Chapter 16 - The Female Reproductive System

Reproduction

union of the female reproductive cell, an ovum, and the male reproductive cell, a spermatozoon, resulting in fertilization

Ovaries

pair of almond-shaped organs located in the cavity that contain sex cells

Ovum

female sex cell

Graafian follicles

microscopic sacs in thousands found in the ovaries that contain immature ovum

Fallopian tube

pair or tubes attached to the uterus that serves as a passage from the ovum from ovaries

Uterus

pear-shaped muscular organ that lies in the pelvic cavity for menstruation and pregnancy

Endometrium

lining of the uterus

Myometrium

muscular middle layer of the uterus

Perimetrium

outer thin layer that covers the surface of the uterus

Corpus or body

large central portion of the uterus

Fundus

rounded upper part of the uterus

Cervix

narrow lower portion of the uterus

Vagina

a tube that connects the uterus to the outside of the body

Hymen

fold of membrane found near the opening of the vagina

Fimbriae

fingerlike projections at the end of the fallopian tube

Introitus

entrance of the vagina

Batholin’s glands

two small glands on each side of the vaginal opening; they produce a mucous secretion that lubricates the vagina

Mammary glands / breasts

are milk-producing glands that serve as accessory organs of reproduction

Dysmenorrhea

pain associated with mentruation

Hysterectomy

surgical removal of the uterus; surgery may be transabdominal or vaginal

Lumpectomy

surgical removal of a tumor from a breast without removing surrounding tissue or lymph nodes

Tubal ligation

surgical procedure in which the fallopian tube are ligated in order to prevent pregnancy; a form of sterilization

Menopause

cessation of mentruation

Mastitis

inflammation of the breast

Menarche

first mentrual period

Uterine prolapse

falling or slipping of the uterus from its usual position, as when the uterine ligaments are stretched; most commonly seen in women who have given birth to several children

Pyosalpinx

accumulation of pus in one or both fallopian tubes

Oophoritis

inflammation of one or both ovaries, usually due to infection

Leukorrhea

discharge of white fluid containing