HLTH Ch 15 Female Reproductive System

vagina

• a muscular canal extending from the cervical os to the vulva

• the birth canal

uterus

• the womb

• the organ where the ova implants and the fetus develops and grows

cervix

inferior, neck-shaped part of the uterus

perimetrium

• the outermost layer of the uterus

• structurally it is part of the visceral peritoneum

myometrium

middle, muscular layer of the uterus

endometrium

thin inner lining of the uterus

clitoris

erectile tissue that is aroused during sexual stimulation

hymen

a thin membrane that partly occludes the vaginal orifice of some females

labia majora

the pair of thicker and larger, lateral skin folds of the vulva

labia minora

the pair of thinner and smaller, medial skin folds of the vulva

mons pubis

a pad of fatty tissue that overlies the front of the pubic bone

vaginal vestibule

the space between the two labia minora

vulva

the external female genitalia

menopause

• permanent end of menstruation

• after 12 continuous months w/o menses

• marks the end of childbearing years

ovulation

• the release of an ovum from an ovary

• It occurs after a mature follicle containing an oocyte rises to the surface of the ovary and ruptures, thus releasing the ovum

gynecology/ gynecologist

medical specialty/professional that specializes in the diagnosis and
treatment of the female reproductive system

obstetrics/ obstetrician

medical specialty/professional that specializes in the treatment of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period

mastalgia

breast pain

ovarian cyst

• cyst that develops within the ovary

• burst cysts can causing bleeding, pain

cyst

fluid or semi-solid material that has a distinct wall or capsule

endometriosis

• a condition of endometrial tissue in the abdominal or pelvic cavity outside the uterus

• endometrial tissue that has escaped from the uterus and attaches to other structures in the abdomen

• may cause severe abdominal pain during menstruation

uterine fibroid

benign uterine tumor resembling a fibrous mass of tissue

uterine prolapse

• aka: hysteroptosis

• the uterus collapses/drops/falls out of place, into or through the vagina

• due to weakening of the ligaments that hold it in place

salpingitis

inflammation/infection of the fallopian (uterine) tube

vaginitis

• inflammation/infection of the vaginal tissue

• aka: colpitis

amenorrhea

absence or abnormal cessation of one’s menses (menstrual flow)

dysmenorrhea

painful menstruation, refers to menstrual cramps that are severe
enough to interfere with daily activities

menorrhea

normal flow/menstrual bleeding

menorrhagia

abnormally heavy/excessive bleeding during menses

metrorrhagia

uterine bleeding between a woman’s normal menstrual cycles

conception

• the union of an egg (ova) and sperm to form a zygote

• aka: fertilization

amniotic sac

• the inner membranous sac that surrounds the embryo/fetus

• suspends the fetus in amniotic fluid

placenta

the organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, allowing metabolic interchange between the mother and fetus

postpartum

• the period shortly after birth when the woman’s body recovers from the pregnancy and childbirth

• lasts ~ 6-8 weeks

post-

after, behind

primi-

first

nulligravid

a woman that has never been pregnant

multigravid

a woman who has been pregnant two or more times

preterm

• a neonate delivered before 37 weeks, 0 days of gestation

• aka: premature

neonate

• a newborn infant

• 1st 28 days of life

dilation

widening of the cervix so the baby can pass through the birth canal

effacement

the natural thinning of the cervix in preparation for labor and delivery

breech

the presentation of a fetus’ buttocks first (complete breech) or feet first (footling breech) at time of birth

crowning

used to identify the appearance of the baby's head at the vaginal orifice

colostrum

• thin, watery breast milk secreted for 2-5 days after birth

• rich in antibodies

meconium

• the first bowel movement of the newborn

• greenish-black in color and tarry in consistency

ectopic pregnancy

any pregnancy that is not intrauterine, the fertilized egg implants in the uterine tubes or elsewhere

ectopic

out of place, not in a normal position

hyperemesis gravidarum

persistent, excessive vomiting during pregnancy

olig/o

scanty, few, too little

polyhydramnios

production of too much amniotic fluid

placental abruption

the tearing away of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery of the baby

-centesis

to puncture, to withdraw fluid

pap smear

removal and examination of cells taken from the cervix to check for
precancerous/cancerous cells

oophorosalpingohysterectomy

surgical excision (removal) of bilateral ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus

episiotomy

surgical incision into the vulva/perineum if it’s at risk of tearing in
childbirth

contraceptive

an agent that prevents pregnancy/ conception

oxytocin

a synthesized version given to induce labor and improve uterine contractions

teratogen

agent that causes fetal deformities