Female Reproductive System Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering female reproductive anatomic structures, developmental stages, and gynecologic symptomatic terms.

vulva

external genitalia of the female

labia

folds of tissue on either side of the vaginal opening; known as the labia majora and labia minora

clitoris

female erectile tissue in the anterior portion of the vulva

hymen

fold of mucous membrane that encircles the entrance to the vagina

introitus

entrance to the vagina

Bartholin glands

two glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that secrete a lubricant during intercourse

perineum

region between the vulva and anus

mammary glands

two glands in the female breasts that are capable of producing milk

mammary papilla

nipple

areola

dark-pigmented area around the nipple

embryo

the developing organism from fertilization to the end of the eighth week

fetus

the developing organism from the ninth week to birth

placenta

vascular organ that develops in the uterine wall during pregnancy to provide nourishment for the fetus (placenta = cake)

amnion

innermost of the membranes surrounding the embryo in the uterus, filled with amniotic fluid

amniotic fluid

fluid within the amniotic sac that surrounds and protects the fetus

meconium

intestinal discharges of the fetus that form the first stools in the newborn

amenorrhea

absence of menstruation

dysmenorrhea

painful menstruation

oligomenorrhea

scanty menstrual period

anovulation

absence of ovulation

dyspareunia

painful intercourse (coitus) (dys = painful; para = alongside of; eunia = bed)

leukorrhea

abnormal white or yellow vaginal discharge

menorrhagia

excessive bleeding at the time of menstruation (menses)

metrorrhagia

bleeding from the uterus at any time other than normal menstruation

oligo-ovulation

irregular ovulation