Unit 4 Reproductive System

breast

mostly
made up of a collection of fat
cells called adipose tissue. Milk
ducts in the breast carry milk to
the nipple.

cervix

Lower part of the uterus that
connects to the vagina. The
cervix has a small opening that
expands during childbirth. It
also allows menstrual blood to
leave a woman's body.

fallopian tubes

The ovaries are connected to
the uterus by the uterine tubes
(fallopian tubes). The egg
travels through the tube to the
uterus. Fertilization occurs in
the fallopian tubes.

ovaries

Female reproductive organs
responsible for producing eggs
and hormones.

ovulation

Process where that includes the
development of a mature egg
and release from the ovary

peritoneum

A thin, transparent membrane
that lines the abdominal cavity
and covers most of the organs
within it. Plays an important
role in supporting and
protecting the reproductive
organs, including the uterus,
ovaries, fallopian tubes, and
vagina.

uterus

Hollow organ that houses and
nourishes a developing fetus.

vagina

Muscular canal connecting the
uterus to the external genitalia.

breast cancer

cancer that
starts in breast tissue. It
happens when cells in the
breast change and grow out of
control. The cells usually form a
tumor.

fibrocystic breasts

painful,
lumpy breasts. Formerly called
fibrocystic breast disease, this
common condition is, in fact,
not a disease. Many women
experience these normal breast
changes, usually around their
period

galactorrhea

Breast milk production that is
not related to
childbirth

anovulation

When a woman doesn’t ovulate
(release a fully developed egg)
during a menstrual cycle, it’s
called anovulation)

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

a condition in which a woman
has increased levels of male
hormones (androgens). Causes acne, hair growth, ovarian cysts, etc.

salpingitis

refers to an infection of the
uterus, fallopian tubes, or
ovaries.

endometriosis

A condition in which the tissue
that normally grows inside the
uterus grows outside of it

leiomyoma

Benign tumor of the smooth
muscle of the uterus. Also
known as fibroids

leiomyosarcoma

A malignant tumor of the
smooth muscle of the uterus

myometritis

Inflammation of the muscular
layer of the uterus

pyometra

A condition characterized by
the presence of pus in the
uterus

candidiasis

An infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida.
Occurs when there is an imbalance of healthy bacteria and
yeast.

leuokorrhea

Vaginal discharge, typically whitish or yellowish in color. Can be
caused from an estrogen imbalance, a sexually transmitted
disease, or a yeast infection

rectocele

Condition in which the rectum protrudes into the back wall of the
vagina. Can cause pelvic pain. difficulties with defecation,
constipation, and dyspareunia.

amenorrhea

The absence of menstrual
periods in a woman of
reproductive age

dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation

menopause

The natural cessation of
menstrual periods and fertility
in women, typically occurring
around the age of 50

menorrhagia

A condition characterized by
abnormally heavy or prolonged
menstrual bleeding

oligomenorrhea

Abnormally light or infrequent
menstrual periods

colposcopy

Procedure that uses a
colposcope to examine the
cervix, vagina, and vulva

hysterosalpingography

Radiographic examination that
looks at the shape of the uterus
and checks whether the
fallopian tubes are open

mammography

X-ray imaging to screen and
detect breast abnormalities

colporrhaphy

Surgical repair of the vaginal
wall

cryosurgery

A technique that uses extreme
cold to destroy abnormal or
diseased tissue.

hysterectomy

The surgical removal of the
uterus.

oophorectomy

Surgical removal of one or both
ovaries

lumpectomy

The surgical removal of a breast
tumor and a small margin of
surrounding healthy tissue

mammaplasty

Surgical reconstruction of a
breast to restore its shape and
appearance

mastectomy

Surgical removal of one or both
breasts.

salpingectomy

Surgical removal of one or both
fallopian tubes.

gynecologist

A physician who specializes in
the female reproductive system

prostate gland

Produces a milky fluid that
nourishes and protects sperm.

testis

Male reproductive organs
responsible for producing
sperm and testosterone.

epididymis

A tubular structure on the testis
where sperm matures

penis

External male reproductive
organ involved in sexual
intercourse and urination

vas deferens

Responsible for transporting
sperm from the epididymis to
the ejaculatory ducts. The
sperm travels through the
prostrate and empties into the
urethra

sperm

Male gametes necessary for
fertilization

semen

The fluid that contains sperm
and other seminal components.

The process of sperm
production.

Testes (testicles). The testes are
2 small organs that are found
inside the scrotum. The testes
are responsible for making
sperm and are also involved in
producing a hormone called
testosterone

gynecomastia

Enlargement of male breast
tissue.

cryptorchism

A condition where one or both
testicles fail to descend into the
scrotum

epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis.
The epididymis Serves as a site
for sperm maturation and
storage

oligospermia

Condition of low sperm count

orchitis

Pain and swelling of a testes

seminoma

A type of testicular cancer

varicocele

Condition characterized by
enlarged and twisted veins in
the scrotum

benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)

A condition in which the
prostate gland is enlarged and
not cancerous

prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate

balanitis

Inability to retract the foreskin
of the penis

dyspareunia

Difficult or painful sexual
intercourse

phimosis

A condition characterized by
the narrowing of the opening of
the foreskin

priapism

an abnormal often painful
persistent erection of the penis

chlamydia

A sexually transmitted bacterial
infection that has relatively few
symptoms which is why it is
known as the "silent infection."

genital herpes

A sexually transmitted disease
caused by the herpes simplex
virus. Causes small blisters on
or around the genitals, rectum,
or mouth. It can be managed,
but not cured.

genital warts (HPV)

Genital warts caused by the
Human Papilloma virus. If left
untreated, the warts are
associated with cervical cancer.

gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted disease
(STD) caused by a bacterial
infection. Infects the
mucous membranes of the
reproductive tract.

syphilis

Sexually transmitted bacterial
infection that causes chancre
(SHANG - kur) which is a small
sore. If it is not treated the
disease progresses and can
become life threatening

trichomoniasis

Common STD that comes from
a parasite. The symptoms are
itching and discomfort during
urination. and in females, a
fishy smell. It is treatable.

Blood Test prostate specific antigen (PSA)

Screening for prostate cancer. A

High PSA can be associated with

prostate cancer as well as other

prostrate problems. High PSA

counts may indicate a need for

biopsy

Semen analysis

Semen that contains no sperm

Semen analysis morphology

The study of size and shape of
the sperm.

Semen analysis motility

The study of the movement of
the sperm

digital rectal examination

An exam of the lower rectum.
The health care provider uses a
gloved, lubricated finger to
check for any abnormal
findings.

testicular self-examination (TSE)

A testicular self-exam (TSE) is
an easy way for males to check
their own testicles to make sure
there aren't any unusual lumps
or bumps - which can be the
first sign of testicular
cancer.

circumcision

Procedure that involves the
surgical removal of the foreskin
from the penis.

orchiectomy

The surgical removal of one or
both testicles.

orchiopexy

A surgical procedure to move
undescended testicles into the
scrotum

prostatectomy

The surgical removal of the
prostate gland

vasectomy

Surgical procedure in which the
vas deferens, the tube that
carries sperm from the testicles
to the urethra, is cut or
blocked.

vasovasostomy

Reversal of a vasectomy.
The vas deferens is reopened
after a vasectomy.