Glossary
- Page ID
- 123627
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Word(s) |
Definition |
Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Menefee, Whitney, Julie Jenks, Chiara Mazzasette, and Kim-Lelioni Nguyen. 2024. Anatomy and Physiology Glossary. Shared under a CC BY. Available from https://med.libretexts.org/Workbench/Anatomy_and_Physiology_Glossary/01%3A_Introduction_to_Anatomical_Terminology. |
|
Abortion
|
The removal or destruction of a body part or tissue or its function. | Nelson, Andrea and Katherine Greene. 2022. Glossary. In Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professions. Shared under a CC BY 4.0 license. Available from https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Medicine/Medical_Terminology_for_Healthcare_Professions_(Nelson_and_Greene)/zz%3A_Back_Matter/20%3A_Glossary. |
| Acetabulum | Large, cup-shaped cavity located on the lateral side of the hip bone; formed by the junction of the ilium, pubis, and ischium portions of the hip bone. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Acidosis | A pathologic condition of acid accumulation or depletion of base in the body. The two main types are RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS and metabolic acidosis, due to metabolic acid build up. | National Library of Medicine(NLM). Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?Db...BMeSH+Terms%5D. |
| Adenocarcinoma | A malignant epithelial tumor with a glandular organization. | MeSH |
| 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 | MeSH |
| Adenosquamous (Carcinoma, Adenosquamous) |
A mixed adenocarcinoma and squamous cell or epidermoid carcinoma. | MeSH |
| Adhesions | Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue. Normally, internal tissues and organs have slippery surfaces so they can shift easily as the body moves. Adhesions cause tissues and organs to stick together. They might connect the loops of the intestines to each other, to nearby organs, or to the wall of the abdomen. They can pull sections of the intestines out of place. This may block food from passing through the intestine. | National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Public Domain. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/. |
| Adipose tissue | Specialized areolar tissue rich in stored fat. | Menefee, Whitney, Julie Jenks, Chiara Mazzasette, and Kim-Lelioni Nguyen. 2021. Human Anatomy (OERI). Shared under a CC BY. Available from https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Human_Anatomy_(OERI). |
| Adjuvant | Supplement, augment, stimulate, activate, potentiate or modulate action or response of medical treatment. | MeSH |
| Adnexal | Of the uterine appendages (ADNEXA UTERI) including diseases involving the OVARY, the FALLOPIAN TUBES, and ligaments of the uterus (BROAD LIGAMENT; ROUND LIGAMENT) | MeSH |
| Adrenal glands | Endocrine glands located at the top of each kidney that are important for the regulation of the stress response, blood pressure and blood volume, water homeostasis, and electrolyte levels. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Adrenocorticotropic | An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the ADRENAL CORTEX and its production of CORTICOSTEROIDS. ACTH is a 39-amino acid polypeptide of which the N-terminal 24-amino acid segment is identical in all species and contains the adrenocorticotrophic activity. Upon further tissue-specific processing, ACTH can yield ALPHA-MSH and corticotrophin-like intermediate lobe peptide (CLIP). | MeSH |
| Afterbirth | Third stage of childbirth in which the placenta and associated fetal membranes are expelled. | Lange, Jennifer et al. 2023 General Human Anatomy. LibreTexts, https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelv...ic_Development. Shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jennifer Lange et al. |
| Alveoli (of the breast) | Milk-secreting cells in the mammary gland. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Allantois | An extra-embryonic membranous sac derived from the YOLK SAC of REPTILES; BIRDS; and MAMMALS. It lies between two other extra-embryonic membranes, the AMNION and the CHORION. The allantois serves to store urinary wastes and mediate exchange of gas and nutrients for the developing embryo. | MeSH |
| Amenorrhea | Absence of menstruation. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Amniocentesis | A procedure for obtaining amniotic fluid. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Amnion | The innermost membranous sac that surrounds and protects the developing embryo which is bathed in the AMNIOTIC FLUID. Amnion cells are secretory EPITHELIAL CELLS and contribute to the amniotic fluid. | MeSH |
| Ampulla | A sac-like enlargement of a canal or duct. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Androgens | Male sex hormones; for example, testosterone. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Androstenedione | A delta-4 C19 steroid that is produced not only in the TESTIS, but also in the OVARY and the ADRENAL CORTEX. Depending on the tissue type, androstenedione can serve as a precursor to TESTOSTERONE as well as ESTRONE and ESTRADIOL. | MeSH |
| Anemia | A condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin is deficient. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Angiogenesis | Development of new blood vessels from existing vessel. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) | A glycoprotein that causes regression of Müllerian ducts. It is produced by Sertoli cells of the testes. In the absence of this hormone, the Müllerian ducts develop into structures of the female reproductive tract. In males, defects of this hormone result in persistent Müllerian duct, a form of male pseudohermaphroditism. | MeSH |
| Anticoagulants | Agents that prevent BLOOD CLOTTING. | National Library of Medicine(NLM). Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?Db...BMeSH+Terms%5D |
| Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) | A hormone that helps blood vessels constrict and helps the kidneys control the amount of water and salt in the body. This helps control blood pressure and the amount of urine that is made. Antidiuretic hormone is made by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and is secreted into the blood by the pituitary gland. Certain types of tumors may release high amounts of antidiuretic hormone, which can cause low levels of sodium in the blood and the body to retain water. Also called arginine vasopressin and vasopressin. | National Cancer Institute (NCI) Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Public Domain. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms. |
| Antiemetic | Male sex hormones; for example, testosterone. | MeSH |
| Antrum | Fluid-filled chamber that characterizes a mature tertiary (antral) follicle. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Apgar Score | A technique used to assess the general wellbeing of a newborn. The newborn is assessed one minute after birth and again five minutes after birth. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Apocrine glands | Large, branched, specialized sweat glands that empty into the upper portion of a HAIR FOLLICLE instead of directly onto the SKIN. | MeSH |
| Apoptosis | Programmed cell death. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Areola | Highly pigmented, circular area surrounding the raised nipple and containing areolar glands that secrete fluid important for lubrication during suckling. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Arteries | The vessels carrying blood away from the heart. | MeSH |
| Aspirate | To withdraw fluid, tissue, or other substances from a body cavity,
cyst, or tumor
|
Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Atherosclerosis | A hardening of the arteries that involves the accumulation of
plaque
|
Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Atresia | Absence or abnormal narrowing of an opening or passage in the body. | |
| Atrophy | Loss of mass and function. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Atypia | Abnormality in cells in tissue. | NCI Dictionary |
| Autoimmune | Disorders in which the immune system overreacts and begins to attack itself. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Barbiturates | A class of chemicals derived from barbituric acid or thiobarbituric acid. Many of these are GABA MODULATORS used as HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES, as ANESTHETICS, or as ANTICONVULSANTS. | MesH |
| 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 | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Benign | Non-cancerous. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Bile | A fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is excreted into the small intestine, where it helps digest fat. | NCI Dictionary |
| Bilirubin | Substance formed when red blood cells are broken down. Bilirubin is part of the bile, which is made in the liver and is stored in the gallbladder. The abnormal buildup of bilirubin causes jaundice. | NCI Dictionary |
| Blastocyst | A post-morula preimplantation mammalian embryo that develops from a 32-cell stage into a fluid-filled hollow ball of over a hundred cells. A blastocyst has two distinctive tissues. The outer layer of trophoblasts gives rise to extra-embryonic tissues. The inner cell mass gives rise to the embryonic disc and eventual embryo proper. | MeSH |
| Bone mineral density (BMD) | A bone mineral density (BMD) test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone. | MedlinePlus |
| Braxton Hicks | Weak and irregular peristaltic contractions that can occur in the second and third trimesters; they do not indicate that childbirth is imminent. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Broad Ligament | Wide ligament that supports the uterus by attaching laterally to both sides of the uterus and pelvic wall. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Brown adipose tissue | Highly vascularized fat tissue that is packed with mitochondria; these properties confer the ability to oxidize fatty acids to generate heat. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Calcification | Process by which organic tissue becomes hardened by the physiologic deposit of calcium salts. | MeSH |
| Canalization (defect) | The process of making a channel in part of the body, either naturally or using a medical procedure. | Cambridge Dictionary. English. |
| Cannula | Short, hollow cylinders or tubes for insertion into a canal, vessel, or body cavity. | MeSH |
| Capillary | The smallest type of blood vessel. A capillary connects an
arteriole (small artery) to a venule (small vein) to form a network of blood vessels in almost all parts of the body.
|
Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Carcinogenesis | The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells. | NCI Dictionary |
| 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. | NCI Dictionary |
| 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. | 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/. |
| Carotid arteries | Two principal arteries on both sides of the neck that supply blood to the head and neck; each divides into two branches, the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery. | MeSH |
| Cataract | Partial or complete opacity on or in the lens or capsule of one or both eyes, impairing vision or causing blindness. The many kinds of cataract are classified by their morphology (size, shape, location) or etiology. | National Library of Medicine(NLM). Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?Db...BMeSH+Terms%5D |
| Celiac Disease | A malabsorption syndrome that is precipitated by the ingestion of foods containing GLUTEN, such as wheat, rye, and barley. It is characterized by INFLAMMATION of the SMALL INTESTINE, loss of MICROVILLI structure, failed INTESTINAL ABSORPTION, and MALNUTRITION. | MeSH |
| Cell proliferation | All of the processes involved in increasing CELL NUMBER including CELL DIVISION. | MeSHMeSH |
|
Cervical os |
Neck portion of the UTERUS between the lower isthmus and the VAGINA forming the cervical canal. | National Library of Medicine(NLM). Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?Db...BMeSH+Terms%5D |
| Cervix | Narrow inferior portion of the uterus that projects into the vagina. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Chloasma | ||
| Choriocarcinoma | A malignant, fast growing tumor that develops from trophoblastic cells (cells that help an embryo attach to the uterus and help form the placenta) | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Chorion | The outermost extra-embryonic membrane surrounding the developing embryo. In REPTILES and BIRDS, it adheres to the shell and allows exchange of gases between the egg and its environment. In MAMMALS, the chorion evolves into the fetal contribution of the PLACENTA. | MeSH |
| Chorionic villi | Projections of the chorionic membrane that burrow into the endometrium and develop into the placenta. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Chromatin | Substance consisting of DNA and associated proteins. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Cilia | Small appendages on certain cells formed by microtubules and modified for movement of materials across the cellular surface. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Clitoris (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. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Coagulopathy |
Bleeding disorder | MedlinePlu |
| Coagulation | The process of the interaction of BLOOD COAGULATION FACTORS that results in an insoluble FIBRIN clot. | MeSH |
| Coccyx (tailbone) |
The small bone at the bottom of the spine. It is made up of 3-5 fused bones. Also called tailbone. | NCI Dictionary |
| Coccygeus | see Ischiococcygeus | |
| Collagen | Flexible fibrous proteins that give connective tissue tensile strength. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Columnar | Having a tall or long, narrow shape, like a column, as in columnar cells. | NCI Dictionary |
| 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. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Comorbid | The condition of having two or more diseases at the same time. | NCI Dictionary |
| 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. | NCI Dictionary |
| Contraception | The use of drugs, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Contractile myoepithelial cells | ||
| Contraindication | Anything (including a symptom or medical condition) that is a reason for a person to not receive a particular treatment or procedure because it may be harmful. For example, having a bleeding disorder is a contraindication for taking aspirin because treatment with aspirin may cause excess bleeding. | NCI Dictionary |
| Corpus albicans | Nonfunctional structure remaining in the ovarian stroma following structural and functional regression of the corpus luteum. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Corpus luteum | Transformed follicle after ovulation that secrets progesterone. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Coxal bones (pelvic bones) |
Hip bones. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Cremaster muscles | Muscles forming the ABDOMINAL WALL including RECTUS ABDOMINIS; ABDOMINAL OBLIQUE MUSCLES, transversus abdominis, pyramidalis muscles and quadratus abdominis. | MeSH |
| Curettage | A scraping, usually of the interior of a cavity or tract, for removal of new growth or other abnormal tissue, or to obtain material for tissue diagnosis. It is performed with a curet (curette), a spoon-shaped instrument designed for that purpose | MeSH |
| Cyst | A closed, sac-like pocket of tissue that can form anywhere in the body. It may be filled with fluid, air, pus, or other material. Most cysts are benign (not cancer). | NCI Dictionary |
| Cystitis | Inflammation of the lining of the bladder (National Cancer Institute, n.d.) | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Cytokine | A signaling molecule that allows cells to communicate with each other over short distances | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Cytological | Methods used to study CELLS. | MeSH |
| Cytoplasm | A water-based cellular fluid | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Cytotrophoblast | Cells lining the outside of the BLASTOCYST. After binding to the ENDOMETRIUM, trophoblasts develop into two distinct layers, an inner layer of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts and an outer layer of continuous multinuclear cytoplasm, the syncytiotrophoblasts, which form the early fetal-maternal interface (PLACENTA). | MeSH |
| Dartos muscle | ||
| De Novo | The first occurrence of cancer in the body. | MeSH |
| Decidual cells | Hyperplastic endometrial stromal cells | |
| Desmoplastic | Causing or forming adhesions or fibrous connective tissue within a tumor. | NCI Dictionary |
| Detrusor | A muscle which forms a layer of the wall of the bladder | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Diabetes Mellitus |
A disease in which the body does not control the amount of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood and the kidneys make a large amount of urine. This disease occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or does not use it the way it should. |
Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Diaphragm | A sheet of skeletal muscle separation the thoracic and abdominal cavities that has to contract and relax for you to breathe | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Differential diagnosis | Determination of which one of two or more diseases or conditions a patient is suffering from by systematically comparing and contrasting results of diagnostic measures. | MeSH |
| Diffusion | The movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Dilapan | ||
| Dilation | The act of dilating. | MeSH |
|
Dilation and curettage (D&C)
|
A procedure to scrape and remove tissue from the inner lining of the uterus. The cervix is dilated (made larger) and a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) is inserted into the uterus to remove tissue. The procedure is used to test tissue for signs of disease, after a miscarriage, or to treat certain conditions. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Diploid | A cell containing two matched sets of chromosomes. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Dopamine | One of the catecholamine neurotransmitters in the brain. It is derived from tyrosine and is the precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine is a major transmitter in the extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement. | MeSH |
| Ductus Arteriosus | A temporary connection between pulmonary trunk and aorta in the fetal heart | Menefee et al, 2024. |
| Dysmenorrhea | Painful menstruation. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Dyspareunia | Genital pain before, during, or after intercourse. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Dysplasia | A term used to describe the presence of abnormal cells within a tissue or organ. Dysplasia is not cancer, but it may sometimes become cancer. Dysplasia can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how abnormal the cells look under a microscope and how much of the tissue or organ is affected. | NCI Dictionary |
| Dyspnea | Difficult or labored breathing. | MeSH |
| Dysregulation | Abnormality or impairment in the regulation of a metabolic, physiological, or psychological process. | MeSH |
| Dysuria | Painful urination. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Eclampsia | A very serious condition in pregnant women with
hypertension ; patients are at high risk of coma, convulsions, and even death
|
Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Ectocervix | he outer part of the neck portion of the UTERUS between the lower isthmus and the VAGINA forming the cervical canal. | MeSH |
| 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). | MeSH |
| Edema | Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues. | NCI Dictionary |
| Edematous | Relating to or affected with edema : abnormally swollen with fluid. | |
| Ejaculation | The emission of SEMEN to the exterior, resulting from the contraction of muscles surrounding the male internal urogenital ducts. | MeSH |
| Embolization | A procedure that uses particles, such as tiny gelatin sponges or beads, to block a blood vessel. Embolization may be used to stop bleeding or to block the flow of blood to a tumor or abnormal area of tissue. It may be used to treat some types of liver cancer, kidney cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors. It may also be used to treat uterine fibroids, aneurysms, and other conditions. Types of embolization are arterial embolization, chemoembolization, and radioembolization. | NCI Dictionary |
| Embyro | A group of blastocyst cells that will become an embryo and thus develop into a baby. | MedlinePlus |
| Embryogenesis | Human embryogenesis is a complicated process by which a fertilized egg develops into an embryo. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Endocervical | The inner part of the neck portion of the UTERUS between the lower isthmus and the VAGINA forming the cervical canal. | MeSH |
| Endocrine | Cells, tissues, and organs that secrete hormones as a primary or secondary function and play an integral role in normal bodily processes | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Endometritis | Inflammation of the ENDOMETRIUM, usually caused by intrauterine infections. Endometritis is the most common cause of postpartum fever. | MeSH |
| Endometrium | The innermost layer of the uterus. It provides the site of implantation for a fertilized egg and sheds during menstruation if no egg is fertilized. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Endothelium | A layer of epithelium that lines the heart, blood vessels (ENDOTHELIUM, VASCULAR), lymph vessels (ENDOTHELIUM, LYMPHATIC), and the serous cavities of the body. | MeSH |
| Eosinophils | Granular leukocytes with a nucleus that usually has two lobes connected by a slender thread of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing coarse, round granules that are uniform in size and stainable by eosin. | MeSH |
| Episiotomy | Incision made in the posterior vaginal wall and perineum that facilitates vaginal birth. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| 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 | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Erythrocyte | Red blood cell. Mature erythrocytes are non-nucleated, biconcave disks containing HEMOGLOBIN whose function is to transport OXYGEN. | MeSH |
| Estradiol | The 17-beta-isomer of estradiol, an aromatized C18 steroid with hydroxyl group at 3-beta- and 17-beta-position. Estradiol-17-beta is the most potent form of mammalian estrogenic steroids. | MeSH |
| Estriol | A hydroxylated metabolite of ESTRADIOL or ESTRONE that has a hydroxyl group at C3, 16-alpha, and 17-beta position and a major urinary estrogen | MeSH |
| Estrogen | Class of predominantly female sex hormones important for the development and growth of the female reproductive tract, secondary sex characteristics, the female reproductive cycle, and the maintenance of pregnancy. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Estrone | An aromatized C18 steroid with a 3-hydroxyl group and a 17-ketone, a major mammalian estrogen. | MeSH |
| Eversion | Foot movement involving the intertarsal joints of the foot in which the bottom of the foot is turned laterally, away from the midline. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Exocrine | A gland whose secretions leave through a duct that opens directly, or indirectly, to the external environment . | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Exogenous | Describes substance made outside of the human body. | |
| Expulsion | Second stage of childbirth, during which the mother bears down with contractions; this stage ends in birth. | Lange, Jennifer et al. 2023 General Human Anatomy. LibreTexts, https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelv...ic_Development. Page titled 24.4: Maternal Changes During Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jennifer Lange et al . |
| External iliac vein |
Formed when the femoral vein passes into the body cavity; drains the legs and leads to the common iliac vein. |
Menefee et al, 2021 |
| External os | The neck portion of the UTERUS between the lower isthmus and the VAGINA forming the cervical canal. | MeSH |
| Extrauterine | Existing, formed, or occurring outside the uterus. | |
| Facilitated diffusion | Diffusion of a substance with the aid of a membrane protein. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Fallopian tubes | Ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Fascicular | Of, related to, or consisting of fasciculi (slender bundle of anatomical fibers, nerve fibers). | |
| Fertility | The capacity to conceive or to induce conception. It may refer to either the male or female. | MeSH |
| Fertilization | Fertilization occurs when sperm and an oocyte combine. Because each of these reproductive cells is a haploid cell containing half of the genetic material needed to form a human being, their combination forms a diploid cell. This new single cell is called a zygote. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Fibroblasts | Most abundant cell type in connective tissue, secretes protein fibers and matrix into the extracellular space. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Fibroid | Benign tumor derived from smooth muscle tissue. | MeSH |
| Fibrosis | A process in which muscle fibers are replaced by scar tissue. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Fimbriae | Fingerlike projections on the distal uterine tube. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Flagella/Flagellum | A whiplike motility appendage present on the surface cells. Prokaryote flagella are composed of a protein called FLAGELLIN. Bacteria can have a single flagellum, a tuft at one pole, or multiple flagella covering the entire surface. In eukaryotes, flagella are threadlike protoplasmic extensions used to propel flagellates and sperm. Flagella have the same basic structure as CILIA but are longer in proportion to the cell bearing them and present in much smaller numbers. | MeSH |
| Follicle (ovarian) | Ovarian structure of one oocyte and surrounding granulosa (and later theca) cells. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) | A major gonadotropin secreted by the human adenohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, ANTERIOR). Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates GAMETOGENESIS and the supporting cells such as the ovarian GRANULOSA CELLS, the testicular SERTOLI CELLS, and the LEYDIG CELLS. FSH consists of two noncovalently linked subunits, alpha and beta. The alpha subunit is common in the three human pituitary glycoprotein hormones (TSH, LH, and FSH), but the beta subunit is unique and confers its biological specificity. | MeSH |
| Follicular phase | Period of the menstrual cycle representing follicular growth, increase in ovarian estrogen (estrogens) production, and epithelial proliferation of the endometrium. Follicular phase begins with the onset of menstruation and ends with ovulation | MeSH |
| Folliculogenesis | Development of ovarian follicles from primordial to tertiary under the stimulation of gonadotropins | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Foley catheter | A urinary catheter is a tube placed in the body to drain and collect urine from the bladder. | MedlinePlus |
| Foramen Ovale | An opening between right and left atria, which is normal in the
fetal heart
|
Nelson & Green, 2022 |
|
Foremilk (colostrum) |
The thin, yellow, serous fluid secreted by the mammary glands during pregnancy and immediately postpartum before lactation begins. It consists of immunologically active substances, white blood cells, water, protein, fat, and carbohydrates. | MeSH |
| Fornix | Superior portion of the vagina. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Fundus | .The part of a hollow organ that is across from, or farthest away from, the organ’s opening | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Gamete | A specialized sex cell carrying 23 chromosomes. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Genome | ||
| Genital wart | Genital warts are soft growths on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. They may be found on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and around and in the anus. | MedlinePlus |
| Germ-line mutation | Detectable and heritable alteration in the lineage of germ cell. | MeSH |
| Gestation | The period required for embryonic andfetal development in utero; pregnancy | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia | A group of diseases arising from pregnancy that are commonly associated with hyperplasia of trophoblasts (TROPHOBLAST) and markedly elevated human CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN. They include HYDATIDIFORM MOLE, invasive mole (HYDATIDIFORM MOLE, INVASIVE), placental-site trophoblastic tumor (TROPHOBLASTIC TUMOR, PLACENTAL SITE), and CHORIOCARCINOMA. These neoplasms have varying propensities for invasion and spread. | MeSH |
| Gland | An organ that makes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk. Endocrine glands release the substances directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands release the substances into a duct or opening to the inside or outside of the body. | NCI Dictionary |
| Glans penis | Bulbous end of the penis that contains a large number of nerve endings. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Glycogen | A polysaccharide that is converted to glucose. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) | Homonre released by the hypothalamus that regulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone frfom the pituitary gland. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Gonorrhea | Acute infectious disease characterized by primary invasion of the urogenital tract. | MeSH |
| Granulomatous endometrititis | 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. | MeSH |
| Granulosa | Supportive cells in the ovarian follicle that produce estrogen | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Haploid | The presence of a single set of chromosomes in an organism’s cells. Sexually reproducing organisms are diploid (having two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent). In humans, only the egg and sperm cells are haploid. | National Human Genome Research Institute. Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms. Public Domain. Available from: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary. |
| Haploid ovum | A mature haploid female germ cell extruded from the OVARY at OVULATION. | MeSH |
| HDL | HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. It is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver then removes the cholesterol from your body | MedlinePlus |
| Hematocrit | A lab test which measures the percentage red blood cells in a sample of whole blood | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Hematometra | Blood-filled UTERUS. | MeSH |
| Hemodynamics | The movement and the forces involved in the movement of the blood through the CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM. | MeSH |
| Hemoglobin | A protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs in the body and carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Testing for the amount of hemoglobin in the blood is usually part of a complete blood cell (CBC) test. | NCI Dictionary |
| Hemolytic disease | A condition in which the mother’s Rhantibodies cross the placenta inot the fetal bloodstream and destroy the fetal RBC. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Hemorrhage | Excessive bleeding. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Herpes | A group of acute infections caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2 that is characterized by the development of one or more small fluid-filled vesicles with a raised erythematous base on the skin or mucous membrane. It occurs as a primary infection or recurs due to a reactivation of a latent infection. | MeSH |
| Hindmilk | opaque, creamy breast milk delivered toward the end of a feeding; rich in fat; satisfies the infant’s appetite. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Hippocampus | A curved elevation of GRAY MATTER extending the entire length of the floor of the TEMPORAL HORN of the LATERAL VENTRICLE (see also TEMPORAL LOBE). | MeSH |
| Histocompatabilty | The degree of antigenic similarity between the tissues of different individuals, which determines the acceptance or rejection of allografts. | MeSH |
| Histology | The study of tissues. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Homeostasis | The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living thing. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) | A gonadotropic glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the placenta. Similar to the pituitary luteinizing hormone in structure and function, chorionic gonadotropin is involved in maintaining the corpus luteum during pregnancy. CG consists of two noncovalently linked subunits, alpha and beta. | MeSH |
| Human papilloma virus (HPV) | A group of more than 200 common viruses. Some HPVs, called cutaneous HPVs, are transmitted by casual contact and can infect the skin and cause common skin warts. Other HPVs, known as mucosal HPVs, can infect the moist surfaces or inner lining of some organs and body cavities, such as the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. Infection with some mucosal HPVs (collectively known as low-risk HPVs) can cause warts in or around the genitals, anus, mouth, and respiratory tract but rarely cause cancer. Long-lasting infection with other mucosal HPVs (collectively known as high-risk HPVs) can cause cell changes that become cancer over time if not found and removed. HPV-related cancers include cancers of the cervix, anus, oropharynx, vagina, vulva, and penis. Mucosal HPVs are transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Also called human papillomavirus. | NCI Dictionary |
| Hydatidiform mole | Trophoblastic hyperplasia associated with normal gestation, or molar pregnancy. It is characterized by the swelling of the CHORIONIC VILLI and elevated human CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN. Hydatidiform moles or molar pregnancy may be categorized as complete or partial based on their gross morphology, histopathology, and karyotype. | MeSH |
| Hydrops fetalis | Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in two or more fetal compartments, such as SKIN; PLEURA; PERICARDIUM; PLACENTA; PERITONEUM; AMNIOTIC FLUID. General fetal EDEMA may be of non-immunologic origin, or of immunologic origin as in the case of ERYTHROBLASTOSIS FETALIS. | MeSH |
| Hymen | Thin membrane that sometimes partially covers the entrance to the vagina. | Nelso & Greene, 2022 |
| Hyperandrogenic | When you have an excess amount of androgens (a group of sex hormones) in your body. | MeSH |
| Hyperbilirubinemia | A condition characterized by an abnormal increase of BILIRUBIN in the blood, which may result in JAUNDICE. Bilirubin, a breakdown product of HEME, is normally excreted in the BILE or further catabolized before excretion in the urine. | MeSH |
| Hyperechogenic | A PRENATAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY finding of excessively dense fetal bowel due to MECONIUM buildup. | MeSH |
| Hyperplasia | Abnormal growth due to the production of cells. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Hypertension | Blood pressure goes below the homeostatic set point when standing. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Hypertrophy | The enlargement of muscles. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Hypothalamus | A region of the forebrain below thethalamus; has function in both the autonomic and endocrine systems and regulates homostatsis. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Hysterectomy | Surgery to remove the uterus and, sometimes, the
cervix.
|
Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Hysteroscopy | Endoscopic examination of the uterus. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Idiopathic | Something that is unknown. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Iliococcygeus | Muscle that makes up the levator ani along with the pubococcygeus. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Iliolumbar | ||
| Iliac artery | Either of two large arteries originating from the abdominal aorta; they supply blood to the pelvis, abdominal wall and legs. | MeSH |
| Ilium | Superior portion of the hip bone. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Immunoglobulins | Multi-subunit proteins which function in IMMUNITY. They are produced by B LYMPHOCYTES from the IMMUNOGLOBULIN GENES. They are comprised of two heavy (IMMUNOGLOBULIN HEAVY CHAINS) and two light chains (IMMUNOGLOBULIN LIGHT CHAINS) with additional ancillary polypeptide chains depending on their isoforms. The variety of isoforms include monomeric or polymeric forms, and transmembrane forms (B-CELL ANTIGEN RECEPTORS) or secreted forms (ANTIBODIES). They are divided by the amino acid sequence of their heavy chains into five classes (IMMUNOGLOBULIN A; IMMUNOGLOBULIN D; IMMUNOGLOBULIN E; IMMUNOGLOBULIN G; IMMUNOGLOBULIN M) and various subclasses | MeSH |
| Implantation | Process by which a blastocyst embeds itself in the uterine endometrium. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| In utero | ||
| In vitro fertilization | A process where the ova is fertilized outside the body and then implanted into the uterus. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Incidence | The number of new cases of a disease diagnosed each year. | NCI Dictionary |
| Incontinence | Urinary - loss of ability to control micturition. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| 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). | MeSH |
| Inflammation | Basic innate immune response characterized by heat, redness, pain, and swelling. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Infundibulum of the uterine tube |
Wide, distal portion of the uterine tube terminating in fimbriae. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Inhibin | Hormone secreted by the gonads that inhibits FSH production by the anterior pituitary ischemia. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Intracytoplasmic sperm injection | An assisted fertilization technique consisting of the microinjection of a single viable sperm into an extracted ovum. It is used principally to overcome low sperm count, low sperm motility, inability of sperm to penetrate the egg, or other conditions related to male infertility (INFERTILITY, MALE). | MeSH |
| Intraepithelial | Within the layer of cells that form the surface or lining of an organ. | NCI Dictionary |
| 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. | NCI Dictionary |
| Intrauterine device (IUD) | A small, plastic T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis in which a fetus develops) to prevent pregnancy. IUDs prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg, and prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus. The use of IUDs is also being studied in the prevention and treatment of endometrial cancer and other conditions. Also called intrauterine device. | NCI Dictionary |
| Intrauterine insemination | Infertility treatment that is sometimes referred to as "artificial insemination." During this procedure, specially prepared sperm are inserted into the woman's uterus. This treatment may be recommended for couples in which the male has close to normal sperm count and motility (movement) and the ability to produce a semen sample in the office (or, under some circumstances, at home) and the woman has open, functioning fallopian tubes. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions." Reproductive Health. (May 2024). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/. |
| Intravenous | Into or within the vein. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Involution | Postpartum shrinkage of the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy volume. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Ischiococcygeus | Muscle that assists the levator ani and pulls the coccyx anteriorly. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Ischemia | Insufficient blood flow to the tissues. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Isthmus | Narrow, medial portion of the uterine tube that joins the uterus. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Keratin pearls | Formed by local squamous epithelium accumulation which is easily recognized under a microscope 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. | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| Labia | Lips; can refer to the lips of the mouth or the folds of hair-covered skin that begin just posterior to the mons pubis. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Labia majora | Outer lips of the vagina. | MedlinePlus |
| Labia minora | Inner vagina lips. | MedlinePlus |
| Lactation | The processes of milk secretion by the maternal MAMMARY GLANDS after PARTURITION. The proliferation of the mammary glandular tissue, milk synthesis, and milk expulsion or let down are regulated by the interactions of several hormones including ESTRADIOL; PROGESTERONE; PROLACTIN; and OXYTOCIN. | MeSH |
| Lactiferous ducts | Ducts that connect the mammary glands to the nipple and allow for the transport of milk. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Lactiferous sinus | Area of milk collection between alveoli and lactiferous duct. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Lactocytes | ||
| Lactogen | A polypeptide hormone of approximately 25 kDa that is produced by the SYNCYTIOTROPHOBLASTS of the PLACENTA, also known as chorionic somatomammotropin. It has both GROWTH HORMONE and PROLACTIN activities on growth, lactation, and luteal steroid production. In women, placental lactogen secretion begins soon after implantation and increases to 1 g or more a day in late pregnancy. Placental lactogen is also an insulin antagonist. | MeSH |
| Lamina propria | A type of connective tissue found under the thin layer of tissues covering a mucous membrane. | NCI Dictionary |
| Laminaria | A genus of BROWN ALGAE in the family Laminariaceae. Dried pencil-like pieces may be inserted in the cervix where they swell as they absorb moisture, serving as osmotic dilators. | MeSH |
| Lanugo | ||
| Laparoscopy | Procedure that uses a laparoscope, inserted through the abdominal wall, to examine the inside of the abdomen. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Laparotomy | A surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| LDL Low density lipoproteins |
A class of lipoproteins of small size (18-25 nm) and light (1.019-1.063 g/ml) particles with a core composed mainly of CHOLESTEROL ESTERS and smaller amounts of TRIGLYCERIDES. The surface monolayer consists mostly of PHOSPHOLIPIDS, a single copy of APOLIPOPROTEIN B-100, and free cholesterol molecules. The main LDL function is to transport cholesterol and cholesterol esters to extrahepatic tissues. | MeSH |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Lesions | Areas of abnormal tissue. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Let-down reflex | release of milk from the alveoli triggered by infant suckling. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Leukocyte | White blood cell. These include granular leukocytes (BASOPHILS; EOSINOPHILS; and NEUTROPHILS) as well as non-granular leukocytes (LYMPHOCYTES and MONOCYTES). | MeSH |
| Leukorrhea | A clear or white discharge from the VAGINA, consisting mainly of MUCUS. | MeSH |
| Levator ani | Muscle that makes up the levator ani along with the iliococcygeus. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Ligaments | Shiny, flexible bands of fibrous tissue connecting together articular extremities of bones. They are pliant, tough, and inextensile. | MeSH |
| Lightening | Descent of the fetus lower into the pelvis in late pregnancy; also called “dropping”. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Linea Nigra | Linea Nigra is a dark vertical line that appears on the midline of the belly during pregnancy. | MedlinePlus |
| Lipid-soluble | ||
| Lipoproteins | Lipid-protein complexes involved in the transportation and metabolism of lipids in the body. They are spherical particles consisting of a hydrophobic core of TRIGLYCERIDES and CHOLESTEROL ESTERS surrounded by a layer of hydrophilic free CHOLESTEROL; PHOSPHOLIPIDS; and APOLIPOPROTEINS. | MeSH |
| Lobules | Ducts in the breast. | MedlinePlus |
| Localized | In medicine, describes disease that is limited to a certain part of the body. For example, localized cancer is usually found only in the tissue or organ where it began, and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body. Some localized cancers can be completely removed by surgery. | NCI Dictionary |
| Lociha | Postpartum vaginal discharge that begins as blood and ends as a whitish discharge; the end of lochia signals that the site of placental attachment has healed. | |
| Lumbosacral | Region of the back including the LUMBAR VERTEBRAE, SACRUM, and nearby structures. | MeSH |
| Lumen | A hollow passageway through which blood flows. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Luteal phase | The period in the menstrual cycle that follows ovulation, characterized by the development of the corpus luteum, an increase in progesterone production by the ovary, and secretion by the glandular epithelium of the endometrium. The luteal phase begins with ovulation and ends with the onset of menstruation. | MeSH |
| Luteinization | Formation of the corpus luteum. This process includes capillary invasion of the ruptured ovarian follicle, hypertrophy of the granulosa cells and the theca cells, and the production of progesterone. Luteinization is regulated by luteinizing hormone. | MeSH |
| Luteinizing hormone (LH) | The anterior pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation and the production of ovarian hormones in females and the production of testosterone in males. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Lymph | The term used to describe interstitial fluid once it has entered the lymphatic system | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Lymph nodes | One of the bean-shaped organs found associated with the lymphatic vessels | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Lymphatic system | Network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and ducts that carries lymph from the tissues and back to the bloodstream | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Lymphocytes | The second most common type of leukocyte and are essential for the immune response. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Lymph-vascular | Of, relating to, or containing lymphatic vessels. | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| Macroscopic | Observable by the naked eye. | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| Malignancy | Cancerous. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Mammary glands | Modified sweat glands that produce breast milk. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Mammogram | Radiographic image of the breast. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Meconium | Fetal wastes consisting of ingested amniotic fluid, cellular debris, mucus, and bile. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Medical abortion (MAB) | see Abortion | |
| Meiosis | Shedding of the inner portion of the endometrium out through the vagina; also referred to as menstruation. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Melanocyte-stimulating hormone | Peptides with the ability to stimulate pigmented cells MELANOCYTES in mammals and MELANOPHORES in lower vertebrates. By stimulating the synthesis and distribution of MELANIN in these pigmented cells, they increase coloration of skin and other tissue. | MeSH |
| Menarche | First menstruation in a pubertal female. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Menopause | Cessation of the menstrual cycle; is considered complete when a woman has not menstruated in a full year. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Menses | shedding of the inner portion of the endometrium out though the vagina; also referred to as menstruation. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Menstrual cycle | A sequence of events in the uterus that repeats itself and that involves thickening, deterioration, and shedding of the
endometrium; uterine cycle
|
DiGiovanna, 2023 |
| Mesenchymal | Refers to cells that develop into connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissue. | NCI Dictionary |
| Mesoderm | The middle germ layer in the embryo. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| 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). | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Metabolic syndrome | Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. You can have just one risk factor, but people often have several of them together. When you have at least three of them, it is called metabolic syndrome. | MedlinePlus |
| Methotrexate | An antineoplastic antimetabolite with immunosuppressant properties. It is an inhibitor of TETRAHYDROFOLATE DEHYDROGENASE and prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolate, necessary for synthesis of thymidylate, an essential component of DNA. | MeSH |
| Mesovarium | An extension of the peritoneum that connects the ovaries to the broad ligament. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Metaplasia | A condition in which there is a change of one adult cell type to another similar adult cell type. | MeSH |
| Metastasis | The process in which cancer spreads from one part of the body to another. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Methotrexate | An antineoplastic antimetabolite with immunosuppressant properties. It is an inhibitor of TETRAHYDROFOLATE DEHYDROGENASE and prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolate, necessary for synthesis of thymidylate, an essential component of DNA. | MeSH |
| Metrorrhagia | Excessive bleeding from the uterus not related to menstruation. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Mifepristone | A derivative of the synthetic progestin norethindrone with antiprogesterone activity. Mifepristone competitively binds to the progesterone receptor, resulting in inhibition of the effects of endogenous or exogenous progesterone. This agent also exhibits antiglucocorticoid and weak antiandrogenic activities. | National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Public Domain. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug |
| Misoprostol | A drug used to end early pregnancies. It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer and other conditions. Mifepristone blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone that helps some cancers grow. It is a type of antiprogesterone. Also called Mifeprex and RU 486. | NCI Dictionary |
| Mitochondria | A membranous, bean-shaped organelle that is the “energy transformer” of the cell. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Mitotic | Having to do with the presence of dividing (proliferating) cells. | NCI Dictionary |
| Molar pregnancy (Hydatiform mole) |
Results from abnormal fertilization of the oocyte (egg). It results in an abnormal fetus. The placenta grows normally with little or no growth of the fetal tissue. The placental tissue forms a mass in the uterus. On ultrasound, this mass often has a grape-like appearance, as it contains many small cysts. | MedlinePlus |
| Monoclonal | Produce by a single clone of cells. | MeSH |
| Mons pubis | A pad of fat that is located at the anterior, over the pubic bone. After puberty, it becomes covered in pubic hair. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Montgomery glands | ||
| Morphology | The science of the form and structure of organisms (plants, animals, and other forms of life). | NCI Dictionary |
| Motility | The movement of cells from one location to another. Distinguish from CYTOKINESIS which is the process of dividing the CYTOPLASM of a cell. | MeSH |
| Mucoid | Resembling mucus. | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary |
| Mucopolysaccharides | Long chains of sugar molecules that are found throughout the body, often in mucus and in fluid around the joints. They are more commonly called glycosaminoglycans. | MedlinePlus |
| Mucopurulent | Containing both mucus and pus. | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Multigravida | A woman who has been pregnant more than once. | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary |
| Mutation | Any change in the DNA sequence of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. If they occur in cells that make eggs or sperm, they can be inherited; if mutations occur in other types of cells, they are not inherited. Certain mutations may lead to cancer or other diseases. A mutation is sometimes called a variant. | NCI Dictionary |
| Myomectomy | Surgical removal of a LEIOMYOMA of the UTERUS. | MeSH |
| Myometrium | The smooth muscle layer of uterus that allows for uterine contractions during labor and expulsion of menstrual blood. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Necrosis | Accidental death of cells and tissues. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Neoplasia | 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. | MeSH |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Neuroendocrine | Having to do with the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Neuroendocrine describes certain cells that release hormones into the blood in response to stimulation of the nervous system. | NCI Dictionary |
| Neurogenesis | Formation of NEURONS which involves the differentiation and division of STEM CELLS in which one or both of the daughter cells become neurons. | MeSH |
| Neutrophilic | Related to granulocytes that stain with a neutral dye and are the most numerous of the leukocytes; especially active against bacteria. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Nodule | Growth or lump that may be malignant or benign. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Nonshivering thermogenesis | Process of breaking down brown adipose tissue to produce heat in the absence of a shivering response. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Nuchal Translucency Measurement | A prenatal ultrasonography measurement of the soft tissue behind the fetal neck. Either the translucent area below the skin in the back of the fetal neck (nuchal translucency) or the distance between occipital bone to the outer skin line (nuchal fold) is measured. | MeSH |
| Obstetric conjugate | Narrowest fixed distance through which a baby's head must pass during vaginal delivery (10 com). | |
| Obstetrician | Qualified medical professionals who specialize in OBSTETRICS - a medical-surgical specialty concerned with management and care of women during pregnancy, parturition, and the puerperium. | MeSH |
| Obturator internus | muscle deep to the gluteus maximus on the lateral surface of the thigh that laterally rotates the femur at the hip. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Occiput | Prominence on the back of the head. | MedlinePlus |
| Oncogene | Gene that is a mutated form of a gene involved in normal cell growth and may cause the growth of cancer cells. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Oncoprotein (Oncogene proteins) |
Proteins coded by oncogenes. They include proteins resulting from the fusion of an oncogene and another gene (ONCOGENE PROTEINS, FUSION). | MeSH |
| Ontogenesis | Development of course of development of an organism. | |
| Oocyte | A cell that results from the division of the oogonium and undergoes meiosis I at the LH surge and meiosis II at fertilization to become a haploid ovum. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Oogenesis | Process by which oogonia divide by mitosis to primary oocytes, which undergo meiosis to produce the secondary oocyte and, upon fertilization, the ovum. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Oogonia | Ovarian stem cells that undergo mitosis during female fetal development to form primary oocytes. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Opiates | A substance used to treat pain or cause sleep. Opiates are made from opium or have opium in them. Opiates bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Examples of opiates are codeine, heroin, and morphine. An opiate is a type of analgesic agent. | NCI Dictionary |
| Oropharynx | Part of the pharynx continuous with the oral cavity that functions in respiration and digestion. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Osmotic | Having to do with osmosis (the passage of a liquid through a membrane from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated one). This causes the more concentrated solution to become diluted, and makes the concentrations in both solutions more equal. Osmotic also refers to a type of laxative that increases the amount of water in the large intestine, which softens the stool to help it pass more easily. | NCI Dictionary |
| Osteoblast | The cell responsible for forming new bone | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Osteoclast | A large multinuclear cell associated with the BONE RESORPTION. An odontoclast, also called cementoclast, is cytomorphologically the same as an osteoclast and is involved in CEMENTUM resorption. | MeSH |
| Osteoporosis | A disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass that occurs when the rate of bone resorption exceeds the rate of bone formation. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Ovalis | ||
| Ovary/Ovaries | Female gonads that produce oocytes and sex steroid hormones (notably estrogen and progesterone). | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Ovarian ligament | A fibrous ligament that connects the ovary to the
lateral surface of the uterus
|
Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Ovulation | Release of a secondary oocyte and associated granulosa cells from an ovary. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Ovum | Haploid female gamete resulting from completion of meiosis II at fertilization. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Oxytocin | Hypothalamic hormone stored in the posteriorpituitary gland and important in stimulating uterine contractions in labor, milk ejection during breastfeeding, and feelings of attachment (also produced in males). | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Pap smear Papanicolaou smear |
A procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Papillary | Of, relating to, being, or resembling a papilla or nipple-shaped projection, mass or structure; marked by the presence of papillae. | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| Paracervical block | ||
| Paracrine | Cellular signaling in which a factor secreted by a cell affects other cells in the local environment. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Paraventricular nucleus (PVN) | Nucleus in the anterior part of the hypothalamus. | MeSH |
| Parietal 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. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Parturition | Childbirth. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Pathogen | An organism that causes a disease. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Pedunculated | Having, growing on, or being attached by a peduncle (narrow stalk by which a tumor or polyp is attached). | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| Pelvic | Pertaining to the pelvis. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Pelvic diaphragm | Muscular sheet that comprises the levator ani and the ischiococcygeus. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Pelvic girdle | Hip girdle; consists of a single hip bone, which attaches a lower limb to the sacrum of the axial skeleton. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) | A condition in which the female reproductive organs are inflamed. It may affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and certain ligaments. PID is usually caused by a bacterial infection. It may cause infertility and an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tubes). Also called pelvic inflammatory disease. | NCI Dictionary |
| Pelvis | The space or compartment surrounded by the pelvic girdle (bony pelvis). It is subdivided into the greater pelvis and LESSER PELVIS. The pelvic girdle is formed by the PELVIC BONES and SACRUM. | MeSH |
| Perimenopause | The transitional period before and after menopause wherein the menstrual cycle is irregular and hormone levels widely fluctuate. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Perimetrium | The outer epithelial layer of the uterine wall. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Perineal tear | Tearing of your vagina and the surrounding tissues. | MedlinePlus |
| Perineum | Diamond-shaped region between the pubic symphysis, coccyx, and ischial tuberosities. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Peristalsis | The rippling motion of muscles in the intestine or other tubular organs characterized by the alternate contraction and relaxation of the muscles that propel the contents onward. | NCI Dictionary |
| Peritoneal cavity | The space enclosed by the peritoneum, divided into two portions, the greater sac and the lesser sac or omental bursa, which lies behind the stomach. The foramen of Winslow, or epiploic foramen, connects the two sacs. | MeSH |
| Peritoneum | Serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and covers the organs found there. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Periumbilical | Region of the body that immediately surrounds the umbilicus. | |
| Phagocytes | Cells that can carry out the process of PHAGOCYTOSIS. | MeSH |
| Physiological | Area around the belly button. | MedlinePlus |
| Pituitary gland (neuroohypophysis) | A bean-sized organ suspended from the hypothalamus that produces, stores, and secretes hormones in response to hypothalamic stimulation (also called hypophysis). | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Placenta | A highly vascularized mammalian fetal-maternal organ and major site of transport of oxygen, nutrients, and fetal waste products. It includes a fetal portion (CHORIONIC VILLI) derived from TROPHOBLASTS and a maternal portion (DECIDUA) derived from the uterine ENDOMETRIUM. The placenta produces an array of steroid, protein and peptide hormones (PLACENTAL HORMONES). | MeSH |
| 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 | MeSH |
| Placental abruptio | 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. | MeSH |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Plasma cells | A type of B lymphocyte that produces antibodies, which bind to specific foreign or abnormal antigens in order to destroy them. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Plasminogen activators | A heterogeneous group of proteolytic enzymes that convert plasminogen to fibrinolysin. They are concentrated in the lysosomes of most cells and in the vascular endothelium, particularly in the vessels of the microcirculation. | MeSH |
| Pleomorphic | Occurring in various distinct forms. In terms of cells, having variation in the size and shape of cells or their nuclei. | NCI Dictionary |
| Pluripotent | Able to mature or develop in any of several ways. | NCI Dictionary. |
| POC | ||
| Polymenorrhea | Variations of MENSTRUATION which may be indicative of disease. | MeSH |
| Polyp | A growth that protrudes from a mucous membrane (National Cancer Institute). | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Polypoid | Organism whose genomes consist of more than two complete sets of chromosomes. | |
| Pouch of Douglas Douglas Pouch |
A sac or recess formed by a fold of the peritoneum. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Preeclampsia | The abnormal condition in pregnancy where the patient experiences hypertension, edema and protinuria. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Prenatal | Having to do with the time a female is pregnant, before birth occurs; also called antenatal. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| 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. | |
| Prevalence | The total number of cases of a given disease in a specified population at a designated time. It is differentiated from INCIDENCE, which refers to the number of new cases in the population at a given time. | MeSH |
| Primordial follicles | Least developed ovarian follicles that consist of a single oocyte and a single layer of flat (squamous) granulosa cells. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Progesterone | A principal sex hormone, most of which is produced by the ovaries. | DiGiovanna, 2023 |
| Progestins | Compounds that interact with PROGESTERONE RECEPTORS in target tissues to bring about the effects similar to those of PROGESTERONE. | MeSH |
| Proinflammatory | Promoting inflammation : capable of causing inflammation. | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| Prolactin | Pituitary hormone that establishes and maintains the supply of breast milk; also important for the mobilization of maternal micronutrients for breast milk. | Lange et al 2023 |
| Proliferative phase | Phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium proliferates. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Prolapse | The protrusion of an organ or part of an organ into a natural or artificial orifice. see also Uterine prolapse |
Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Pronuclei | ||
| Prophylactic | In medicine, something that prevents or protects. | NCI Dictionary |
| Prophyria | Porphyrias are a group of genetic disorders caused by problems with how your body makes a substance called heme. Heme is found throughout the body, especially in your blood and bone marrow, where it carries oxygen. | MedlinePlus |
| Prostaglandins | A group of compounds derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid, via the cyclooxygenase pathway. They are extremely potent mediators of a diverse group of physiological processes. | MeSH |
| Pubic symphysis | Joint formed by the articulation between the pubic bodies of the right and left hip bones. joint formed by the articulation between the pubic bodies of the right and left hip bones. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Pubis | Anterior portion of the hip bone. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Pubocervical ligament | Ligament attached to the cervix and extends to the posterior surface of the pubic symphysis. | Chaudhry et al, 2023 |
| Pubococcygeus | muscle that makes up the levator ani along with the iliococcygeus. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Pulmonary alveoli | Small polyhedral outpouchings along the walls of the alveolar sacs, alveolar ducts and terminal bronchioles through the walls of which gas exchange between alveolar air and pulmonary capillary blood takes place. | MeSH |
| Pulmonary trunk | The very large artery referred to as a trunk, a term indicating that the vessel gives rise to several smaller arteries. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Pyogenic | Pus-producing. | MedlinePlus |
| Quickening | Fetal movements that are strong enough to be felt by the mother. | Lange et a;. 2023 |
| Radiation | Energy released in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from outer space, medical x-rays, and energy given off by a radioisotope (unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable). Radiation can damage cells. It is used to diagnose and treat some types of cancer. | NCI Dictionary |
| Raphae | ||
| Retrograde | A backward movement or a movement that is opposite to the usual direction of flow. | Cambridge Dictionary |
| RH status |
When blood typing is done to see if you have Rh factor on the surface of your red blood cells, the results will be one of these:
|
MedlinePlus |
| Round ligament | Cord-like fibrous tissue structure that connects two articular extremities of bones, ligaments and /or cartilages. | MeSH |
| Rugae (vagina) | Folds of skin in the vagina that allow it to stretch during intercourse and childbirth. | Menefee et al, 2023 |
| Saccular | Outward protrusion. | MeSH |
| Sacral plexus | Nerve plexus associated with the lower lumbar and sacral spinal nerves. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Sacrococcygeal | The body region between (and flanking) the SACRUM and COCCYX. | MeSH |
| Sacroiliac | The immovable joint formed by the lateral surfaces of the SACRUM and ILIUM. | MeSH |
| Sacrospinous ligament | Ligament that spans the sacrum to the ischial spine of the hip bone. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Sacrotuberous ligament | Ligament that spans the sacrum to the ischial tuberosity of the hip bone. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Scrotal septum | ||
| Scrotum | External pouch of skin and muscle that houses the testes. | Nelson & GrGreene, 2022 |
| Sebaceous glands | Small, sacculated organs found within the DERMIS. Each gland has a single duct that emerges from a cluster of oval alveoli. Each alveolus consists of a transparent BASEMENT MEMBRANE enclosing epithelial cells. | MeSH |
| Serous membrane | One of the thin membranes that cover the walls and organs in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Serous space | The very thin, fluid-filled space between the parietal and visceral layers. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Sessile | Attached permanently or established. | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| Shunt | Circulatory shortcut that diverts the flow of blood from one region to another. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Somatic | Having to do with the body. | NCI Dictionary |
| Somatotrophs (Growth Hormone (GH) | Anterior pituitary cells which produce GROWTH HORMONE. | MeSH |
| Sperm | The male gamete. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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). | NCI Dictionary |
| Squamocolumnar junction | The area around the opening of the cervix where the endocervix (inner part) and ectocervix (outer part) come together. This area contains both glandular cells (cells that make mucus) from the endocervix and squamous cells (thin, skin-like cells) from the ectocervix. Most abnormal cell changes and most cervical cancers begin in the squamous cells of the squamocolumnar junction. Also called transformation zone. | NCI Dictionary |
| Squamous | Flat cell that looks like a fish scale under a microscope. These cells are found in the tissues that form the surface of the skin, the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts, and the lining of the hollow organs of the body (such as the bladder, kidney, and uterus, including the cervix). | NCI Dictionary |
| Stratum basale | The deepest layer of the epidermis. | Nelson & Green, 2022 |
| Stratum functionalis | A highly vascularized mucosal layer that undergoes monthly cyclical changes and is lost during menstruation. | |
| Stress incontinence | Stress urinary incontinence occurs when your bladder leaks urine during physical activity or exertion. It may happen when you cough, sneeze, lift something heavy, change positions, or exercise. | MedlinePlus |
| Striae | Stretch marks. | MedlinePlus |
| Stroma | The cells and tissues that support and give structure to organs, glands, or other tissues in the body. The stroma is mostly made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. It provides nutrients to the tissue or organ and removes waste and extra fluid. The stroma may also be involved in the body’s immune response and in the growth and spread of cancer cells. | NCI Dictionary |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Subcutaneous | Beneath, or under, all the layers of the skin. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Superficial (body part) | Describes a position nearer to the surface of the body. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Supraoptic nucleus (SO) | Hypothalamic nucleus overlying the beginning of the optic tract. | MeSH |
| Suspensory ligament | Bands of connective tissue that suspend the breast onto the chest wall by attachment to the overlying dermis. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Symphysis pubis | see pubic symphysis | |
| Syncytiotrophoblast | Superficial cells of the trophoblast that fuse to form a multinucleated body that digests endometrial cells to firmly secure the blastocyst to the uterine wall. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Syphilis | A contagious venereal disease caused by the spirochete TREPONEMA PALLIDUM. | MeSH |
| Telomerase | An essential ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase that adds telomeric DNA to the ends of eukaryotic CHROMOSOMES. | MeSH |
| Tenaculum | ||
| Teratogen | An agent capable of producing malformations in a developing embryo. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Tertiary follicle (also antral follicles) |
Ovarian follicles with a primary or secondary oocyte, multiple layers of granulosa cells, and a fully formed antrum. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Testes | The testes (singular = testis) are the male gonads—that is, the male reproductive organs. They produce both sperm and androgens, such as testosterone, and are active throughout the reproductive lifespan. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Testosterone | A potent androgenic steroid and major product secreted by the LEYDIG CELLS of the TESTIS. Its production is stimulated by LUTEINIZING HORMONE from the PITUITARY GLAND. In turn, testosterone exerts feedback control of the pituitary LH and FSH secretion. Depending on the tissues, testosterone can be further converted to DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE or ESTRADIOL. | MeSH |
| Theca cells | Estrogen-producing cells in a maturing ovarian follicle. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Thrombophilia | A disorder of HEMOSTASIS in which there is a tendency for the occurrence of THROMBOSIS. | MeSH |
| Thyrotropin | A form of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that is made in the laboratory. It is used to test for remaining or recurring cancer cells in patients who have been treated for thyroid cancer. Also called Thyrogen. | NCI Dictionary |
| Tonic inhibition | A form of neurotransmission usually thought to reduce the excitability of all neurons. | |
| Transabdominal | Through the abdomen or belly. | MedlinePlus |
| Transvaginal | Transvaginal means across or through the vagina. The ultrasound probe will be placed inside the vagina during the test. | MedlinePlus |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Trichomonas | genus of parasitic flagellate EUKARYOTES distinguished by the presence of four anterior flagella, an undulating membrane, and a trailing flagellum. | MeSH |
| Trigon | 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. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Trisomy 21/Down Syndrome | A chromosome disorder associated either with an extra CHROMOSOME 21 or an effective TRISOMY for chromosome 21. Clinical manifestations include HYPOTONIA, short stature, BRACHYCEPHALY, upslanting palpebral fissures, epicanthus, Brushfield spots on the iris, protruding tongue, small ears, short, broad hands, fifth finger clinodactyly, single transverse palmar crease, and moderate to severe INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY. | MeSH |
| Trophoblast | Fluid-filled shell of squamous cells destined to become the chorionic villi, placenta, and associated fetal membranes. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Trophoblastic tumor | Trophoblastic growth, which may be gestational or nongestational in origin. Trophoblastic neoplasia resulting from pregnancy is often described as gestational trophoblastic disease to distinguish it from germ cell tumors which frequently show trophoblastic elements, and from the trophoblastic differentiation which sometimes occurs in a wide variety of epithelial cancers. Gestational trophoblastic growth has several forms, including HYDATIDIFORM MOLE and CHORIOCARCINOMA. | MeSH |
| True labor | regular contractions that immediately precede childbirth; they do not abate with hydration or rest, and they become more frequent and powerful with time. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| 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). | MeSH |
| Tunica albuginea | Membrane (tunica albuginea) surrounding the erectile tissue. | MeSH |
| Tunica vaginalis | Membrane (tunica vaginalis) covering the TESTIS in the SCROTUM. | MeSH |
| Umbilicale | Pit in the center of the ABDOMINAL WALL marking the point where the UMBILICAL CORD entered in the FETUS. | MeSH |
| Unicornuate uterus | One-sided uterus. | MedlinePlus |
| 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 | NCI Dictionary |
| Ureters | A pair of thick-walled tubes that transports urine from the KIDNEY PELVIS to the URINARY BLADDER. | MeSH |
| Urethra | Transports urine from the bladder to the outside environment. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | MeSH |
| Urinary tract | Bundle of axons in the central nervous system having the same function and point of origin. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Uterine fibroids | Most common noncancerous (benign) tumors in women of childbearing age. | MedlinePlus |
| Uterine prolapse | Uterine prolapse occurs when the womb (uterus) drops down and presses into the vaginal area. | MedlinePlus |
| Uterine tubes (also fallopian tubes of oviducts) |
Ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| 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. | Chaudhry et al, 2023 |
| Uterotonics | ||
| 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. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Vacuolated | Containing one or more vacuoles (small cavity or space in the tissues of an organism containing air or fluid). | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| 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. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Vaginosis | Abnormal condition of the vagina. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Vas deferen | The duct that transports sperm from the epididymis through the spermatic cord and into the ejaculatory duct; also referred as the vas deferens. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Vascularization | Process of becoming vascular (channel for the conveyance of a body fluid (such as blood). | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| Vascularized | Tissue that has numerous blood vessels. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Vascularization | Process of becoming vascular (channel for the conveyance of a body fluid (such as blood). | Encyclopedia Brtiannica. Merriam Webster Dictionary. |
| Vasovagal syncope | Loss of consciousness due to a reduction in blood pressure that is associated with an increase in vagal tone and peripheral vasodilation. | MeSH |
| Vena Cavae | The inferior (venous trunk which receives blood from the lower extremities and from the pelvic and abdominal organs) and superior (venous trunk which returns blood from the head, neck, upper extremities and chest) venae cavae. | MeSH |
| Vernix caseosa | Waxy, cheese-like substance that protects the delicate fetal skin until birth. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Vertebral column | The spine. | Menefee et al, 2024 |
| Visceral | Pertaining to internal organs. | Nelson & Greene, 2022 |
| Visceral branches | Branches of the descending aorta that supply blood to the viscera. | Menefee et al, 2021 |
| Wharton Jelly | Jelly-like connective tissue of the UMBILICAL CORD that contains MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS. | MeSH |
| Whorled | Linear or spiral pattern. | MedlinePlus |
| Xenoestrogens | Foreign synthetic chemicals that mimic natural estrogens and can bind to estrogen receptors in the body. | |
| Yeast infection Vulvovaginal candidiasis. |
Infection of the VULVA and VAGINA with a fungus of the genus CANDIDA. | MeSH. |
| Yolk sac | membrane associated with primitive circulation to the developing embryo; source of the first blood cells and germ cells and contributes to the umbilical cord structure. | Lange et al, 2023 |
| Zona pellucida | A tough transparent membrane surrounding the OVUM. It is penetrated by the sperm during FERTILIZATION. | MeSH |
| Zygote | The fertilized ovum resulting from the fusion of a male and a female gamete. |
MeSH |