female reproductive system medical terminology

vagina

muscular canal extending from the cervical to the vulva; birth canal

uterus

womb; organ where the ova implants and the fetus

intra

within, into, inside

corpus

central body of the uterus; central aspect of a structure

corp/o

body

cervic/o

neck, cervix

perimetrium

outermost layer of the uterus

peri-

around

myometrium

middle, muscular layer of the uterus

endometrium

thin inner lining of the uterus; thickens during menstrual cycle and then sheds

mamm/o

breast

vulva

external female genitalia

clitoris

erectile tissue that is aroused during sexual stimulation

labia majora

two thicker and larger, lateral skin folds of the vulva

mons pubis

pad of fatty tissue that overlies the front of the pubic bone

vaginal vestibule

space between the two labia minora where the urethral meatus and vagina os are located

-ule

little, small

menses

normal monthly uterine bleeding

menstrual cycle

refers to physiological/hormonal changes affecting menstruation

menopause

permanent ending of menstrual periods

ovarian cycle

physiologic/hormonal changes in the ovaries; includes follicle, ovulation, and luteal phase

ovulation

release of an oocyte from a follicle

gynecology

study of the diseases and disorders of female reproductive system

gynec/o

women, female

neonatology

study of disorders of the newborn

neo-

new

nat/o

birth

obstetrics

medical specialty for the treatment of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period

mastalgia

breast pain

mast/o

breast

ovarian cyst

cyst that develops within the ovary, burst cysts can causing bleeding, pain

cyst

liquid or semi-solid material that has a distinct wall or capsule

endometriosis

endometrial tissue in the abdominal or pelvic cavity outside the uterus; attaches to other structures in the abdomen

-osis

abnormal condition

uterine fibroid

benign uterine tumor resembling fibrous tissue

-ptosis

prolapse, droop

salpingitis

inflammation/infection of the fallopian tube

colpodynia

vaginal pain

culp/o

vagina

vaginitis - colpitis

inflammation/infection of the vaginal tissue

-dynia

pain

amenorrhea

absence or abnormal cessation of menses

a-

no, not, without

dysmenorrhea

painful menstruation, menstrual cramps that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities

dys-

painful, difficult, abnormal

menorrhagia

abnormally heavy/excessive bleeding during menses

metorrhagia

uterine bleeding between woman’s normal menstrual cycle

metr/o

uterus

conception - fertilization

union of and egg (ova) and sperm to form a zygote

fetal period

period from the 9th week of gestation to birth

fetus

developing unborn offspring

amniotic sac

inner membranous sac that surrounds the embryo/ fetus

placenta

organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, allowing metabolic interchange between the mother and fetus

umbilical cord

connects a fetus to the placenta

postpartum

period shortly after birth when the woman’s body recovers from the pregnancy and childbirth

ante-

before

-partum

pregnancy

nulli-

none

-gravid(a)

pregnancy

-para

to bear, bring forth

preterm - premature

neonate delivered before 37 weeks of gestation

neonate

newborn infant

perinatal

time encompassing the late stages of pregnancy, the labor and delivery process, and the initial days/weeks following childbirth

-tocia

labor, childbirth

dilation

widening of the cervix so the baby can pass through the birth canal

effacement

natural thinning of the cervix in preparation for labor and delivery

-ment

resulting state

breech

presentation of a fetus buttocks first or feet first at time of birth

crowning

baby’s head appearing at the vaginal orifice

colostrum

thin, watery breast milk secreted for 2-5 days after birth

meconium

first bowel movement of the newborn; greenish black in color and tarry in consistency

ectopic pregnancy

any pregnancy that is not intrauterine, the fertilized egg implants in the uterine tubes or elsewhere

ectopic

out of place, not in a normal position

hyperemesis - gravidarum

persistent, excessive vomiting during pregnancy

polyhydramnios

production of too much amniotic fluid

preeclampsia

hypertension, edema, and/or proteinuria during pregnancy

eclampsia

hypertension, edema, and proteinuria and convulsive seizures during pregnancy

placental abruption

tearing away of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery of the baby

placenta previa

placenta develops near or over the cervix/birth canal

-centesis

to puncture

amniocentesis

surgical puncture

pap smear

removal and examination of cells taken from the cervix

-scopy

process of viewing

-scope

instrument to view

-gram

a record

-graphy

process of recording

contra-

against, opposite

episiotomy

surgical incision into the vulva/perineum if its a risk of tearing in childbirth

-tomy

surgical incision

-ectomy

surgical excision

-plasty

surgical repair

oophorosalpingohysterectomy

surgical excision of bilateral ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus

salping/o

fallopian tube

contraceptive

agent that prevents pregnancy/conception

oxytocin

synthesized version of oxytocin given to induce labor and improve uterine contractions

teratogen

agent that causes fetal deformities