Chapter 8: Terms to Define

Amenorrhea

absence of menstruation

Amniocentesis

the sampling of amniotic fluid using a hollow needle inserted into the uterus, to screen for developmental abnormalities in a fetus.

Corpus luteum

empty ovarian follicle that secretes progesterone after release of the egg cell

Dysmenorrhea

painful menstruation

Embryo

the developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the second month

Episiotomy

surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vagina and so facilitate delivery during childbirth

Gestation

growth process from conception to birth

Ovarian follicles

contain oocytes in various stages of development, follicular cells and granulosa cells

Hysterectomy

surgical removal of the uterus

Lactation

production of milk

Mammoplasty

surgical repair of the breast

Mastitis

inflammation of the breast

Menarche

the first menstrual period

HCG

human chorionic gonadotropin

Menorrhagia

excessive menstrual bleeding

Metrorrhagia

bleeding from the uterus at any time other than normal menstruation

Multipara

woman who has given birth to two or more children

Neonatal

pertaining to newborn

Placenta

A structure that allows an embryo to be nourished with the mother's blood supply

Parturition

process of giving birth

Primigravida

a woman who is pregnant for the first time

Oligomenorrhea

scanty or infrequent menstrual flow

Retroversion

Retroversion

Ectopic pregnancy

implantation of the fertilized egg in any site other than the normal uterine location

Endometriosis

a condition in which patches of endometrial tissue escape the uterus and become attached to other structures in the pelvic cavity

Fibrocystic disease

benign condition in which numerous fibrous and fluid filled cysts form in one or both breasts

Hydrocephalus

accumulation of fluid in the spaces of the brain

Laparoscopy

visual examination of the abdominal cavity using an endoscope

Fibroids

benign tumors in the uterus

Pap smear

test for early detection of cervical cancer; scraping of cells removed from cervix for examination under microscope.

Apgar

appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration

Placenta previa

implantation of the placenta over the cervical opening or in the lower region of the uterus

Preeclampsia

a complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, edema, and proteinuria