundus is the upper portion between where the uterine tubes enter; the body of the uterus is the largest central region; the cervix is the narrow, lowest region that opens into the vagina; the endometrium is the inner lining that thickens during the month and is sloughed off during a menstrual period; myometrium is the thick muscular wall that contracts to push the fetus through the birth canal
breast
mamm/o = breast
a collection of glands that produce milk to nourish an infant; the pigmented area around the nipple is the areola; also called mammary glands
menstruation
men/o = menstruation
occurs when the endometrial lining of the uterus is shed each month; this process stops during pregnancy; appears as bloody flow through the cervix and vagina
ovary (plural ovaries)
oophor/o = ovarie
an almond-shaped organ located on either side of the uterus; connects to the uterus by a uterine/fallopian tube; each menstrual cycle, several ova develop inside of growing follicles (one ovum per follicle); at ovulation, one follicle ruptures to release its ovum into the uterine tube; the follicle left behind after the rupture transforms into corpus luteum; the follicle and corpus luteum secrete estrogen and progesterone; at the end of the menstrual period, the corpus luteum transforms in scar-like corpus albicans
uterine (fallopian) tube
salping/o = uterine tube
a narrow duct that runs from the area around each ovary to the upper uterus; the end of the uterine tube that is in contact with the ovary is the fimbriae (finger-like extensions that drape over the ovary to catch the ovum released at ovulation); ova travel from the ovary to the uterus through a uterine tube; the normal location for fertilization; also called a fallopian tube
