3.7: Glossary

Ablation - The removal or destruction of a body part or tissue or its function. Ablation may be performed by surgery, hormones, drugs, radiofrequency, heat, or other methods [4]

Adenocarcinoma - A malignant epithelial tumor with a glandular organization. [1]

Adenomyosis - the extension of endometrial tissue (ENDOMETRIUM) into the MYOMETRIUM. It usually occurs in women in their reproductive years and may result in a diffusely enlarged uterus with ectopic and benign endometrial glands and stroma [1]

Adenosquamos (Carcinoma, Adenosquamos) - A mixed adenocarcinoma and squamous cell or epidermoid carcinoma. [1]

Adhesions - a band of scar tissue that joins two surfaces of the body that are usually separate

Adipose tissue - specialized areolar tissue rich in stored fat [3]

Adjuvant - supplement, augment, stimulate, activate, potentiate or modulate action or response of medical treatment [1]

Adnexal - of the uterine appendages (ADNEXA UTERI) including diseases involving the OVARY, the FALLOPIAN TUBES, and ligaments of the uterus (BROAD LIGAMENT; ROUND LIGAMENT) [1]

Amenorrhea - Absence of menstruation [4]

Androgens - Male sex hormones; for example, testosterone [4]

Angiogenesis development of new blood vessels from existing vessels [3]

Anovulation - Suspension or cessation of OVULATION in animals or humans with follicle-containing ovaries (OVARIAN FOLLICLE). Depending on the etiology, OVULATION may be induced with appropriate therapy. [1]

Apoptosis - programmed cell death [3]

Aromatase - An enzyme that catalyzes the desaturation (aromatization) of the ring A of C19 androgens and converts them to C18 estrogens. In this process, the 19-methyl is removed. This enzyme is membrane-bound, located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-producing cells of ovaries, placenta, testes, adipose, and brain tissues. [4]

Arterial - related to or flowing in an artery [6]

Atrophy - loss of mass and function [3]

Atypia - abnormality in cells in tissue. [7]

Autoimmune - disorders in which the immune system overreacts and begins to attack itself [4]

Basalis - the basal part of the endometrium that is not shed during menstruation

Behcet syndrome - Rare chronic inflammatory disease involving the small blood vessels. It is of unknown etiology and characterized by mucocutaneous ulceration in the mouth and genital region and uveitis with hypopyon. The neuro-ocular form may cause blindness and death. SYNOVITIS; THROMBOPHLEBITIS; gastrointestinal ulcerations; RETINAL VASCULITIS; and OPTIC ATROPHY may occur as well. [1]

Benign - Non-cancerous [4]

Calcification - Process by which organic tissue becomes hardened by the physiologic deposit of calcium salts. [1]

Canalization (defect) - the process of making a channel in part of the body, either naturally or using a medical procedure [6]

Carcinogenesis - the production of cancer [8]

Carcinoma - condition in which abnormal cells that look like cancer cells under a microscope are found only in the place where they first formed and haven’t spread to nearby tissue [7]

Cell proliferation - All of the processes involved in increasing CELL NUMBER including CELL DIVISION [1]

Cervical os - (cervix uteri) neck portion of the UTERUS between the lower isthmus and the VAGINA forming the cervical canal. [1]

Chlamydia - A genus of the family CHLAMYDIACEAE whose species cause a variety of diseases in vertebrates including humans, mice, and swine. Chlamydia species are gram-negative and produce glycogen. [1]

Chromatin - substance consisting of DNA and associated proteins [3]

Coagulopathy - (also called a bleeding disorder) is a condition in which the blood's ability to coagulate (form clots) is impaired

Collagen (fiber) - flexible fibrous proteins that give connective tissue tensile strength [3]

Columnar - having a tall or long, narrow shape, like a column, as in columnar cells [7]

Confluent - two things, such as areas of skin or cells that join or come together without any space between them, or flow together in the same direction [7]

Cystic - relating to, formed of, or within a cyst; relating to the bladder or gall bladder [6]

Cytokines - class of protein signaling molecules; in the cardiovascular system, they stimulate the proliferation of progenitor cells and help to stimulate both nonspecific and specific resistance to disease [3]

Cytological - related to structure, function, or pathology of cells [8]

Cytoplasm - internal material between the cell membrane and nucleus of a cell, mainly consisting of a water-based fluid called cytosol, within which are all the other organelles and cellular solute and suspended materials [3]

De Novo - the first occurrence of cancer in the body [1]

Desmoplastic - characterized by the formation of fibrous tissue [8]

Diaphragm - skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and is dome-shaped at rest [3]

Dilated - expanded, enlarged, or widened normally or abnormally in all dimensions [8]

Dysmenorrhea - Painful menstruation [4]

Dyspareunia - Genital pain before, during, or after intercourse [4]

Dysplastic - abnormal growth or development (as of organs or cells) [8]

Dysregulation - abnormality or impairment in the regulation of a metabolic, physiological, or psychological process [1]

Dysuria - Painful urination [4]

Ectocervix (Cervix uteri) - The outer part of the neck portion of the UTERUS between the lower isthmus and the VAGINA forming the cervical canal. [1]

Edematous - relating to or affected with edema : abnormally swollen with fluid [8]

Embolization - action of deliberately blocking the flow of blood in a particular blood vessel by putting material into the blood [6]

Embryogenesis - Human embryogenesis is a complicated process by which a fertilized egg develops into an embryo [3]

Endocervical - (Cervix uteri) - The inner part of the neck portion of the UTERUS between the lower isthmus and the VAGINA forming the cervical canal. [1]

Endocrine - cells, tissues, and organs that secrete hormones as a primary or secondary function and play an integral role in normal bodily processes [4]

Endometrium - inner lining of the uterus, part of which builds up during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and then sheds with menses [4]

Endothelium - A layer of epithelium that lines the heart, blood vessels (ENDOTHELIUM, VASCULAR), lymph vessels (ENDOTHELIUM, LYMPHATIC), and the serous cavities of the body [1]

Eosinophils - granulocytes that stain with eosin; they release antihistamines and are especially active against parasitic worms

Epithelium - sheets of cells that cover the exterior surfaces of the body, line internal cavities and passageways, and form certain glands; also known as epithelial tissue [4]

Eversion - foot movement involving the intertarsal joints of the foot in which the bottom of the foot is turned laterally, away from the midline [3]

Exogenous - describes substance made outside of the human body [3]

External os - the opening of the uterine cervix into the vagina [8]

Extrauterine - existing, formed, or occurring outside the uterus

Fallopian tubes - (uterine tubes or oviducts) ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus. [3]

Fascicular - of, related to, or consisting of fasciculi (seldner bundle of anatomical fibers, nerve fibers)

Fibroblasts - most abundant cell type in connective tissue, secretes protein fibers and matrix into the extracellular space [3]

Fibroid - benign tumor derived from smooth muscle tissue [1]

Fibrosis - A process in which muscle fibers are replaced by scar tissue [4]

Germ-line mutation - detectable and heritable alteration in the lineage of germ cells [1]

Gland - an organ of the body that secretes/produces liquid chemicals that have various purposes [6]

Gonorrhea - Acute infectious disease characterized by primary invasion of the urogenital tract. [1]

Granulomatous endometrititis - A defect of leukocyte function in which phagocytic cells ingest but fail to digest bacteria, resulting in recurring bacterial infections with granuloma formation. When chronic granulomatous disease is caused by mutations in the CYBB gene, the condition is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern. When chronic granulomatous disease is caused by CYBA, NCF1, NCF2, or NCF4 gene mutations, the condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. [1]

Hematometra - Blood-filled UTERUS. [1]

Hemorrhage - Excessive bleeding [4]

Hemorrhagic degeneration - hemorrhagic infarction of leiomyomas that often occurs during pregnancy

Hemosiderin - A type of protein that have one or more tightly bound metal ions forming part of their structure [1]

Histocompatabilty - a state of mutual tolerance that allows some tissues to be grafted effectively to others [8]

Histology - The study of tissues [4]

Hyperandrogenic - when you have an excess amount of androgens (a group of sex hormones) in your body

Hyperechogenic - A PRENATAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY finding of excessively dense fetal bowel due to MECONIUM buildup. [1]

Hyperplasia - Abnormal growth due to the production of cells [4]

Hypertension - Blood pressure goes below the homeostatic set point when standing [4]

Hypertrophy - The enlargement of muscles [4]

Hypothalamus -major region of the diencephalon that is responsible for coordinating autonomic and endocrine control of homeostasis [4]

Hysterectomy - Surgery to remove the uterus and, sometimes, the cervix [4]

Hysteroscopy - Endoscopic examination of the uterus [4]

Iatrogenic - adverse condition in a patient occurring as the result of treatment by a physician, surgeon, or other health professional, especially infections acquired by a patient during the course of treatment [1]

Idiopathic - Something that is unknown [4]

Immunochemistry - Field of chemistry that pertains to immunological phenomena and the study of chemical reactions related to antigen stimulation of tissues. It includes physicochemical interactions between antigens and antibodies [1]

Immunocompromised - human or animal whose immunologic mechanism is deficient because of an immunodeficiency disorder or other disease or as the result of the administration of immunosuppressive drugs or radiation [1]

Infectious - transmission of infectious disease or pathogens. When transmission is within the same species, the mode can be horizontal or vertical (INFECTIOUS DISEASE TRANSMISSION, VERTICAL) [1]

Inflammation - basic innate immune response characterized by heat, redness, pain, and swelling [3]

Intraepithelial - Within the layer of cells that form the surface or lining of an organ. [7]

Intraepithelial neoplasia - term used to describe the presence of abnormal cells on the surface of or in the tissue that lines an organ, such as the cervix, breast, prostate, anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and mouth. [7]

Keratin pearls - formed by local squamous epithelium accumulation which is easily recognized under a microscope [5] and is considered a marker of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma

Koilocytosis - the presence of koilocytes (vacuolated pyknotic epithelial cell that has either a clear cytoplasm or a perinuclear halo and that tends to be associated with certain human papillomavirus infections) usually in the anogenital region or the uterine cervix [8]

Laparoscopy - procedure that uses a laparoscope, inserted through the abdominal wall, to examine the inside of the abdomen [4]

Laparotomy scars - scarring from surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen [3]

Leiomyoma - A benign tumor derived from smooth muscle tissue, also known as a fibroid tumor. They rarely occur outside of the UTERUS and the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT but can occur in the SKIN and SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE, probably arising from the smooth muscle of small blood vessels in these tissues [1]

Lesions - areas of abnormal tissue [4]

Leukorrhea - A clear or white discharge from the VAGINA, consisting mainly of MUCUS [1]

Lichen planus - An inflammatory, pruritic disease of the skin and mucous membranes, which can be either generalized or localized. It is characterized by distinctive purplish, flat-topped papules having a predilection for the trunk and flexor surfaces. [1]

Localization - the fact of being or becoming located or fixed in a particular place

Lymphatics - the system of tubes that transport lymph around the body [6]

Lymphocytes - agranular leukocytes of the lymphoid stem cell line, many of which function in specific immunity [2]

Lymph-vascular - of, relating to, or containing lymphatic vessels [8]

Macroscopic - observable by the naked eye [8]

Malignancy - Cancerous [4]

Menarche - first menstruation in a pubertal female. [4]

Mesenchymal - refers to cells that develop into connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissue [7]

Mesothelium - simple squamous epithelial portion of serous membranes, such as the superficial portion of the epicardium (the visceral pericardium) and the deepest portion of the pericardium (the parietal pericardium) [3]

Metaplasia - A condition in which there is a change of one adult cell type to another similar adult cell type. [1]

Metastasis - spread of cancer cells from a source to other parts of the body [3]

Metrorrhagia - Excessive bleeding from the uterus not related to menstruation [4]

Mitosis - type of CELL NUCLEUS division by means of which the two daughter nuclei normally receive identical complements of the number of CHROMOSOMES of the somatic cells of the species. [1]

Mitotic - of, related to, involving or occurring by cellular mitosis (cell division) [8

Monoclonal - produce by, being, composed of, or caused by cells derived from a single cell [8]

Morphology - form and structure of an organism or any of its parts [8]

Mucoid - resembling mucus [8]

Mucopurulent - containing both mucus and pus [8]

Mullerian ducts - A pair of ducts near the WOLFFIAN DUCTS in a developing embryo. In the male embryo, they degenerate with the appearance of testicular ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE. In the absence of anti-Mullerian hormone, Mullerian ducts give rise to the female reproductive tract, including the OVIDUCTS; UTERUS; CERVIX; and VAGINA. [1]

Multigravida - a woman who has been pregnant more than once [8]

Myomectomy - Surgical removal of a LEIOMYOMA of the UTERUS. [1]

Myometrium - smooth muscle layer of uterus that allows for uterine contractions during labor and expulsion of menstrual blood [3]

Myxoid - resembling mucus [8]

Necrosis - accidental death of cells and tissues [3]

Neoplasm - New abnormal growth of tissue. Malignant neoplasms show a greater degree of anaplasia and have the properties of invasion and metastasis, compared to benign neoplasms [1]

Neuroendocrine - of, relating to, or being a hormonal substance that influences the activity of nerves [8]

Neurogenesis - Formation of NEURONS which involves the differentiation and division of STEM CELLS in which one or both of the daughter cells become neurons. [1]

Neutrophilic - related to granulocytes that stain with a neutral dye and are the most numerous of the leukocytes; especially active against bacteria [3]

Nodule - growth or lump that may be malignant or benign [4]

Oncogene - gene that is a mutated form of a gene involved in normal cell growth and may cause the growth of cancer cells (National Cancer Institute, n.d.) [3]

Oncoprotein (Oncogene proteins) - Proteins coded by oncogenes. They include proteins resulting from the fusion of an oncogene and another gene (ONCOGENE PROTEINS, FUSION). [1]

Ontogenesis - development of course of development of an organism

Oropharynx - part of the pharynx continuous with the oral cavity that functions in respiration and digestion [3]

Ovary - female gonads that produce oocytes and sex steroid hormones (notably estrogen and progesterone)

Ovulatory dysfunction - irregular, infrequent (less than nine per year) menstrual periods or does not ovulate at all, she is said to have ovulatory dysfunction

Papillary - of, relating to, being, or resembling a papilla or nipple-shaped projection, mass or structure; marked by the presence of papillae [8]

Paracrine - Cellular signaling in which a factor secreted by a cell affects other cells in the local environment [4]

Pathogenic - causing or capable of causing disease [8]

Pedunculated - having, growing on, or being attached by a peduncle (narrow stalk by which a tumor or polyp is attached) [8]

Pelvic inflammatory disease - A spectrum of inflammation involving the female upper genital tract and the supporting tissues. It is usually caused by an ascending infection of organisms from the endocervix. Infection may be confined to the uterus (ENDOMETRITIS), the FALLOPIAN TUBES; (SALPINGITIS); the ovaries (OOPHORITIS), the supporting ligaments (PARAMETRITIS), or may involve several of the above uterine appendages. Such inflammation can lead to functional impairment and infertility. [1]

Peritoneal cavity - The space enclosed by the peritoneum. It is divided into two portions, the greater sac and the lesser sac or omental bursa, which lies behind the STOMACH. The two sacs are connected by the foramen of Winslow, or epiploic foramen. [1]

Peritonitits - Inflammation of the peritoneum [4]

Periumbilical - region of the body that immediately surrounds the umbilicus

Physiological - relating to the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions "slow down your body's physiological response to anger by breathing deeply"

Pituitary - bean-sized organ suspended from the hypothalamus that produces, stores, and secretes hormones in response to hypothalamic stimulation (also called hypophysis) [3]

Placental abruption - Premature separation of the normally implanted PLACENTA from the UTERUS. Signs of varying degree of severity include UTERINE BLEEDING, uterine MUSCLE HYPERTONIA, and FETAL DISTRESS or FETAL DEATH. [1]

Placenta previa - Abnormal placentation in which the PLACENTA implants in the lower segment of the UTERUS (the zone of dilation) and may cover part or all of the opening of the CERVIX. It is often associated with serious antepartum bleeding and PREMATURE LABOR. [1]

Placental retention - placenta that fails to be expelled after BIRTH of the FETUS. A PLACENTA is retained when the UTERUS fails to contract after the delivery of content, or when the placenta is abnormally attached to the MYOMETRIUM. [1]

Plasma cells - A type of B lymphocyte that produces antibodies, which bind to specific foreign or abnormal antigens in order to destroy them [4]

Pleomorphism - able to assume different forms [8]

Polypoid - organism whose genomes consist of more than two complete sets of chromosomes

Pluripotent - capable of giving rise to several different cell types

Polymenorrhea - Variations of MENSTRUATION which may be indicative of disease [1]

Polyp - A growth that protrudes from a mucous membrane (National Cancer Institute) [4]

Pouch of Douglas - (Douglas' Pouch) A sac or recess formed by a fold of the peritoneum. [1]

Presacral - presacral space is the area between the rectum and lowest part of your the spine, which is called the sacrum. The presacral space is inside the pelvis, behind the rectum and in front of the coccyx and sacrum

Proinflammatory - promoting inflammation : capable of causing inflammation. [8]

Proliferative phase - phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium proliferates [3]

Progestins - Compounds that interact with PROGESTERONE RECEPTORS in target tissues to bring about the effects similar to those of PROGESTERONE. [1]

Pyogenic - pus-producing

Retrograde - a backward movement or a movement that is opposite to the usual direction of flow [6]

Serous - Having to do with serum, the clear liquid part of blood. [7]

Sessile - attached permanently or established [8]

Somatic - Having to do with the body [7]

Squamocolumnar junction - the region in the uterine cervix in which the squamous lining of the vagina is replaced by the columnar epithelium typical of the body of the uterus and which is a common site of neoplastic change [8]

Squamous - of, relating to, or being a stratified epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small scalelike cells [8]

Stratum basalis - The deepest layers of the epidermis [4]

Stroma - the tissue that forms the structure of an organ or body part [6]

Stromal cells - Connective tissue cells of an organ found in the loose connective tissue. These are most often associated with the uterine mucosa and the ovary as well as the hematopoietic system and elsewhere. [1]

Superficial (body part) - describes a position nearer to the surface of the body

Telomerase - An essential ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase that adds telomeric DNA to the ends of eukaryotic CHROMOSOMES. [1]

Transabdominal - passing through or performed by passing through the abdomen of the abdominal wall [8]

Transvaginal - passing through or performed by way of the vagina [8]

Trauma - Injury or damage inflicted on the body as the direct or indirect result of an external force, with or without disruption of structural continuity [1]

Trichomonas - A genus of parasitic flagellate EUKARYOTES distinguished by the presence of four anterior flagella, an undulating membrane, and a trailing flagellum. [1]

Tuberculous salpingitis - Inflammation of the uterine salpinx, the trumpet-shaped FALLOPIAN TUBES, usually caused by ascending infections of organisms from the lower reproductive tract. Salpingitis can lead to tubal scarring, hydrosalpinx, tubal occlusion, INFERTILITY, and ectopic pregnancy (PREGNANCY, ECTOPIC) [1]

Umbilicale - pit in the center of the ABDOMINAL WALL marking the point where the UMBILICAL CORD entered in the FETUS.

Unicornuate uterus - a congenital irregularity where a person has only one fallopian tube and an abnormally shaped uterine cavity. It's a rare condition that causes pregnancy complications [5]

Unification defect

Upregulation - In biology, the process by which a cell increases its response to a substance or signal from outside the cell to carry out a specific function. For example, a cell may increase the number or activity of protein receptors or other molecules on its surface to make it more sensitive to a hormone or drug. [7]

Uterine ligaments - strong bands of dense connective tissue

Vacuolated - containing one or more vacuoles (small cavity or space in the tissues of an organism containing air or fluid) [8]

Vaginosis - Abnormal condition of the vagina [4]

Vascular - of, relating to, or affecting a channel for the conveyance of a body fluid (such as blood) [8]

Vascularization - process of becoming vascular (channel for the conveyance of a body fluid (such as blood) [8]

Visceral - Pertaining to internal organs [4]

Whorled - having or arranged in whorls (arrangement of similar anatomical parts in a circule aruond a point or on an axis) [8]

Xenoestrogens - foreign synthetic chemicals that mimic natural estrogens and can bind to estrogen receptors in the body

1. National Library of Medicine(NLM). Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus.

2. Khan YS, Ackerman KM. Embryology, Week 1. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from from StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554562/

3. Menefee, Whitney, Julie Jenks, Chiara Mazzasette, and Kim-Lelioni Nguyen. 2021. LibreTexts Human Anatomy (OERI). CC BY

4. Nelson, Andrea and Katherine Greene. 2022. "1.18 Obstetrics". LibreTexts Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals.

5. Cleveland Clinic. Health/Diseases - "Unicornate Uterus."

6. Cambridge Dictionary. English.

7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms.

8. Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary.