Key Terms in Female Reproductive Health

Endometrium

inner layer of the uterus

Zygote

the single cells formed immediately after conception

Bartholin's gland

produces the mucus that lubricates the vagina

Fimbriae

finger-like structures of the fallopian tube that catch the ovum

Perimenopause

the transition phase between regular menstrual periods and no periods at all

Vaginal candidiasis

also known as a yeast infection

Menarche

the beginning of the menstrual function

Perineum

the region between the vaginal orifice and the anus

Ovulation

the release of a mature egg by the ovary

Lactiferous ducts

carry milk from the mammary glands

Vulva

external female genitalia

Clitoris

sensitive tissue near the vaginal opening

Primigravida

describes a woman during her first pregnancy

Colostrum

the fluid produced by the mammary glands during the first few days after giving birth

Cervicitis

inflammation of the cervix that is usually caused by an infection

Embryo

from implantation to the 8th week of pregnancy

Nullipara

a woman who has never borne a viable child

Pyosalpinx

accumulation of puss in the fallopian tube

Colposcopy

the direct visual examination of the tissues of the cervix and vagina using a binocular magnifier

Oligomenorrhea

infrequent or very light menstruation in a woman with previously normal periods

Chorionic villus sampling

examination of cells retrieved from the edge of the placenta between the 8th and 10th weeks of pregnancy

Lochia

postpartum vaginal discharge during the first several weeks after childbirth

Dysmenorrhea

abdominal pain caused by uterine cramps during a menstrual period

Vaginitis

inflammation of the lining of the vagina

Leukorrhea

profuse whitish mucus discharge from the uterus and vagina