Female and Male Reproductive Systems Medical Terminology

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy, physiology, pathological conditions, diagnostic procedures, and surgical interventions of both the female and male reproductive systems.

Ovaries

Two paired glands located on each side of the uterus within the pelvic cavity that produce estrogen and progesterone to regulate puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy.

Fallopian tubes

Ducts extending laterally at a superior angle from the uterus that provide a pathway for the ovum to enter the uterus.

Fimbriae

Fingerlike projections located at the end of the fallopian tubes that propel the ovum into the oviduct.

Uterus

A muscular, hollow, pear-shaped structure suspended by ligaments in the pelvic cavity that houses and nourishes the embryo from implantation until birth.

Vagina

A muscular tube extending from the cervix to the exterior of the body that serves as the female organ of sexual intercourse and the passageway for delivery of the fetus.

Clitoris

An organ of sexual response in females located anterior to the vaginal orifice, composed of erectile tissue and rich in sensory nerve endings.

Vulva

The external genital structures of the female that protect the internal genitals, primarily comprising the labia majora and labia minora.

Labia majora

The thicker, outermost structures of the vulva.

Labia minora

The smooth, thin, inner structures of the vulva.

Mammary glands

Glandular lobes situated within the breasts containing milk ducts leading to the nipple, responsible for producing milk to nourish the neonate following birth.

Ectopic pregnancy

The abnormal implantation and growth of a fertilized ovum outside the uterine cavity, most commonly occurring within a fallopian tube and resulting in a non-viable fetus.

Breast cancer

A collection of malignant neoplasms of the breast usually originating in the cells of the milk-producing lobules or milk ducts; it is the most common malignancy among women in the United States.

Lumpectomy

Surgical excision of a small, malignant breast tumor along with adjacent breast tissue to remove potentially spread cancerous cells.

Modified radical mastectomy

Surgical removal of the entire breast and axillary (underarm) lymph nodes while leaving the chest wall muscles intact.

Endometriosis

The presence and growth of endometrial tissue in areas outside the uterine cavity, occurring most commonly within the pelvic area.

Dyspareunia

Painful sexual intercourse, noted as a clinical symptom of conditions such as endometriosis.

Subtotal hysterectomy

Surgical removal in which only the uterus is excised, leaving the cervix in place.

Total hysterectomy

Surgical excision in which both the uterus and the cervix are completely removed.

Total hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Complete surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, both fallopian tubes, and both ovaries.

Transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap

A reconstructive surgical procedure creating a breast mound by tunneling a flap of lower abdominal skin and fat under the skin to the breast site and suturing it into place.

Insufflation

The introduction of air or gas into the abdominal cavity during laparoscopy to facilitate the visualization of internal organs.

Laparoscopy

Visual examination of the interior of the abdomen using an endoscope (laparoscope) passed through one or more small abdominal incisions, usually at the umbilicus.

Papanicolaou (Pap) smear

A diagnostic screening test involving visual examination of the vagina and cervix and the collection of cellular samples, mucus, discharge, or exudates to detect pathology.

Mammography

A radiographic ($x\text{-ray}$) examination of flattened breast tissue using a specialized machine designed to detect benign or malignant growths obscured on regular chest radiographs.

Culdoscopy

Endoscopic examination of the pelvic cavity performed by inserting an endoscope through the posterior fornix or wall of the vagina to inspect for endometriosis or adhesions.

Amniocentesis

Transabdominal puncture of the amniotic sac guided by ultrasound to aspirate amniotic fluid for biochemical analysis, genetic disorder detection, and assessment of fetal maturity.

Testes

Paired male reproductive glands situated within the scrotum responsible for spermatogenesis (sperm production) and testosterone secretion.

Epididymis

A comma-shaped structure situated atop each testis that serves as the storage reservoir for sperm prior to ejaculation.

Vas deferens

The excretory duct that transports mature sperm from the epididymis toward the ejaculatory duct.

Seminal vesicle

Glands that secrete nutrient-rich fluid to support sperm, providing approximately $60\%$ of the total volume of ejaculated semen.

Ejaculatory duct

The tubular passage formed by the union of the vas deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle through which semen enters the urethra.

Bulbourethral (Cowper) glands

Small glands located near the urethra that secrete an alkaline fluid essential for maintaining sperm viability.

Prostate gland

A triple-lobed organ situated at the base of the bladder that secretes an alkaline fluid to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina and protect sperm.

Penis

The male copulatory organ composed of erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra, serving to expel urine and semen from the body.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

A widespread infection of the internal female reproductive organs frequently caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections, which commonly leads to sterility.

Gonorrhea

A bacterial sexually transmitted infection spread by sexual contact that presents with white discharge (leukorrhea) and can cause neonatal eye infection, cystitis, or arthritis if left untreated.

Leukorrhea

A white genital discharge occurring as a cardinal symptom of gonorrhea.

Chlamydia

A bacterial sexually transmitted infection commonly known as the 'silent disease' due to its frequent lack of symptoms, capable of causing conjunctivitis or pneumonia in newborns during delivery.

Genital herpes

A sexually transmitted viral infection presenting with painful, blisterlike lesions in the genital tract resembling oral cold sores, containing highly contagious exudate and manageable only with antiviral therapy.

Condylomata

Genital warts occurring in clusters on the genitals, anus, penis, or cervix resulting from a viral infection, with certain high-risk viral strains predisposing patients to cervical or penile cancer.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

A nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland that can compress the urethra and cause urinary flow obstruction, hesitancy, nocturia, and urinary retention.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

A surgical procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia involving excision of excess prostate tissue through the urethra using a resectoscope or electrocautery loop.

Vasectomy

A surgical sterilization procedure in males consisting of bilateral cutting and tying off the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculatory fluid.

Vasovasostomy

Microsurgical surgical re-anastomosis or reversal procedure that reconnects the severed ends of the vas deferens to restore fertility.

Brachytherapy

A radiation oncology procedure wherein radioactive 'seeds' are implanted directly at the tumor site to eradicate malignant tissue while sparing surrounding normal tissues.

Digital rectal examination (DRE)

A physical examination technique using rectal palpation with a gloved, lubricated finger to evaluate prostate size, consistency, and identify irregular nodules or lumps.

Semen analysis

A laboratory evaluation of ejaculated seminal fluid assessing volume, sperm morphology, and motility to evaluate fertility or confirm the success of a vasectomy.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test

A blood test measuring levels of a prostate-synthesized glycoprotein, where elevated values signal prostate cancer, prostatomegaly, or prostatitis.