1.5: Glossary
- Page ID
- 92131
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)To review common anatomical and directional terms, please see Chapter 1. Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System.
Acetabulum - The part of the pelvis that comprises the pelvic socket where the head of FEMUR joins to form HIP JOINT (acetabulofemoral joint). [4]
Alveoli - (of the breast) milk-secreting cells in the mammary gland. [3]
Areola - highly pigmented, circular area surrounding the raised nipple and containing areolar glands that secrete fluid important for lubrication during suckling. [3]
Ampulla - (of the uterine tube) middle portion of the uterine tube in which fertilization often occurs [3]
Bartholin's glands - (also, greater vestibular glands) glands that produce a thick mucus that maintains moisture in the vulva area; also referred to as the greater vestibular glands. [3]
Broad Ligament - wide ligament that supports the uterus by attaching laterally to both sides of the uterus and pelvic wall. [3]
Cardinal ligament - cardinal ligament, otherwise known as the transverse cervical ligament, is attached from the lateral aspect of the cervix to the respective pelvic wall. It forms the inferior border of the broad ligament and houses the uterine artery and uterine veins. [6]
Cervix - narrow inferior portion of the uterus that projects into the vagina. [1]
Clitoris - (or glans clitoris), an organ that originates from the same cells as the glans penis and has abundant nerves that make it important in sexual sensation and orgasm. [1]
Coccyx (tailbone) - The tailbone (coccyx) is the small bone at the lower tip of the spine. The most common cause of injury to the tailbone is a backward fall onto a hard surface, such as a slippery floor or ice. [2]
Coccygeus (muscle) - see Ischiococcygeus
Common iliac vein - one of a pair of veins that flows into the inferior vena cava at the level of L5; the left common iliac vein drains the sacral region; divides into external and internal iliac veins near the inferior portion of the sacroiliac joint. [3]
Coxal bones (Pelvic bones)- hip bones [3]
Detrusor (muscle) - smooth muscle in the bladder wall; fibers run in all directions to reduce the size of the organ when emptying it of urine [3]
Ectopic pregnancy - A potentially life-threatening condition in which EMBRYO IMPLANTATION occurs outside the cavity of the UTERUS. Most ectopic pregnancies (>96%) occur in the FALLOPIAN TUBES, known as TUBAL PREGNANCY. They can be in other locations, such as UTERINE CERVIX; OVARY; and abdominal cavity (PREGNANCY, ABDOMINAL). [4]
External iliac vein - formed when the femoral vein passes into the body cavity; drains the legs and leads to the common iliac vein. [3]
Fallopian tubes - (also, uterine tubes or oviducts) ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus. [3]
Fimbriae - fingerlike projections on the distal uterine tube. [3]
Follicle (ovarian) - ovarian structure of one oocyte and surrounding granulosa (and later theca) cells [3]
Fornix - superior portion of the vagina [3]
Fundus - dome-shaped region of the stomach above and to the left of the cardia . [3]
Hymen - thin membrane that sometimes partially covers the entrance to the vagina. [1]
Iliococcygeus - muscle that makes up the levator ani along with the pubococcygeus. [3]
Iliolumbar
Ilium - superior portion of the hip bone. [3]
Incontinence (urinary) - loss of ability to control micturition [3]
Infundibulum - (of the uterine tube) wide, distal portion of the uterine tube terminating in fimbriae [3]
Internal iliac vein - vein on either side of the body which is formed by the union of the external and internal iliac veins and passes upward to join with its fellow of the opposite side to form the inferior vena cava. [4]
Ischiococcygeus (muscle) - muscle that assists the levator ani and pulls the coccyx anteriorly [3]
Ischium - one of three bones that make up the coxal bone of the pelvic girdle. In tetrapods, it is the part of the pelvis that projects backward on the ventral side, and in primates, it bears the weight of the sitting animal. [4]
Isthmus - narrow, medial portion of the uterine tube that joins the uterus. [3]
Labia majora - (labia = “lips”; majora = “larger”), folds of hair-covered skin that begin just posterior to the mons pubis. [1]
Labia minora - (labia = “lips”; minora = “smaller”), which is thinner and more pigmented and extends medially to the labia majora. [1]
Lactiferous ducts - ducts that connect the mammary glands to the nipple and allow for the transport of milk. [3]
Lactiferous sinus - area of milk collection between alveoli and lactiferous duct. [3]
Levator ani (muscle) - muscle that makes up the levator ani along with the iliococcygeus. [3]
Lumbosacral - Region of the back including the LUMBAR VERTEBRAE, SACRUM, and nearby structures. [4]
Mammary glands - glands inside the breast that secrete milk. [3]
Mesovarium - an extension of the peritoneum that connects the ovaries to the broad ligament. [3]
Mons pubis - a pad of fat that is located at the anterior, over the pubic bone. After puberty, it becomes covered in pubic hair. [1]
Obstetric conjugate - narrowest fixed distance through which a baby's head must pass during vaginal delivery (10 com). [in text definition, Chapter 1.1)
Obturator internus - muscle deep to the gluteus maximus on the lateral surface of the thigh that laterally rotates the femur at the hip. [3]
Ovaries - female gonads that produce oocytes and sex steroid hormones (notably estrogen and progesterone). [3]
Ovarian ligament - ligament that attaches the ovary to the uterus. [chapter 1.2]
Ovum - haploid female gamete resulting from completion of meiosis II at fertilization. [3]
Parietal (branches) - (also, somatic branches) group of arterial branches of the thoracic aorta; includes those that supply blood to the thoracic cavity, vertebral column, and the superior surface of the diaphragm [3]
Pelvic girdle - hip girdle; consists of a single hip bone, which attaches a lower limb to the sacrum of the axial skeleton [3]
Pelvic diaphragm - muscular sheet that comprises the levator ani and the ischiococcygeus [3]
Perineum - diamond-shaped region between the pubic symphysis, coccyx, and ischial tuberosities [3]
Peritoneum - serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and covers the organs found there [3]
Peritonitis - INFLAMMATION of the PERITONEUM lining the ABDOMINAL CAVITY as the result of infectious, autoimmune, or chemical processes. Primary peritonitis is due to infection of the PERITONEAL CAVITY via hematogenous or lymphatic spread and without intra-abdominal source. Secondary peritonitis arises from the ABDOMINAL CAVITY itself through RUPTURE or ABSCESS of intra-abdominal organs. [4]
Piriformis (muscle) - muscle deep to the gluteus maximus on the lateral surface of the thigh that laterally rotates the femur at the hip. [3]
Pubic symphysis - joint formed by the articulation between the pubic bodies of the right and left hip bones. [3]
Pubis - anterior portion of the hip bone. [3]
Pubocervial ligament - pubocervical ligament is attached to the cervix and extends to the posterior surface of the pubic symphysis. [6]
Pubococcygeus - muscle that makes up the levator ani along with the iliococcygeus. [3]
Puboprostaticum
Puborectalis
Pubovaginalis
Pudendal nerve - A nerve which originates in the sacral spinal cord (S2 to S4) and innervates the PERINEUM, the external GENITALIA, the external ANAL SPHINCTER and the external urethral sphincter. It has three major branches: the perineal nerve, inferior anal nerves, and the dorsal nerve of penis or clitoris. [4]
Round ligament - round ligament and medial ovarian ligaments develop from the embryonic gubernaculum. [6]
Rugae - (of the vagina) folds of skin in the vagina that allow it to stretch during intercourse and childbirth. [3]
Sacral plexus - nerve plexus associated with the lower lumbar and sacral spinal nerves. [3]
Sacrococcygeal (joint) - The body region between (and flanking) the SACRUM and COCCYX. [4]
Sacroiliac (joint) - a term used to describe the place where the sacrum and the iliac bones join. [2]
Sacrospinous ligament - ligament that spans the sacrum to the ischial spine of the hip bone. [3]
Sacrotuberous ligament - ligament that spans the sacrum to the ischial tuberosity of the hip bone. [3]
Sacrum - single bone located near the inferior end of the adult vertebral column that is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae; forms the posterior portion of the pelvis [3]
Sphincter - A ring-shaped muscle that relaxes or tightens to open or close a passage or opening in the body. Examples are the anal sphincter (around the opening of the anus) and the pyloric sphincter (at the lower opening of the stomach). [5]
Suspensory ligament - bands of connective tissue that suspend the breast onto the chest wall by attachment to the overlying dermis. [3]
Symphysis pubis - see pubic symphysis
Trigone - area at the base of the bladder marked by the two ureters in the posterior–lateral aspect and the urethral orifice in the anterior aspect oriented like points on a triangle. [3]
Ureters - A pair of thick-walled tubes that transports urine from the KIDNEY PELVIS to the URINARY BLADDER. [4]
Urethra - transports urine from the bladder to the outside environment. [3]
Urinary bladder - A musculomembranous sac along the URINARY TRACT. URINE flows from the KIDNEYS into the bladder via the ureters (URETER), and is held there until URINATION. [5]
Urinary tract - bundle of axons in the central nervous system having the same function and point of origin. [3]
Uterosacral ligament - The uterosacral ligaments provide, along with the cardinal ligaments, the key support for the uterus within the pelvis and attach from the cervix below the peritoneum backward to the anterior aspect of the sacrum. [6]
Uterine tubes -(also, fallopian tubes or oviducts) ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus. [3]
Uterus - muscular organ that nourishes and supports the growing embryo. Its average size is approximately 5 cm wide by 7 cm long, and it has three sections. [1]
Vagina - muscular canal (approximately 10 cm long) that is the entrance to the reproductive tract. It also serves as the exit from the uterus during menses and childbirth. The outer walls of the anterior and posterior vagina are columns with ridges. The superior fornix meets the uterine cervix. The cervix is the opening to the uterus. [1]
Visceral (branches) - branches of the descending aorta that supply blood to the viscera [3]
References
- Nelson, Andrea and Katherine Greene. 2022. "1.17 Female Reproductive System." In Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professions. https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelv...ductive_System
- A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Johns Creek (GA): Ebix, Inc., A.D.A.M.; c1997-2020. Nail abnormalities; [updated 2019 Jul 31; reviewed 2019 Apr 16; cited 2020 Aug 30]; [about 4 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003247.htm
- Menefee, Whitney, Julie Jenks, Chiara Mazzasette, and Kim-Lelioni Nguyen. 2021. "Key Terms" in LibreTexts Human Anatomy (OERI). CC BY https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelv...ductive_System
- National Library of Medicine(NLM). Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?Db...BMeSH+Terms%5D
- Anatomy and Physiology 2e (OpenStax) "Key Terms". https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Anatomy_and_Physiology_2e_(OpenStax)National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms
- Chaudhry SR, Chaudhry K. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Uterus Round Ligament. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499970/.