Female Reproductive System Terminology

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the female reproductive system, including medical terminology, procedures, and conditions.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

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

Adenocarcinoma in situ

A condition where advanced, precancerous cells are found in the glandular tissue of the cervix.

Adnexa

The accessory structures of the uterus, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstrual flow.

Anovulation

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

Bartholin’s glands

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

Bilateral oophorectomy

Removal of both ovaries.

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Removal of both ovaries and both Fallopian tubes.

Biopsy

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

Breast cancer

Malignant tumors developing from breast tissue cells.

Breast-conserving surgery

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

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A diagnostic imaging technique used to create detailed images of the breast tissue.

Breast ultrasound

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

Cervical cancer

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

Cervix

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

Chemotherapy

The use of drugs to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.

Clitoris

Erectile tissue containing abundant nerves important in sexual sensation and orgasm.

Cold knife conization

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

Colposcopy

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

Conception

The process of a sperm fertilizing an ovum, forming a zygote.

Contraception

Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy.

Corpus luteum

A temporary endocrine structure in female ovaries involved in the production of progesterone.

Cryotherapy

A treatment method using extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue.

Cystocele

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

Diagnostic mammogram

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

Dilation & Curettage (D&C)

A surgical procedure to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

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

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation, often with cramps.

Dysparenuria

Pain during sexual intercourse.

Ectopic pregnancy

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

Embryo

The early developmental stage of an organism following fertilization.

Endometrial ablation

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

Endometrial cancer

Cancer that originates in the lining of the uterus.

Endometrial sampling

A procedure to remove tissue from the endometrium for examination.

Endometriosis

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

Endometrium

The innermost lining of the uterus.

Estrogen

A hormone produced by the ovaries, playing a key role in the female reproductive system.

Fallopian tubes

Tubes that transport oocytes from the ovary to the uterus.

Fibrocystic breasts

Condition characterized by lumpy or ropelike breast tissue.

Fimbriae

Fringe-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes that help to guide the ovum after ovulation.

Fistula

An abnormal passageway between two organs or between an internal organ and the body surface.

Follicles

Fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, each containing an immature ovum.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone released by the brain that stimulates the growth of ova in the ovaries.

Follicular phase

The menstrual cycle phase where the endometrium thickens, and follicle growth is stimulated by hormones.

Gynecologist

A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive system disorders.

Gynecology

Study of the female reproductive system.

High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)

More serious changes in cervical cells indicating a higher risk of progressing to cervical cancer.

Hirsutism

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

Hormonal therapy

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

HPV test

A test to check for infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

A group of viruses, some linked to genital warts and increased risk of cervical cancer.

Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus, which may include the cervix and ovaries.

Hysterosalpingogram

An imaging procedure performed to assess potential causes of infertility.

Hysteroscopy

A procedure to look inside the uterus using a thin, telescope-like device.

Implantation

The process by which a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.

Infertility

The inability to conceive after a year of regular sexual activity without contraception.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

Contraceptive devices inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Irregular bleeding

Bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause.

Labia majora

Larger outer folds of hair-covered skin that protect the vaginal opening.

Labia minora

Thinner, hairless, more pigmented folds that protect the female urethra and entrance to the reproductive tract.

Lactation

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

Lactiferous ducts

Tubes carrying milk from the mammary glands to the nipple.

Laparoscopy

A surgical procedure using a laparoscope to examine the organs inside the abdomen.

Laparotomy

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

Laser therapy

The use of an intense light beam to treat medical conditions.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)

A surgical technique used to remove abnormal cervical tissue.

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL)

Changes in cervical cells often associated with HPV infection.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

A hormone involved in triggering ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

Lymphadenectomy

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

Lymph node dissection

Removal of lymph nodes to check for cancer.

Mammogram

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

Mastitis

Inflammation of the breast, often during lactation.

Medical oncologists

Physicians specializing in treating cancer with medication.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation in a female.

Menometrorrhagia

Excessive and prolonged uterine bleeding occurring at irregular intervals.

Menopause

The end of menstrual cycles in a woman's life.

Menorrhagia

Excessive menstrual bleeding.

Menstruation

The monthly shedding of the endometrial lining in females.

Metastasized

The process by which cancer spreads from the primary site to other parts of the body.

Metrorrhagia

Bleeding from the uterus at any time other than normal menstruation.

Modified radical mastectomy

Surgery removing the entire breast with cancer, most lymph nodes, and sometimes other tissues.

Mons pubis

A rounded mass of fatty tissue over the joint of the pubic bones.

Myolysis

A procedure destroying fibroids using electric current or freezing.

Myomectomy

Surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus.

Obstetrics (OB)

The branch of medicine concerned with childbirth and the care of women giving birth.

Oligomenorrhea

Infrequent or very light menstruation.

Omentectomy

Surgical removal of the omentum, a part of the peritoneum.

Oophorectomy

Surgical removal of one or both ovaries.

Ovarian cancer

Cancer that originates in the ovarian tissues.

Ovarian cyst

A fluid-filled sac in the ovary.

Ovary

Female reproductive gland responsible for producing oocytes and hormones.

Ovulation

The release of an ovum from the dominant follicle in the ovary.

Ovum

The female reproductive cell, or egg.

Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear)

A screening procedure for cervical cancer involving collection of cells from the cervix.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs.

Perineum

The area between the vaginal opening and the anus.

Peritoneum

The membrane lining of the abdominal cavity.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts.

Polymenorrhea

Condition characterized by frequent menstrual cycles, shorter than 21 days.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

A severe form of PMS characterized by mood disturbances.