Puberty:
The period in life when a child's body changes into an adult body capable of reproduction. This includes physical changes like growth spurts, the development of secondary sexual characteristics (like body hair or breast development), and the ability to reproduce.
Menstruation:
The monthly process in which a woman's body sheds the lining of the uterus, resulting in bleeding from the vagina. This is part of the menstrual cycle and usually lasts between 3 to 7 days.
Climacteric:
The period of life when a person (typically a woman) experiences significant hormonal changes, leading to the end of menstruation (menopause). It includes physical and emotional changes such as hot flashes and mood swings.
Vulval/Vulvar:
These terms refer to anything related to the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genitalia. It includes structures like the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
Coitosis:
A term that refers to sexual intercourse or the act of sexual union between two individuals. It is derived from the word "coitus," which specifically means sexual activity.
Speculum:
A medical tool used to open the walls of the vagina during an exam, allowing the doctor to see inside and check for any problems.
Pap Smear:
A test where a sample of cells is taken from the cervix to check for abnormal cells, which could indicate cancer or other health issues.
Dysplasia:
Abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could be a sign of early cancer or other conditions. It's not cancer, but it may develop into cancer over time.
Cytology:
The study of cells. In medical tests like a Pap smear, cytology is used to examine cells from the body to look for signs of disease.
Amenorrhea:
The absence of menstruation. This can be due to pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, stress, or other health issues.
Dysmenorrhea:
Painful menstruation or severe menstrual cramps. It can involve pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis during menstruation.
Menorrhagia:
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. This means the menstrual flow is abnormally heavy or lasts longer than usual.
Metrorrhagia:
Irregular uterine bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods. It is not related to the regular menstrual cycle and may be caused by various conditions.
Cervical Polyp:
A growth or lump on the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It's usually non-cancerous but may cause irregular bleeding.
Cervicocolpitis:
Inflammation of both the cervix and the vagina, often caused by infections, leading to symptoms like pain, discharge, or irritation.
Cystocele:
A condition where the bladder bulges into the vagina due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, often causing urinary problems.
Endometriosis:
A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, heavy periods, and possible fertility issues.
Fistula:
An abnormal connection between two organs, such as the bladder and vagina or the rectum and vagina, often caused by injury or infection.
Hysteroptosis:
The drooping or prolapse of the uterus, where the uterus slips down into the vaginal canal, usually due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Myoma:
A non-cancerous tumor in the muscle of the uterus (also known as fibroids). They can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and fertility problems in some cases.
Oophoritis:
Inflammation of the ovaries. It can be caused by infections or other conditions, leading to pain and swelling in the ovaries.
Oophorosalpingitis:
Inflammation of both the ovaries and fallopian tubes, often caused by infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to pain and fertility problems.
Carcinoma:
A type of cancer that begins in the cells of a tissue or organ. It can occur in various parts of the body, including the reproductive organs.
Cyst:
A fluid-filled sac that can form in various parts of the body, including the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can sometimes cause pain or other issues.
Salpingitis vs. Salpingocele:
Salpingitis: Inflammation of the fallopian tubes, often caused by infection.
Salpingocele: A cyst or fluid-filled sac in the fallopian tubes, which is usually non-cancerous.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) vs. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) vs. Uterine Cancer vs. Uterine Fibroid vs. Vulvitis:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
An infection of the female reproductive organs (such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries), often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Symptoms include pain, fever, and abnormal discharge.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):
A group of physical and emotional symptoms (such as mood swings, bloating, cramps, and irritability) that occur before menstruation, typically in the days leading up to the period.
Uterine Cancer:
Cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and weight loss.
Uterine Fibroid:
Non-cancerous tumors that grow in the muscles of the uterus. They can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure on the bladder.
Vulvitis:
Inflammation of the vulva (the external part of the female genitalia), often caused by infection, irritation, or allergies. Symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling.
Colpoplasty: Vaginal reconstruction or repair, usually for defects or injury.
Colporrhaphy: Repair of the vaginal walls, typically for prolapse or weakness.
Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of one or both ovaries. This may be done to treat conditions like ovarian cancer or cysts.
Salpingectomy:
Surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes. It may be performed in cases of infection, ectopic pregnancy, or other issues.
Salpingo-oophorectomy:
Surgical removal of both the fallopian tube(s) and ovary/ovaries. This procedure is often done to treat ovarian cancer, cysts, or other serious conditions.
Vulvectomy:
Surgical removal of part or all of the vulva (the external female genitalia). This may be done to treat vulvar cancer or other serious conditions.
Condoms (Male/Female):
Meaning: A barrier method that prevents sperm from entering the uterus.
How it works: Worn over the penis (male) or inserted into the vagina (female) to block sperm during sex.
Birth Control Pills:
Meaning: A pill that contains hormones to prevent pregnancy.
How it works: It stops the ovaries from releasing eggs, thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, and thins the uterus lining.
IUD (Intrauterine Device):
Meaning: A small device placed inside the uterus.
How it works: Prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg or may stop an egg from implanting in the uterus.
Implants:
Meaning: A small rod placed under the skin of the arm that releases hormones.
How it works: Stops ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy.
Contraceptive Injections:
Meaning: Hormonal shots given every 3 months.
How it works: Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.
Contraceptive Patch:
Meaning: A patch worn on the skin that releases hormones.
How it works: Stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining.
Sterilization (Tubal Ligation/Vasectomy):
Meaning: A permanent method of contraception.
How it works: Blocks or cuts the fallopian tubes (female) or vas deferens (male) to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills:
Meaning: A pill taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
How it works: Stops ovulation or prevents the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
Fertilization:
The process where a sperm cell from a male meets and fertilizes an egg cell from a female, creating a zygote (fertilized egg).
Implantation:
The process where the fertilized egg (zygote) attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. This is when pregnancy officially begins.
Zygote:
The fertilized egg formed after sperm and egg meet. It begins dividing and developing into an embryo.
Human Embryo:
The early stage of human development, from the time of implantation until the end of the 8th week. The embryo starts developing major body structures.
Antepartum:
The period before birth (during pregnancy). It refers to the time from conception until labor begins.
Postpartum:
The period after birth. It refers to the time following delivery, during which the mother recovers and the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
Nullipara:
A woman who has never given birth to a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Primipara:
A woman who has given birth to one baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy, regardless of whether the baby is alive or not.
Secundipara:
A woman who has given birth to two babies after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Tripara:
A woman who has given birth to three babies after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
he three types of fetal presentation refer to the position of the baby in the womb, specifically which part of the baby is positioned to come out first during birth:
Cephalic Presentation (Head-first):
This is the most common and ideal presentation. The baby’s head is positioned to come out first, typically with the chin tucked to the chest.
Breech Presentation (Feet or Buttocks first):
The baby’s feet, buttocks, or both are positioned to come out first instead of the head. There are different types of breech presentations, like frank breech (buttocks first), complete breech (buttocks and feet), or footling breech (feet first).
Transverse Lie (Sideways):
The baby is lying horizontally across the uterus, with its side facing the birth canal, making it impossible for the baby to be delivered vaginally without intervention.
Summary:
Cephalic: Head first.
Breech: Feet or buttocks first.
Transverse: Baby lying sideways.
Chlamydial infection: Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, often asymptomatic but treatable with antibiotics.
Chancroid: Caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, results in painful genital ulcers.
Nonspecific genital infection: Caused by bacterial or yeast imbalances, treated with appropriate medications.
AIDS: Caused by HIV, weakens the immune system, treatable with antiretroviral drugs.
Genital Herpes: Caused by HSV, leads to recurrent painful sores, managed with antivirals.
Genital warts: Caused by HPV, results in growths or warts, preventable with vaccination.
Hepatitis: Caused by HBV and HCV, affects the liver, treated with antiviral drugs.
Trichomoniasis: Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, parasitic infection treated with antibiotics.
Candidiasis: Caused by Candida albicans, fungal infection treated with antifungals.
Pubic Lice: Caused by Pthirus pubis, treated with topical insecticides.
Gonorrhea: Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, causes discharge and painful urination, and is treated with antibiotics.
Syphilis: Caused by the Treponema pallidum spirochete, starts with a painless chancre, and is treated with penicillin.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):
Meaning: STDs (also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs) are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Orchidectomy: Removal of one or both testicles, often for cancer treatment.
Orchioplasty: Surgical reconstruction or repair of the testicles.
Orchiopexy: Surgical procedure to fix an undescended testicle in the scrotum.
Orchiotomy: Surgical incision or cutting into the testicle for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
Circumcision: Removal of the foreskin from the penis.
Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA): A procedure to treat BPH by using radiofrequency energy to shrink prostate tissue.
Transurethral Prostatectomy (TURP): A procedure to remove excess prostate tissue through the urethra to treat BPH.
Vasectomy: A permanent male sterilization procedure that blocks sperm from entering the semen.
Vasovasostomy: A surgical procedure to reverse a vasectomy and restore fertility.
estes: Produce testosterone and are responsible for spermatogenesis.
Seminal Vesicles: Act as reservoirs for semen and produce fluid that nourishes sperm.
Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate.
Testicular Cancer: Cancer of the testes, treatable with early detection.
Testicular Torsion: Twisting of the testicle, causing loss of blood supply, requiring emergency treatment.
male reproductive structure
Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.
Penis: Used for sexual intercourse and urination.
Prepuce: Skin covering the penis tip (can be removed by circumcision).
Glans Penis: Sensitive tip of the penis.
Epididymis: Sperm maturation and storage.
Scrotum: Holds the testes outside the body.
Ductus Deferens: Tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
Bulbourethral Glands: Produce fluid to neutralize urethra before ejaculation.
Prostate: Gland that produces fluid to nourish and protect sperm.
Structure of the Female Breast:
Lobule:
Small, milk-producing glands within the breast. Each breast has 15-20 lobules, and they are connected to ducts that carry the milk to the nipple.
Areola:
The darkened area of skin surrounding the nipple. It contains small glands that lubricate and protect the nipple during breastfeeding.
Lactiferous Ducts:
Tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple. They expand near the nipple to form sinuses, where milk is stored temporarily before being released.
Diagnostic Terms:
Mammography/Mammogram:
A X-ray image of the breasts, used to screen for abnormalities like tumors or cysts and to diagnose breast cancer.
Mammalgia:
Pain in the breast tissue, which can result from various conditions such as hormonal changes, injury, or infection.
Mastoptosis:
Also known as breast ptosis, it refers to drooping or sagging of the breasts, often due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
Surgical Terms:
Lumpectomy:
A surgical procedure where only the tumor or lump (usually cancerous) is removed from the breast, leaving the rest of the breast tissue intact.
Mastectomy:
A surgical removal of the entire breast, usually done in cases of breast cancer to prevent the spread of cancer cells.
Mammoplasty:
Surgical reshaping or augmentation of the breast. This can include procedures like breast reduction, augmentation (implants), or reconstruction after mastectomy.
Down Syndrome: A genetic disorder caused by an extra chromosome 21, leading to developmental delays and physical features.
Erythroblastosis Fetalis: An immune reaction due to Rh incompatibility between mother and baby, causing anemia and other health issues in the baby.
Amniotomy: Breaking the water to aid labor.
Episiotomy: Surgical cut to widen the vaginal opening during delivery.
Placenta Previa: Placenta covering or near the cervix, often requiring C-section.
Cesarean Section (C-Section): Surgical delivery of the baby through the abdomen.
Abruptio Placenta: Placenta separates from the uterus prematurely.
Amniotic Sac: The fluid-filled membrane protecting the baby.
Amniocentesis: Test to sample amniotic fluid for genetic testing.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): Test to sample placenta tissue for genetic testing early in pregnancy.
CHAPTER 12
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the functions of the integumentary system:
Vitamin D synthesis: The skin helps produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, which is important for bone health.
Elimination of waste: The skin gets rid of some waste (like salts) through sweat.
Regulation of body temperature: The skin controls body temperature by sweating and adjusting blood flow to the skin.
Sensing the environment: The skin has nerve endings that help you feel things like touch, pain, heat, and cold.
Barrier protection: The skin acts as a shield to protect your body from harmful things like germs, UV rays, and injuries.
Layers of the skin:
Epidermis: The outer layer that protects the body.
Dermis: The middle layer with blood vessels, nerves, and glands.
Hypodermis: The deepest layer made of fat, which provides insulation and cushioning.
3 layers of skin:
Epidermis: The top layer; it has no blood vessels.
Dermis: The middle layer; it has blood vessels and nerves.
Subcutaneous (fat layer): The bottom layer; made of fat for warmth and cushioning.
he accessory parts of the skin are:
Hair: Covers and protects the skin.
Nails: Protect the tips of fingers and toes.
Sebaceous glands: Make oil to keep skin and hair soft.
Sweat glands: Produce sweat to cool the body.
Pilomotor muscles: These make your skin and hair stand up (like goosebumps).
Hair: Protects areas like the nose, eyes, skin, and scalp.
Sweat glands: Help cool the body and release sebum, an oil that keeps skin soft and fights bacteria.
Puberty: Brings changes like hair growth in the armpits (axillary) and genital areas.
Ungual: Means "related to nails," which are made of keratin—a strong protein found in skin, hair, nails, and tooth enamel.
Skin lesion: Any noticeable abnormal spot or area on the skin.
Circumscribed lesion: A lesion with clear edges, like seborrheic keratosis (harmless spots common in older people).
Verruca: A wart caused by a contagious virus, but it’s not harmful.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV): The most common viral skin infection.
HSV-1: Causes cold sores or fever blisters.
Herpes zoster (shingles): Happens when the chickenpox virus becomes active again. Vaccines can help prevent or reduce it.
Primary lesions: The first sign of a skin problem, caused by an underlying issue.
Secondary lesions: Changes that happen as the disease progresses, like:
Atrophy: Skin thinning.
Ulcers: Open sores.
Fissures: Cracks in the skin.
Scales: Flaky, peeling skin.
Primary Lesions:
Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs under the skin.
Nodules: Solid lumps, larger than 1 cm, deeper than cysts.
Macules: Flat, discolored spots (like freckles).
Papules: Small, raised bumps (like pimples).
Plaques: Larger, flat, raised areas.
Bullae: Large blisters filled with fluid.
Vesicles: Small blisters filled with fluid.
Pustules: Pus-filled bumps (like pimples).
Wheals: Raised, itchy areas (common in allergic reactions).
Injuries to the Skin:
Wound: Any physical break in the skin.
Scar: Left after skin heals from serious injury.
Keloid: Excessive scar tissue growth.
Abrasion: Scrape or rubbing off of skin.
Laceration: A deep cut.
Incision: A surgical or clean cut.
Contusion: A bruise, with no break in the skin.
Aseptic: Free from infection.
Burns:
Caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or gases. The damage depends on how long and how intense the exposure was. The depth of burn damage is categorized into three types.
Skin Disorders:
Abscess: A pus-filled infection under the skin.
Cellulitis: Skin infection that causes redness and swelling.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: A skin condition causing scaly rashes, especially on the face.
Frostbite: Skin damage from extreme cold.
Furuncle: A boil, a painful skin infection.
Ichthyosis: Dry, scaly skin condition.
Lipoma: A non-cancerous fat lump under the skin.
Lyme Disease: A tick-borne infection that causes skin rash and other symptoms.
Malignant Melanoma: A serious form of skin cancer.
Necrosis: Death of skin tissue.
Pediculosis: Head lice or body lice infestation.
Petechiae: Small red spots from broken blood vessels.
Psoriasis: A skin disorder with red, scaly patches.
Scleroderma: Hardening and tightening of skin.
Urticaria (Hives): Raised, red, itchy welts on the skin.
Xerosis: Dry skin.
Pigmentation Disorders:
Albinism: Lack of skin pigment.
Hypopigmentation: Lighter skin than normal.
Cyanosis: Bluish skin, usually from lack of oxygen.
Skin Infections and Conditions:
Lyme Disease & Scabies: Spread by insects (ticks for Lyme, mites for scabies).
Contact Dermatitis: Skin reaction from touching something irritating; general dermatitis means inflammation of the skin.
Nail Disorders:
Onychomycosis: Fungal infection of the nails.
Onychopathy: Any disease or condition affecting the nails.
Hair and Skin Conditions:
Acne Vulgaris: Common acne.
Folliculitis: Infected hair follicles.
Hidradenitis: Infection of sweat glands.
Seborrhea: Oily skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: A skin condition with oily, flaky patches.
Trichosis: Abnormal hair growth.
Surgical and Therapeutic Interventions:
Wound Irrigation: Cleaning a wound by flushing it with water.
Liposuction: Removing fat from specific areas.
Collagen Injections: Filling out skin (like lips or facial lines).
Botox Injections: Relaxing muscles to reduce wrinkles and certain muscle disorders.
Topical Medications:
Bacteriostatic: Prevents bacteria growth.
Bactericidal: Kills bacteria.
Asepsis: Preventing infection.
Sepsis: Infection in the body, especially in the blood.
Transdermal Drug Delivery: Medicine delivered through the skin (like patches).
Antimicrobial vs. Antiperspirants:
Antimicrobial: A substance that kills or stops the growth of harmful microorganisms (like bacteria or fungi).
Antiperspirant: A product that reduces or stops sweating by blocking sweat glands.
Aspiration vs. Curettage vs. Debridement vs. Dermabrasion:
Aspiration: The process of using a needle or suction to remove fluid or tissue from the body.
Curettage: Scraping or cleaning tissue from a wound or body cavity using a curette (a small, scoop-shaped instrument).
Debridement: Removing dead or damaged tissue from a wound to help it heal.
Dermabrasion: A procedure that uses a rotating device to sand down the outer layers of the skin, typically to treat scars or wrinkles.
Electrocyte vs. Electrosurgery:
Electrocyte: This term may be a typo, as there’s no common medical term “electrocyte.” You might be referring to electrolytes, which are essential minerals in the body for conducting electricity and balancing fluids.
Electrosurgery: A procedure that uses electrical currents to cut tissue or stop bleeding during surgery.