Maternal Role Attainment Theory
A theory by Ramona Mercer that provides a framework for nurses to help mothers develop a strong maternal identity.
Adaptation Theory
Developed by Sister Calista Roy, this theory focuses on how individuals positively respond to environmental changes.
Casey’s Model of Nursing
A model developed by Anne Casey that emphasizes partnership between the nurse, child, and family.
Theory of Comfort
Developed by Katharine Kolcaba, this theory views comfort as an immediate outcome of nursing care, existing in three forms: relief, ease, and transcendence.
Uterus
A thick-walled muscular organ that hosts the developing fetus and produces vaginal and uterine secretions.
Oogenesis
The process of production and development of an ovum.
Infundibulum
The distal part of the fallopian tube, which is trumpet-shaped and helps guide the ovum into the tube.
Ampulla
The outer third of the fallopian tube, which is the site of fertilization.
Isthmus
The site of sterilization in the fallopian tube, where the tube is cut in a bilateral tubal ligation (BTL).
Interstitial
The most proximal part of the fallopian tube, located within the uterine wall, often a site for ectopic pregnancy.
Mons Pubis
A pad of fatty tissue over the symphysis pubis, covered by pubic hair at puberty.
Labia Majora
Large lips that extend from the symphysis pubis to the perineum.
Labia Minora
Small folds of skin inside the labia majora, lacking fatty tissue.
Clitoris
A pea-shaped erectile tissue that is sensitive and serves as a site of sexual arousal.
Fourchette
The area at the back of the labia minora that is sensitive and can be torn during delivery.
Vestibule
An almond-shaped area that contains various glands and openings related to the vagina.
Perineum
The muscular structure and space between the anus and the vulva.
Epididymis
Site for the maturation of sperm, comprising coiled tubules.
Vas Deferens
The conduit for spermatozoa from the epididymis.
Seminal Vesicles
Two pouch-like structures that secrete fluids which nourish sperm.
Bulbo-Urethral Gland (Cowper’s Gland)
Produces alkaline fluid to facilitate safe passage of spermatozoa.
Urethra (Male)
A tube leading from the bladder that carries both urine and semen.
Penis
The male organ for copulation, composed of erectile tissue.
Testes
Ovoid glands that produce sperm and testosterone, located in the scrotum.
Scrotum
Muscular pouch that supports the testes and serves as a cooling mechanism.
Menarche
The first menstrual period.
Dysmenorrhea
Painful menstruation.
Metrorrhagia
Bleeding between menstrual cycles.
Menorrhagia
Excessive menstrual bleeding.
Amenorrhea
Absence of menstruation.
Menopause
Cessation of menstruation, average onset at 51 years old.
Menstruation
The cyclical shedding of the endometrium.
Fertilization
The union of an ovum and spermatozoon, occurring in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.
Zygote
The fertilized ovum that begins development.
Morula
A mulberry-like ball of cells, typically free-floating for four days.
Blastocyst
An enlarging cell structure that forms a cavity and later develops into an embryo.
Decidua
The thickened endometrium during pregnancy, with different parts associated with the fetus and placenta.
Hegar’s Sign
Softening of the lower uterine segment, indicating pregnancy.
Ballotement
A physical exam maneuver that allows the examiner to feel fetal movement.
Chadwick’s Sign
Color change of the vagina from pink to violet during pregnancy.
Leukorrhea
Whitish vaginal discharge common in pregnancy.
Pathogenic Anemia
A condition, often related to iron deficiency anemia, resulting in a decreased number of red blood cells.
Shortness of Breath (SOB)
Common issue in pregnancy due to the growing uterus and increased oxygen demand.
Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting experienced during early pregnancy.
Constipation
Common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and decreased activity.
LORDOSIS
An exaggerated curve of the spine commonly seen in pregnant women.
Striae Gravidarum
Stretch marks that appear due to the stretching of the skin during pregnancy.
Full-term Pregnancy
A pregnancy lasting from 38 to 40 weeks.
Labor
The process involving uterine contractions that leads to childbirth.
Puerperium
The period following childbirth, covering the first six weeks postpartum.
Taking-In Phase
The initial phase post-delivery where the mother is passive and focused on her childbirth experience.
Letting Go Phase
The interdependent phase where the mother redefines her roles after childbirth.