Ch 7 Female Reproductive System Terms

Anatomy of the female reproductive system includes:

external genitals, internal reproductive system, and the breasts.

External female reproductive structures:
-referred to:
-includes:

-referred to as the vuvla
-includes: mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, perineum, vestibule, vestibular glands (Bartholin’s glands).

Internal female reproductive organs:

vagina, uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Lactobacillus:

most common type of normal flora, healthy bacteria protecting against infection, that secretes lactic acid.

3 sections of the uterus:

inferior portion (cervix), middle section (corpus) the body of the uterus, and superior portion (fundus)

3 layers of the uterus:

perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium.

Areolar region:

Characterized by small, raised areolar glands that secrete lubricating fluid during lactation to protect the nipple from chapping.

3 main parts of breasts:

lobules, ducts, and connective tissue

-lobules: mammary glands composed of alveoli (tiny sacs) that produce milk.
-lactiferous ducts: tubes that carry milk to the nipple.
-connective tissue: consist of fibrous and fatty tissue, surrounds and holds everything together.

3 phases of the menstrual cycle:

follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases
Also referred to as menses, proliferative, and secretory uterine cycles.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Unusual bleeding from the vagina, including very heavy menstrual flow, bleeding between cycles, or prolonged bleeding.

Adenocarcinoma in situ

-def
-pronunciation

Condition where advanced, precancerous cells found in the glandular tissue of the cervix.

ăd-ĕ-nō-kăr-sĭ-NŌ-mă ĭn SĪ-tū

Adnexa

-def
-pronunciation

The accessory structures of the uterus include the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

ăd-NĔK-să

Amenorrhea

-def
-pronunciation

Absence of menstrual flow.

ă-mĕn-ŏ-RĒ-ă

Anovulation

-def
-pronunciation

Absence of ovulation when an egg is not released from the ovaries.

an-ov-yŭ-LĀ-shŏn

Bartholin’s glands

-def
-pronunciation

Glands that secrete mucus to keep the vestibular area moist, located near the vaginal opening.

BAR-thō-lĭns glăns

Bilateral oophorectomy

-def
-pronunciation

Removal of both ovaries.

bī-LĂT-ĕr-ăl ō-ŏ-fŏ-REK-tŏ-mē

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

-def
-pronunciation

Removal of both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.

bī-LĂT-ĕr-ăl săl-pĭng-gō-ō-ŏ-fŏ-REK-tŏ-mē

Biopsy

-def
-pronunciation

Diagnostic procedure where tissue, fluid, or lymph nodes are removed for examination under a microscope.

BĪ-ŏp-sē

Breast cancer

-def
-pronunciation

Malignant tumors developing from breast tissue cells.

brest KAN-sĕr

Breast magnetic resonance imaging

-def
-pronunciation
-abbreviation

Diagnostic imaging technique used to create detailed images of the breast tissue, often used in detecting and evaluating breast abnormalities.

brĕst măg-NĔT-ĭk rĕz-ŏ-NĂNS ĬM-ă-jĭng

(MRI)

Breast ultrasound

-def
-pronunciation

Diagnostic imaging technique using sound waves to create images of the breast tissue.

brĕst ŭl-tră-sŏwnd

Breast-conserving surgery

-def
-pronunciation

Surgical procedure removing only the cancerous parts of the breast, not the entire breast.

brĕst kŏn-sĕr-vĭng sŭr-jĕr-ē

Cervical cancer

-def
-pronunciation

Cancer arising from the cervix, often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

SĔR-vi-kăl KAN-sĕr

Cervix

-def
-pronunciation

The lower part of the uterus, connecting the uterus to the vagina.

SĔR-vĭks

Chemotherapy

-def
-pronunciation

Use of drugs to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.

kē-mō-THĔR-ă-pē

Clitoris

-def
-pronunciation

Erectile tissue originates from the same fetal cells as the penis, containing abundant nerves important in sexual sensation and orgasm.

KLĬT-ŏ-rĭs

Cold knife conization

-def
-pronunciation

Procedure using a scalpel or laser to remove a cone-shaped section of abnormal cervical tissue.

kōld nīf kŏn-ĭ-ZĀ-shŏn

Colposcopy

-def
-pronunciation

Procedure using a lighted magnifying instrument to examine the cervix and potentially remove tissue for biopsy.

kōl-PŎS-kō-pē

Conception

-def
-pronunciation

Process of a sperm fertilizing an ovum, forming a zygote.

kŏn-sĕp-shŏn

Contraception

-def
-pronunciation

Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy.

kon-tră-SEP-shŏn

Corpus luteum

-def
-pronunciation

Temporary endocrine structure in female ovaries involved in the production of relatively high levels of progesterone and moderate levels of estrogen and inhibin A.

KŌR-pus LŪ-tē-um

Cryotherapy

-def
-pronunciation

Treatment using extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue.

krī-ō-THĔR-ă-pē

Cystocele

-def
-pronunciation
-also referred to as

Prolapse of the bladder into the vagina, often referred to as an anterior vaginal prolapse.

SĬS-tō-sēl

Diagnostic mammogram

-def
-pronunciation

Enhanced mammogram used when an area of the breast looks abnormal on a screening mammogram.

dī-ăg-nŏs-tĭk mă-mō-grăm

Dilation & Curettage

-def
-pronunciation
-abbreviation

Surgical procedure to remove tissue from inside of the uterus.

dī-LĀ-shŏn and kūr-ĕ-täj

(D&C)

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

-def
-pronunciation

Abnormal bleeding from the uterus, often due to hormonal imbalances.

dĭs-fŭnk-shŭn-ăl YŪ-tĕr-ĭn blēd-ing

Dysmenorrhea

-def
-pronunciation

Painful menstruation, often with cramps.

dĭs-mĕn-ŏ-RĒ-ă

Dysparenuria

-def
-pronunciation

Pain during sexual intercourse.

dĭs-păr-ĕn-ŪR-ē-ă

Ectopic pregnancy

-def
-pronunciation

Pregnancy where the embryo implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.

ĕk-TŌP-ĭk PRĔG-năn-sē

Embryo

-def
-pronunciation

Early development stage of an organism following fertilization.

Ĕm-brē-ō

Endometrial ablation

-def
-pronunciation

Procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding.

en-dō-MĒ-trē-ăl ă-BLĀ-shŏn

Endometrial cancer

-def
-pronunciation

Cancer that originates in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).

en-dō-MĒ-trē-ăl KAN-sĕr)

Endometrial sampling

-def
-pronunciation

Procedure to remove tissue from the endometrium for examination under a microscope.

ĕn-dō-MĒ-trē-ăl săm-plĭng

Endometriosis

-def
-pronunciation

Painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

en-dō-mē-trē-Ō-sĭs

Endometrium

-def
-pronunciation

Innermost lining of the uterus, providing the site for implantation of a fertilized egg or shedding during menstruation.

en-dō-MĒ-trē-um

Estrogen

-def
-pronunciation

Hormone produced by the ovaries, playing a key role in the female reproductive system, including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

ĔS-trŏ-jen

Fallopian tubes

-def
-pronunciation

Tubes that transport oocytes from the ovary to the uterus.

fă-LŌP-ē-ăn toobs

Fibrocystic breasts

-def
-pronunciation

Condition characterized by lumpy or ropelike breast tissue, often experiencing pain, tenderness, and lumpiness especially before menstruation.

fī-brō-SĬS-tĭk brests

Fimbriae

-def
-pronunciation

Fringe-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes, near the ovaries, that help guide the ovum into the tube after ovulation.

FĬM-brē-ā

Fistula

-def
-pronunciation

Abnormal passageway between 2 organs or between an internal organ and the body surface. context of the female reproductive system, it could be between the vagina and another organ such as the urinary bladder, colon, or rectum.

FIS-chŭ-lă

Follicle stimulating hormone

-def
-pronunciation
-abbreviation

Hormone released by the brain that stimulates the growth of ova (eggs) in the ovaries.

FŎL-ĭ-kl stĭm-YŪ-lā-ting HŌR-mōn

(FSH)

Follicles

-def
-pronunciation

context of the female reproductive system, are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, each containing an immature ovum (egg).

FŎL-ĭ-klz

Follicular phase

-def
-pronunciation

menstrual cycle phase where the endometrium thickens and follicle growth is stimulated by FSH and LH.

FŎL-ĭk-yŭ-lăr fāz

Gynecologist

-def
-pronunciation

Medical doctor specializing in the health of the female reproductive systems and the breasts.

gīn-ĕ-KOL-ŏ-jĭst

Gynecology

-def
-pronunciation

Study of the female reproductive system.

gī-nĕ-KOL-ŏ-jē

High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions

-def
-pronunciation
-abbreviation

More serious changes in the cervical cells that indicate a higher risk of progressing to cervical cancer.

hī-grād SKWĀ-mŭs ĭn-tră-ĕ-pĭ-THĒ-lē-ăl LĒ-zhŭns

(HSIL)

Hirsutism

-def
-pronunciation

Excessive hair growth on the face and body, often symptom of PCOS.

HĬR-sū-tĭz-ŭm

Hormonal therapy

-def
-pronunciation

Treatment using hormones to block cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.

hōr-MŌ-năl THĔR-ă-pē

HPV test

-def

A test to check for infection with high-risk types of human papillomaviruses that can lead to cervical cancer.

Human papillomavirus

-def
-pronunciation
-abbreviation

A group of viruses, some of which can cause genital warts and are associated with an increased risk of cervical and other types of cancers.

HYŪ-măn pă-pĭ-lō-mă VĪ-rŭs

(HPV)

Hysterectomy

-def
-pronunciation

Surgical removal of the uterus, may include the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other surrounding structures.

his-tĕ-REK-tŏ-mē

Hysteroscopy

-def
-pronunciation

procedure to look inside the uterus using a thin, telescope-like device inserted through the vagina and cervix.

his-tĕ-ROS-kŏ-pē

Implantation

-def
-pronunciation

Process which a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to begin pregnancy.

ĭm-plan-TĀ-shŏn

Infertility

-def
-pronunciation

Inability to conceive after a year or more of regular sexual activity without contraception.

ĭn-fĕr-TĬL-ĭ-tē

Intrauterine devices

-def
-pronunciation

Devices inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy; may release hormones or be made of copper.

ĬN-tră-YŪ-tĕr-ĭn dĕ-VĪS-ĭz

Irregular bleeding

-def
-pronunciation

Bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause.

ĭ-rĕg-yŭ-lăr blēd-ing

Labia majora

-def
-pronunciation

Large outer folds of hair-covered skin that begin just posterior to the mons pubis.

LĀ-bē-ă mă-JŌR-ă

Labia minora

-def
-pronunciation

Thinner, hairless, and more pigmented folds found medially to the labia majora, protecting the female urethra and the entrance to the female reproductive tract.

LĀ-bē-ă mĭ-NŌR-ă

Lactation

-def
-pronunciation

Process of producing milk in the mammary glands to feed an infant.

lak-TĀ-shŏn

Lactiferous ducts

-def
-pronunciation

Tubes carrying milk from the mammary glands (lobules) to the nipple.

lăk-TĬF-ĕr-ŭs dŭkts

Laparoscopy

-def
-pronunciation

Surgical procedure using a laparoscope to examine the organs inside the abdomen.

lăp-ă-RŎS-kŏ-pē

Laparotomy

-def
-pronunciation

Surgical procedure with a large incision in the abdomen to access the abdominal organs.

lăp-ă-RŎT-ŏ-mē

Laser therapy

-def
-pronunciation

use of an intense light beam (laser) to treat various medical conditions, including abnormal cervical tissue.

LĀ-zĕr THĔR-ă-pē

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure

-def
-pronunciation
-abbreviation

Surgical technique used to remove abnormal cervical tissue using a thin wire loop that carries an electric current.

lōōp ĕ-lĕk-trō-SŬR-jĭ-kăl ĕk-SĬZ-shŭn prō-SĒ-jŭr

(LEEP)

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions

-def
-pronunciation
-abbreviation

Changes in the cervical cells that are often associated with HPV infection and are typically mild, often resolving on their own.

lō-grād SKWĀ-mŭs ĭn-tră-ĕ-pĭ-THĒ-lē-ăl LĒ-zhŭns

(LSIL)

Luteinizing hormone

-def
-pronunciation
-abbreviation

Hormone involved in triggering ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

LŪ-tē-ĭ-nīz-ĭng HŌR-mōn

(LH)

Lymph node dissection

-def
-pronunciation

Surgical removal of lymph nodes to examine for the presence of cancer.

lĭmf nōd dĭ-sĕk-shŏn

Lymphadenectomy

-def
-pronunciation

Another term for lymph node dissection, often used in the context of cancer treatment.

lĭmf-ăd-ĕ-NEK-tŏ-mē

Mammogram

-def
-pronunciation

X-ray image of the breast used to detect and diagnose breast abnormalities.

MĂM-ō-grăm

Mastitis

-def
-pronunciation

Inflammation of the breast, often occurring during lactation.

mas-TĪT-ĭs

Medical oncologists

-def
-pronunciation

Physicians specializing in treating cancer with medication.

mĕd-ĭ-kăl ŏn-KOL-ŏ-jĭsts

Menarche

-def
-pronunciation

First occurrence of menstruation in a female.

mĕn-ĂR-kē

Menometrorrhagia

-def
-pronunciation

Excessive and prolonged uterine bleeding occurring at irregular and/or frequent intervals.

mĕn-ō-mĕt-rō-RĀ-jē-ă

Menopause

-def
-pronunciation

The end of menstrual cycles in a woman’s life, marking the end of reproductive years.

MĔN-ŏ-păwz

Menorrhagia

-def
-pronunciation

Excessive menstrual bleeding.

mĕn-ō-RĀ-jē-ă

Menstruation

-def
-pronunciation