key words

external genitalia

sex, or reproductive organs visible on the outside of the body. Genitals

gestation

length of time from conception to birth. Extends approximately 280 days from the last menstrual period. Up to the third month of pregnancy, the product of conception is referred to as the embryo. From the third month to the time of birth, the unborn offspring is referred to as the fetus. When the duration is less than 36 weeks, it is considered premature Causes enlargement of the breasts (possibly painful). Toward the end of pregnancy, the myometrium begin to contract weakly at irregular intervals. Pregnancy

gest-

pregnancy

-ation

process (of)

lactation

production and release of milk by mammary glands

lact-

milk

orifice

mouth; entrance, or outlet of any anatomical structure

internal organs of female reproductive system

ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina

external genetalia

collectively known as the vulva. Includes the labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, Bartholin glands, and mons pubis.

perineum

the area between the vaginal orifice and the anus

ova

female reproductive cells.

ovaries

almond-shaped glands located in the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus.

graafian follicles

tiny, saclike structures that each contain an ovum. Thousands of these structures are in each ovary.

mature follicle

released ovum during ovulation. When an ovum ripens, this structure moves to the surface of the ovary.

corpus luteum

small yellow mass that secretes estrogen and progesterone. After ovulation, the empty follicle transforms into this structure. Degenerates at the end of a nonfertile cycle. Estrogen and progesterone influence the menstrual cycle and menopause. They also prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg, help maintain pregnancy, promote growth of the placenta, and play an important role in development of secondary sex characteristics.

fallopian tubes (oviducts, uterine tubes)

Two of these tubes extend laterally from superior angles of the uterus.

fimbriae

fingerlike projections that create wavelike currents in fluid surrounding the ovary to move the ovum into the uterine tube.

fertilization

takes place if the egg unites with a spermatozoon (male reproductive cell)

uterus

It is a muscular, hollow structure shaped like an inverted pair and is located in the pelvic area between the bladder and rectum. Contains and nourishes the embryo from the time the fertilized egg is implanted until the fetus is born. This organ normally tilts forward (antiflexion) in the pelvic cavity.

fundus

the upper rounded part of the uterus

body

the central part of the uterus

cervix

the inferior constricted portion that opens into the vagina. Neck of the uterus, cervix uteri.

vagina

a muscular tube that extends from the cervix to the exterior of the body. Its lining consists of folds of mucous membrane that give the organ an elastic quality.

Bartholin glands

lubricates the vaginal orifice with secretions during sexual excitement.

clitoris

located anterior to the vaginal orifice, composed of erectile tissue that is richly innervated with sensory endings. Similar in structure to the penis in the male, but small and no urethra.

perineum

the area between the vaginal orifice and the anus. During childbirth, this area may be surgically incised (episiotomy) to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery.

lactation

secretion of milk for the nourishment of the newborn. Breasts begin to develop during puberty as a result of stimulation of the ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone and are fully developed by age 16

adipose tissue

tissue that enlarges the size of breasts until they reach full maturity. Estrogen promotes development of this tissue. Breast size is primarily determined by the amount of fat around the glandular tissue but is not indicative of functional ability.

lactiferous duct

milk-producing glands drain through this duct. This duct opens on the tip of the raised nipple. The areola, border of slightly darker skin circles the nipple.

menarche

initial menstrual period, occurs at puberty (about age 12). Menstruation continues for approximately 40 years, except during pregnancy. The menstrual cycle consists of a series of phases, during which the uterine endometrium changes as at responds to changing levels of ovarian hormones. Menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days.

menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle

days 1-5. Uterine endometrium sloughs off because of hormonal stimulation, a process accompanied by bleeding. The detached tissue and blood are discharged through the vagina as menstrual flow.

ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.

days 6-14. When menstruation ceases, the endometrium begins to thicken as new tissue is rebuilt. As the estrogen level rises, several ova begin to mature in the graafian follicles, usually with only one ovum reaching full maturity. At about the 14th day of the cycle, the graafian follicle ruptures, releasing the egg, a process called ovulation. The egg then leaves the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus.

postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle

days 15-28. The empty graafian follicle fills with a yellow material and is now called the corpus luteum. Secretions of estrogen and progesterone by the corpus luteum stimulate the building of the endometrium in preparation for implantation of an embryo. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum begins to degenerate as estrogen and progesterone levels decrease. With decreased hormone levels, the uterine lining begins to shed, the menstrual cycle starts over again, and the first day of menstruation begins.

premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Some women experience this loose grouping of symptoms. These symptoms usually occur about 5 days after the decrease in hormone levels and include nervous tension, irritability, headaches, breast tenderness, and a feeling of depression.

labor

physiological process by which the fetus is expelled from the uterus

dilation

the first stage of labor. Begins with uterine contractions and terminates when there is complete dilation of the cervix (10 cm).

expulsion

the second stage of labor. The time from complete cervical dilation to birth of the baby.

placental stage (afterbirth)

the third stage of labor. This stage begins shortly after childbirth when the uterine contractions discharge the placenta from the uterus.

menopause

the cessation of ovarian activity and diminished hormone production that occurs at about age 50. Diagnosed by absence of menses for 1 year (amenorrhea).

climacteric or change of life

the period in which symptoms of approaching menopause occur.

vaginal atrophy

vaginal drying and thinning. Many women experience this symptom, and hot flashes as estrogen levels fail.

hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

used to treat vaginal atropy and osteoporosis. Believed to play a role in heart attack prevention. Long-term usage is avoided d/t concern of increased risk in neoplasic changes in estrogen-sensitive aging tissue.

amni/o

amnion (amniotic sac)

-centesis

surgical puncture

cervic/o

neck; cervix uteri (neck of the uterus)

colp/o

vagina

vagin/o

vagina

-scopy

visual examination

galact/o

milk

lact/o

milk

-poiesis

formation, production

-gen

forming, producing, origin

gynec/o

woman, female

hyster/o

uterus (womb)

metri/o

uterus (womb)

uter/o

uterus (womb)

mamm/o

breast

mast/o

breast

-pexy

fixation (of an organ)

men/o

menses, menstruation

-rrhagia

bursting forth (of)

metr/o

uterus (womb); measure

nat/o

birth

pre-

before, in front

oophor/o

ovary

ovari/o

ovary

-rrhexis

rupture

perine/o

perineum (area between the scrotum [or vulva in the female] and anus)

-rrhaphy

suture

salping/o

tube (usually fallopian or eustachian [auditory] tubes)

-arche

beginning

-cyesis

pregnancy

-gravida

pregnant woman

men/o

menses, menstruation

-para

to bear (offspring)

nulli/o

none

-salpinx

tube (usually fallopian or eustachian [auditory] tubes)

-tocia

childbirth, labor

-version

turning

dys-

bad; painful; difficult

primi-

first

ante-

before, in front of

-version

turning

gynecology (GYN)

branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the female reproductive organs and breasts.

obstetrics (OB)

branch of medicine that manages the health of a woman and her fetus during pregnancy and childbirth. This branch includes the puerperium, the period of adjustment after childbirth during which the reproductive organs of the mother return to their normal, non-pregnant state. 6-8 weeks; ends with first ovulation and return of normal menstruation.

endometriosis

presence of functional endometrial tissue in areaas outside the uterus. This tissue develops into implants, (also called: lesions or growths). They can cause pain, infertility, etc. Usually confined to the pelvic area, may appear in the abdominopelvic cavity. Responds to hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

general term for inflammatino of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and adjacent pelvic structures. Usually caused by bacterial infection, but other organisms may be involved. Pathogens generally enter through the vagina during coitus, induced abortion, childbirth, or the postpartum period. As an ascending infection, pathogens spread from the vagina and cervix to the upper structures of the female reproductive tract. Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia cause ~90% of cases. Sx: lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

carcinoma of the breast

most common malignancy of women in the US. Associated with ovarian hormonal function. Diet high in fats predisposes this malignancy. Other contributing factors include family history of disease, and possibly use of HRT. Women who never had children (nulliparous), those who had early onset menarche, or late onset of menopause are more likely to develop this.

cervical cancer

infection associated with sexual activity has relationship to incidence of this malignancy. First coitus at a young age, large number of sex partnetrs, infection with certain sexually transmitted viruses, and frequent intercourse with men whose previous partners had cervical cancer are all contributing factors. Pap test may detect this cancer before it becomes clinically evident.

atresia