Vocab: Pregnancy & Reproduction

ectopic pregnancy

pregnancy in which embryo begins to grow outside the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes

edema

swelling, retention of fluid in body tissues

embryo

name given to the fertilized ovum until 8 weeks after its initial conception

endometriosis

when tissue normally lining uterus grows in another area of body (such as abdomen)

epidural

type of local anesthesia used to relieve delivery pain

episiotomy

incision made in tissue around vagina in order to ease final stage of delivery

fallopian tubes

tubes extending from ovaries to uterus

fetus

name given to baby in womb from 8 weeks old until birth

gestational age

duration of the pregnancy, measured from the 1st day of last menstrual period

lanugo

fine hairs present on body of fetus

lightening

time when baby descends into pelvic cavity in preparation for birth (aka engagement)

miscarriage

spontaneous ending of pregnancy prior to 24 weeks’ gestation

neural tube defects

abnormalities in spinal cord

obstetrician

doctor specializing in care of women doing pregnancy and childbirth

ovulation

release of egg from ovary

perineum

region between anus and genitals

placenta

structure through which fetus receives nourishment and oxygen during gestation

placental abruption

premature separation of placenta from uterine wall

placental previa

condition in which placenta partially or fully covers cervix, hindering vaginal delivery

postpartum

meaning after birth

pre-eclampsia

disorder of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, edema, and kidney malfunction

stillbirth

delivery of dead fetus after 28 weeks’ gestation

trimester

1/3 of a pregnancy

tubal pregnancy

most common form of ectopic pregnancy, where fertilized egg begins to develop in a fallopian tube

umbilical cord

where fetus draws blood from the placenta

vernix

white, waxy substance covering fetus in the uterus

Changes to the cervix during ovulation (3)

moves forward, widens opening, thinner mucus

Changes to the cervix when not ovulating (3)

moves back, closes opening, thicker mucus

where is sperm created?

testicles

where does sperm mature?

epididymis

where is sperm stored?

vas deferens

the “janitor” of the reproductive system, releasing pre-ejaculation

Cowper’s gland

epididymis extends how many feet if it were to be stretched out?

20

parts of sperm cell (4):

acrosome, nucleus, mitochondria, flagellum

part of the male reproductive system responsible for regulating temperature for sperm production (lowers when too hot, rises when too cold)

scrotum