1.
amenorrhea: the absence of menstruation
number 1 sign of infertility
2.
ampulla: broad end of the fallopian tubes
3.
clitoris: a female sex organ consisting of a shaft and glans located above the urethral opening; extremely sensitive to sexual sensations.
4.
complete hysterectomy: surgical removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus.
5.
corpus luteum: the follicle that releases an ovum
secretes both progesterone and estrogen in increasing amounts
6.
ectopic pregnancy: the fertilized ovum implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube where fertilization occurred; can eventually burst fallopian tubes, causing hemorrhaging and death
7.
endometriosis: a condition caused by the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus (in the abdominal cavity, etc.)
characterized by menstrual pain
8.
estrogen: A generic term for female sex hormones (including estradiol, estriol, estrone, and others) or synthetic compounds that promote the development of female sex characteristics and regulate the menstrual cycle.
9.
fallopian tubes: tubes that extend from the upper uterus toward the ovaries; transport the ova to the uterus; where fertilization occurs
10.
female genital mutilation / clitoridectomy: surgical removal of the clitoris
11.
female reproductive organs: ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva
12.
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): a gonadotropin
stimulates development of follicles in the ovaries
causes granulosa cells in the follicle to grow and produce estrogen
13.
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): a neurohormone
produced and secreted by the hypothalamus
travels to the portal circulation
stimulates the anterior pituitary to release gonadotropins (FSH & LH)
14.
Grafenberg spot: theorized to be a part of the vagina that produces intense erotic sensations when stimulated
15.
honeymoon cystitis: inflammation of the urinary bladder. urinary tract infection caused by introduction of bacteria, such as E. coli into the urethra. may occur after frequent and/or prolonged sexual intercourse.
16.
hormone: a substance secreted by an endocrine gland
regulates various body functions
potent chemical
regulated through feedback systems
17.
human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG): a hormone produced by women shortly after conception
18.
hymen: a fold of tissue across the vaginal opening that is usually present at birth and remains at least partly intact until a women engages in coitus
19.
infundibulum: the outer part of the fallopian tubes
fertilization occurs here
20.
isthmus: the part of each fallopian tube nearest the uterus
21.
kegels: exercises which build pelvic muscle tone in women
22.
meiosis: a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell
23 (n) unique chromosomes in germ (sex) cells
the normal number of chromosomes is re-created rather than doubled
produces the primary oocyte
23.
menstrual cycle phases: uterine: menstrual, proliferative, secretory
menstrual: preovulatory, ovulatory, post ovulatory (71)
ovarian: follicular, luteal
24.
menstrual phase: the fourth phase of the menstrual cycle. the endometrium is sloughed off in the menstrual flow
25.
menstruation: the cyclical bleeding that stems from the shedding of the endometrium when a reproductive cycle has not led to the fertilization of an ovum; occurs at the end of the cycle
contains blood from the endometrium, necrotic bits of the endometrium tissue, cervical, and vaginal mucus
4 to 6 tablespoons of blood
26.
metastatic disease: disease that has spread from one part of the body to another.
27.
mitosis: a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each identical to the parent nucleus
46 (2n) chromosomes in body: somatic cells
the normal number of chromosomes is doubled
produces diploid oogonia from primordial germ cells
28.
progesterone: steroid hormone involved in regulating the menstrual cycle
prepares the uterus for pregnancy
Stimulates the development of the endometrium (uterine lining)
causes the cervix to become firm and to close
29.
prostaglandins: hormones that cause muscle fibers in the uterine wall to contract, as during labor
30.
secondary sex characteristics: traits that distinguish women from men but are not directly involved in reproduction
31.
uterine phases: changes in the endometrium
menstrual, proliferative, secretory
32.
vaginitis: vaginal inflammation (and the outer urinary tract) due to the thinning and shrinking of the tissues, as well as decreased lubrication; results in painful intercourse; treated with vagifem
33.
vulva: the external sexual structures of the female