unit 14 (female reproductive) - medical vocabulary Flashcards
abdominal hysterectomy
the surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries through a large incision to the lower part of the abdomen
abortifacient
a drug that is used to terminate a pregnancy
abortion (AB)
the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus has reached the age of viability; can be spontaneous (as in miscarriage), but as a procedure, is induced
abruptio placentae
the premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall during pregnancy; can damage the fetus and lead to excessive blood loss in the mother
adipose
fat tissue
amniocentesis
t transabdominal puncture of the amniotic sac using a needle and syringe to remove amniotic fluid; often performed to assess genetic or developmental conditions of the fetus
amnion
the inner sac that protects the fetus and contains the amniotic fluid
amniotic fluid
a clear fluid in which the embryo, and then the fetus, is suspended
areola
the darker-colored circle around the nipple
body
the center portion of the uterus, where a zygote implants into the uterine wall
breast cancer
a malignant tumor of the mammary gland; characterized by lumps in the breast
breast self-examination (BSE)
monthly visual and palpable breast checks done by a woman to assess for changes in the breasts; often used to check for lumps that may indicate breast cancer
breech birth
a term for the presentation of a baby with its buttocks first
candidiasis
an infection of the skin or mucous membrane caused by a species of Candida (yeast); usually localized in the vagina
certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
a registered nurse who has additional training in obstetrics and gynecology
cervical biopsy
the excision of a small piece of living cervical tissue for microscopic examination; used to make cervix-related diagnoses, such as for cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer
cervical cancer
a malignant tumor of the cervix and the second most common cancer in women; usually caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)
cervical dysplasia
a condition of abnormal cell changes at the surface of the cervix; can lead to cervical cancer; often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)
cervix
the lower portion of the uterus; also known as the neck
Cesarean section (CS or C-section)
delivery of the fetus from the mother’s body by an incision through the mother’s abdominal wall and uterus; is usually done when there are health concerns for the mother, the fetus, or both
chorion
the outer sac that protects the fetus and forms part of the placenta
chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
a prenatal test performed by removing a section of the chorionic villi to test for chromosomal defects in the fetus
cilia
hair-like projections that actively flex back and forth
clitoris
a small structure made of erectile tissue that is located at the anterior end of the vestibule
colostrum
a thin, yellow fluid that provides rich nutrition in the form of proteins, calories, antibodies, and lymphocytes that help to fortify the infant’s immune system
colporrhaphy
the surgical repair of the vaginal wall; may be done to treat a cystocele or rectocele
colposcopy
the visual examination of the vagina and cervix with a scope; involves selecting epithelial tissue samples for biopsy in patients with abnormal Pap test results
conception
the fusion of an egg and a sperm
conization
the excision of a cone-shaped section of diseased cervical tissue; often used to treat diseases of the cervix
contractions
labor pains that help move the fetus out of the uterus, into the vagina, and then out of the mother’s body
crowning
a term for the presentation of a baby with its head first
culdoscopy
the visual examination of the internal organs of the female pelvic cavity with a scope; often used to diagnose conditions such as ectopic pregnancy and salpingitis
cystocele
a hernia of the bladder that protrudes through the vaginal wall
delivery of the placenta
the third and final stage of labor, during which uterine contractions continue after the baby is born and facilitate expulsion of the placenta, also called the afterbirth
dilation
the process of the cervix opening
dilation and curettage (D&C)
a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and an instrument called a curette is used to remove tissue from the uterine wall; is used to diagnose uterine cancer, treat excessively heavy menstrual periods, remove tissue after a miscarriage, or perform an abortion
dilation and effacement
the first stage of labor, during which the uterine muscles exert strong contractions to expel the fetus
doula
a professional who has been trained and certified to assist a birthing family before, during, and immediately after the birth of the baby
eclampsia
a condition in which seizures occur in a pregnant woman with high blood pressure between the twentieth week of pregnancy and the first week postpartum (after childbirth); typically leads to coma, threatening the welfare of the mother and baby
ectopic pregnancy
a complication of pregnancy in which the zygote implants outside the uterus (often in the fallopian tube); usually leads to termination of the pregnancy, and if left untreated, can threaten the life of the mother
effacement
the process of cervical thinning
electronic fetal monitoring
a procedure in which an electronic device or instrument is used to record the fetal heart rate (FHR) and rhythm; during labor, uterine contractions are also monitored
embryo
the developing human from the time of implantation to the end of the eighth week after conception
endometrial biopsy
the excision of a small piece of living tissue from the endometrium to test for abnormalities; can be used to help diagnose conditions such as uterine cancer and PCOS
endometrial cancer
a malignant cancer of the endometrium
endometriosis
a condition in which endometrial tissue develops outside of the uterus and in various sites throughout the pelvis or in the abdominal wall; characterized by pelvic pain, cramping, and sometimes infertility
endometrium
the innermost layer of the uterus, which is shed each month during menstruation
episiotomy
an incision made into the perineum, or the area between the vulva and anus, during the second stage of labor; is used to avoid tearing of the perineal structure during childbirth
estrogen
the female sex hormone that controls the development and maintenance of female characteristics
expulsion
the second stage of labor, which is the period between the complete dilation of the cervix and delivery of the fetus
fallopian tubes
two tubes that extend from the lateral ends of the ovaries to the top of the uterus
fertility drug
a medication that stimulates ovulation; used to increase fertility
fetus
a developing human from eight weeks after conception to birth
fibrocystic breast changes
a condition in which fibrous, noncancerous tumors develop in the mammary tissue, causing painful, lumpy breasts
fibroid tumor
a completely encapsulated, benign growth of fibers in the uterus that is sustained by a blood supply from nearby vessels; varies in size from as small as a few millimeters to large enough to fill the entire uterine cavity
fimbriae
finger-like projections located near the outer end of the fallopian tube
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates ova production and the release of estrogen during menstruation
follicles
fluid-filled sacs that keep the ova safe until they mature
fraternal twins
babies that develop when two different ova are fertilized by two different sperm cells and the resulting embryos grow together in the womb; also known as dizygotic twins
full term
a pregnancy that has lasted for 40 weeks
fundus
the top of the uterus, where the fallopian tubes connect
gestation
the period of human development and growth in the uterus from conception to birth; typically lasts 40 weeks
greater vestibular glands
glands that are located on either side within the vaginal orifice and which secrete a mucus that lubricates the vaginal opening; also known as the Bartholin’s glands
gynecologist
a medical specialist who focuses on the care of the female reproductive organs and the treatment of associated disorders
hemolytic disease of the newborn
a condition in which the red blood cells (RBCs) of a newborn break down; occurs when antibodies from the mother attack the RBCs of the baby while it is still in the womb; also called erythroblastosis fetalis
higher-multiple births
births that include 3 or more babies
hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
artificial hormone replacement administered orally, intravenously, or topically using transdermal patches; used to correct hyposecretion of hormones, and often used in females to treat symptoms of menopause
human papillomavirus (HPV)
the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI); includes 40 different types of HPV that can cause genital warts and certain cancers
hymen
a thin membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina
hysterectomy
the surgical removal of the uterus, often including the ovaries and fallopian tubes; used to treat endometrial cancer
hysterosalpingography
a procedure in which radiographs (X-rays) are taken of the uterus and fallopian tubes after a radiopaque dye (one that does not allow the passage of X-rays) has been injected into the organs; is often used to diagnose blockages of the fallopian tubes
identical twins
babies that develop when one ovum is fertilized by one sperm cell and the resulting zygote splits into two embryos that grow together in the uterus; also known as monozygotic twins
infertility
the inability or diminished ability to conceive or produce offspring
labia
a pair of skin folds or “lips” that protect the vulva, vagina, and urethra from infections
labia majora
the outer folds of the labia
labia minora
the inner folds of the labia
labor
the process by which a baby moves out of the mother’s body
lactiferous ducts
ducts in the breasts that carry the milk to the nipples
laparoscopic hysterectomy
a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the uterus to be removed without a large incision
lobes
small structural subdivisions included within the mammary glands
lobules
smaller glands within the lobes that are able to produce milk for a newborn
lumpectomy
a surgical procedure to remove a tumor or other abnormal tissue of the breast, along with a small amount of normal tissue around the tumor to ensure that all the cancerous or diseased tissue has been removed
luteinizing-hormone (LH)
a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that plays a role in ova production and regulation of the menstrual cycle
mammary glands
the glands in the breasts that produce colostrum and milk after childbirth
mammography
the radiographic examination of the breasts to detect cancerous tumors; an X-ray image of the breast is called a mammogram
mammoplasty
surgical repair of the breast; often used for reconstruction of the breast, reduction, or augmentation
mastalgia
pain in the breast; may signal a non cancerous breast condition; also called mastodynia
mastectomy
the surgical removal of all or part of the breast; is used in cases where breast tissue is diseased
meconium aspiration syndrome
a condition in which meconium is passed by an infant in utero and then penetrates the amniotic fluid and is aspirated by the baby
medical abortion
the use of medications to terminate a pregnancy; also called a therapeutic abortion
menometrorrhagia
the irregular or excessive bleeding during menstruation and between menstrual periods; may lead to anemia
menorrhagia
excessive heavy menstrual bleeding; may lead to anemia
menses
the menstrual period
menstruation
the monthly shedding of the innermost layers of the uterus
miscarriage
the spontaneous loss of a fetus before it is viable (capable of living outside the mother’s womb); commonly refers to expulsion of the fetus before the twentieth week of pregnancy; also called spontaneous abortion
modified radical mastectomy
the surgical removal of the breast tissue and some of the lymph nodes beneath the arm
mons pubis
the area where the pubic hair begins to grow during puberty
myometrium
the thick, middle, muscular layer of the uterus
nipple
the external structure of the breast
obstetrician
a medical specialist who provides healthcare for a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period
obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN)
a physician who practices obstetrics and gynecology
oral contraceptive pills (OCPs)
medication that prevents ovulation and conception through low doses of the hormones estrogen and progestin
ova
the female sex cells
ovarian cancer
a cancerous tumor of the ovaries; is typically asymptomatic in the early stages
ovarian cyst
an abnormal, fluid-filled sac or pouch in the ovary; may cause pelvic pain, irregular menstruation, vaginal bleeding, and nausea or vomiting
ovaries
two oval-shaped organs that are located near the posterior portion of the right and left pelvic cavity and are filled with millions of ova
ovulation
the process during which an ovum is released from one of the ovaries and enters one of the fallopian tubes, where it may be fertilized by a sperm
oxytocin
a natural hormone administered to stimulate labor or facilitate contractions; also stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk for breastfeeding
Pap test
a screening exam used to detect the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix or vagina; also called the Papanicolaou test or, more commonly, Pap smear
pelvic examination
the manual and visual examination of the external and internal female organs during a regular health checkup
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
inflammation of the female reproductive organs resulting from infection
pelvic ultrasonography
the use of ultrasonic (high-frequency) sound waves to produce an image of the organs and structures in the female pelvic cavity
perimetrium
the outermost, membranous layer of the uterus
placenta
a spongy, blood-filled organ that forms near the fetus on the endometrium of the uterus and connects to the fetus via the umbilical cord
placenta previa
a complication of pregnancy in which the placenta implants at the lower end of the uterus, obstructing the neck of the uterus and complicating delivery of the baby
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
a common hormonal disorder that may be characterized by an abnormal menstrual cycle, excessive facial or body hair, and numerous tiny cysts in the ovaries
preeclampsia
a toxemia of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, headaches, albuminuria, and edema of the lower extremities
pregnancy
the phase between conception and delivery
pregnancy test
a chemical test used to determine whether or not human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, is present in the urine; performed in a physician’s office or with a home-testing kit
premature
a term for a birth in which the infant is born before 37 weeks of gestation
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
a group of symptoms that occur several days prior to the onset of menstruation; characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: irritability, emotional tension, anxiety, mood changes, depression, headache, breast tenderness with or without swelling, and water retention
progesterone
a hormone produced by the ovaries in women to help regulate the menstrual cycle and promote breast development in puberty
prolapsed uterus
the downward displacement of the uterus, which causes the uterus to protrude into or out of the vagina
pseudocyesis
a psychosomatic condition in which a female believes she is pregnant and may experience some symptoms of pregnancy, but is not pregnant; also known as a false pregnancy
puberty
the phase of development during which the sexual organs mature
pyosalpinx
a condition in which the fallopian tubes are filled with pus; often a complication of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
radical hysterectomy
the surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues and lymph nodes
radical mastectomy
the surgical removal of the entire breast tissue, chest muscles, and lymph nodes; performed in rare cases as a treatment for breast cancer
rectocele
herniation of the anterior wall of the large intestine (rectum) through the posterior vaginal wall; also called rectal prolapse
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
diseases spread through sexual contact; may result in PID and can permanently scar female reproductive organs
simple mastectomy
the surgical removal of the entire breast tissue with no disturbance of the lymph nodes
stillbirth
the death and delivery of a fetus after the twentieth week of pregnancy; may be due to a number of maternal or fetal diseases or conditions
surgical abortion
the termination of a pregnancy through a surgical procedure
total abdominal hysterectomy
the surgical removal of the uterus and the cervix
total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooophorectomy (TAH-BSO)
the surgical removal of the cervix, uterus, both ovaries, and both fallopian tubes
toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
a severe bacterial infection characterized by high fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and organ failure; has been associated with the prolonged use of superabsorbent tampons
trimester
a period of three months
tubal ligation
the surgical “tying off” of the fallopian tubes to prevent conception; a permanent method of birth control
ultrasound technician
an allied health professional who is trained to operate the sonography equipment; also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer
umbilical cord
a cord that passes nutrients from the mother’s placenta to the fetus during pregnancy
urethral orifice
the urinary opening
uterus
a hollow, muscular organ located between the bladder and the rectum
vagina
a tube-shaped structure lined with a mucous membrane that is located beneath the opening to the cervix; the menstrual period flows through this structure, this structure receives sperm during intercourse, and it serves as the birth canal
vaginal orifice
the vaginal opening
vaginitis
inflammation of the vagina; may be caused by yeast, bacteria, trichomoniasis, or low estrogen levels during menopause
vestibule
the area beneath the labia that includes the urethral orifice and vaginal orifice
vulva
the female external genitalia
