1. Female Reproductive System
Chapter Eight
Female Reproductive System
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

2. “A woman’s health is her capital.”
Quote
“A woman’s health is her capital.”
– Harriet Beecher Stowe

3. Functions and Specialties
Provide genetic material for reproduction
Nurture fertilized ovum to delivery
Specialties
Obstetrics
Gynecology
Specialists
Obstetrician
Gynecologist
Midwife
Doula
Obstetricians treat women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Gynecologists are medical doctors who monitor health and treat diseases of the female reproductive system.
Midwives assist women through labor and delivery.
Doulas care for a pregnant woman through and labor and delivery. They also provide care for the mother and child.

4. The Female Reproductive System
The role of the female reproductive system is to keep her genetic material in the world’s gene pool.
The female gamete, the ovum, provides 23 pairs of chromosomes to be combined with the male gamete, the spermatozoon, and its 23 pairs of chromosomes to create a new life.
Once the gamete is fertilized, the female reproductive system functions to nurture the fertilized ovum to delivery.
What two planes are shown here? (frontal and sagittal)
Female reproductive organs
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

5. Internal Anatomy Ovum (o/o, ov/i, ov/o) Ovaries (oophor/o, ovari/o)
Ovulation (ovul/o + -ation)
Ovaries (oophor/o, ovari/o)
Follicles
Menstruation (men/o)
menarche – menopause
The ovum is the female gamete (remember that the spermatozoon is the male gamete).
The release of an ovum is termed ovulation.
The ovaries are the female gonads, the small, almond-shaped, paired organs located on either side of the uterus in the pelvic cavity, that produce the ova.
Approximately every 28 days, in response to hormonal stimulation, the ovaries alternate in releasing an ovum. The egg matures in a tiny secretory sac within the ovary called a follicle. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus that has been formed to receive the fertilized egg is shed in a process termed menstruation.
Menarche is the term for the first menstrual period, which signals the beginning of a woman’s fertility. Menopause refers to the ending of menstruation and the end of a woman’s fertile period.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

6. Internal Anatomy (cont’d)
Hormones
Pituitary secretion
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Ovulation
Corpus luteum
Estrogen
Progesterone
The female gonads, the ovaries, are influenced by the secretion of two hormones from the pituitary gland.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the ovarian follicles to begin to mature and secrete estrogen. The presence of estrogen causes the pituitary to secrete luteinizing hormone, which stimulates the follicle to mature and release its ovum in a process referred to as ovulation.
Luteinizing hormone is also instrumental in the development of the corpus luteum, a structure that develops in the follicles after they rupture, and serves to secrete estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are responsible for female secondary sex characteristics (breast development) and the cyclical maintenance of the uterus for pregnancy.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

7. Internal Anatomy (cont’d)
Fallopian tubes (salping/o, -salpinx)
Uterus (hyster/o, metr/o, metri/o, uter/o)
Layers
Endometrium (endometri/o)
Myometrium (myometri/o)
Perimetrium (perimetri/o)
Cervix (cervic/o)
Rectouterine pouch (culd/o)
Vagina (colp/o, vagin/o)
The internal anatomy continues with the fallopian tubes, two thin tubes about cm long, that join the ovaries to the uterus. Other names for the fallopian tubes are the oviducts or uterine tubes. Note that the word parts for the fallopian tubes are salping/o and –salpinx.
The uterus, or womb, is a pear-shaped organ that serves to nurture the developing embryo/fetus. It is composed of three layers, the inner lining called the endometrium, the muscle layer, called the myometrium, and the outer layer called the perimetrium. Note that each of their combining forms is built from a combining form for uterus (metri/o) plus a prefix (endo-, peri-) or another combining form (my/o). Be careful not to confuse –metry (which means the process of measuring) with metr/o (which is the combining form for the uterus).
The cervix is the lowered narrow part of the uterus, often referred to as the neck of the uterus. Be careful to remember that cervic/o has two meanings—neck and cervix.
The rectouterine pouch is the space in the pelvic cavity between the uterus and the rectum. It is also referred to as Douglas’ cul-de-sac.
Finally, the vagina is a muscular, tube-like structure at the entrance/exit to the internal female genitalia.
Note that the combining forms for the vagina and the rectouterine pouch look somewhat similary (colp/o and culd/o).
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

8. Clicker Question
Which of the following is a combining form for the uterus?
A. salping/o
B. metri/o
C. gynec/o
D. oophor/o
B. metri/o

9. Female external genitalia
Vulva (vulv/o)
Vaginal orifice
Hymen (hymen/o)
Labia (labi/o)
Minora
Majora
Clitoris (clitorid/o)
Bartholin glands (bartholin/o)
Mons pubis
Perineum (perine/o)
Female external genitalia
The external genitalia of the female is called the vulva.
It is composed of the vaginal opening (or orifice), the membrane that covers the opening (the hymen), and the two folds of skin that surround the opening: the labia minora (small “lips”) and labia majora (large “lips”).
The clitoris is the sensitive erectile tissue that is anterior to the urethra.
The Bartholin glands are paired mucous glands that secrete a lubricant.
The mons pubis is the fatty cushion of tissue over the pubic bone.
The perineum is the area between the opening of he vaginal orifice and the anus.
Be careful! for perine/o vs. peritone/o vs. perone/o.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

10. The Breast (mast/o, mamm/o)
Function
Milk (lact/o, galact/o)
Composition
Terms for nipple (papill/o, thel/e)
Areola
The breasts (mammary glands) function to secrete milk. The breast tissue is composed of glandular milk producing, fatty, and fibrous tissue. The nipple of the breast is called the mammary papilla and the darker area around the nipple is called the areola.
Note the significance of the breast quadrants in regard to breast cancer (a method of naming the location of the tumor).
The Breast
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

11. Clicker Question
Which of the following is a combining form for the nipple?
A. mast/o
B. thel/e
C. mamm/o
D. papul/o
B. thel/e

12. Pregnancy and Delivery
Conception/fertilization of the ovum
Pregnancy/gestation (gravid/o, -gravida, -cyesis)
zygote  embryo  fetus (fet/o)
Hormonal function of the zygote
hCG: pregnancy hormone
Terms used to refer to sexual intercourse are coitus and copulation.
The fertilization of the ovum by a spermatozoon is termed conception.
The word parts for pregnancy (gestation) are gravid/o, -gravida and –cyesis.
Once fertilized, the zygote, a fertilized egg, continues to divide and travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. This takes approximately 2 weeks.
From the third to the eighth week of life, it is called an embryo, and from the ninth week until delivery at approximately 38 weeks, the term given is a fetus.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is secreted by the zygote and serves the function of preventing the corpus luteum from deteriorating. This allows the continued production of estrogen and progesterone to support the pregnancy and prevent menstruation.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

13. Pregnancy and Delivery (cont’d)
Extraembryonic structures
Amnion and amnionic fluid
(amni/o, amnion/o, -amnios)
Chorion (chori/o, chorion/o)
Placenta (placent/o)
Umbilical cord (umbilic/o, omphal/o)
Extraembryonic structures are those that are outside (extra-) of the embryo.
The amnion is the inner sac or membrane that surrounds the embryo; it contains amniotic fluid that helps to cushion, protect, and allow the embryo room for movement.
The chorion is the outer membrane surrounding the embryo that is continuous with the placenta, the highly vascular structure that acts as a physical communication between the mother and the embryo.
The umbilical cord is the tissue that connects the embryo to the placenta (and hence to the mother). When this cord is cut, the baby is dependent on his or her own body for all physiologic processes. The remaining “scar” is the umbilicus, or navel.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

14. Pregnancy and Delivery (cont’d)
Primigravida
Multigravida
Nulligravida
Primigravida means first pregnancy (primi-= first + -gravida = pregnancy).
Multigravida means more than one pregnancy (multi- = many, although many is more than one in this term).
Nulligravida means no pregnancies (nulli- =none).
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

15. Pregnancy and Delivery (cont’d)
Parturition (-para, part/o, -partum)
< 37 weeks – premature infant
< 2500 g – low-birth-weight infant
Parturition is the delivery of an infant. Note the combining forms.
Students often confuse the combining forms for pregnancy and delivery. Ask for ways to help sort them out.
Discuss the health risks associated with premature and low-birth-weight infants.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

16. Pregnancy and Delivery (cont’d)
Primipara
Multipara
Nullipara
Primipara means first delivery (primi- = first).
Multipara means more than one delivery (multi- = many, although in this term, simple means more than one).
Nullipara is no deliveries (nulli- = none).
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

17. Pregnancy and Delivery (cont’d)
Antenatal/prenatal
Postnatal
Antepartum
Postpartum
Antenatal (ante- before, in front of + nat/o = birth + -al = pertaining to) means pertaining to before birth. Prenatal ( pre- = before) means the same thing.
Postnatal (post- = after) means pertaining to after birth.
Antepartum (part/o = parturition, delivery) means before delivery.
Postpartum means after delivery.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

18. Clicker Question
Which of the following is a combining form for pregnancy?
A. gynec/o
B. men/o
C. gravid/o
D. part/o
Gravid/o
If you can remember that gestation is the medical term for a pregnancy, you can remember that gravid/o also starts with a “g.”
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

19. Terms Related to Disorders of the Ovaries
Anovulation
Oophoritis
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Note that the disorders will begin with the female gonad (the ovary) and will progress on the same path that the ovum would travel.
Anovulation is the failure of the ovary to release an ovum.
Discuss the possible causes of anovulation.
Oophoritis (oophor/o = ovary) is an inflammation of an ovary.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (poly- = many + cyst/o = sac) is the bilateral presence of numerous cysts caused by a hormonal abnormality leading to the secretion of androgens. PCOS can cause acne, facial hair, and infertility.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

20. Terms Related to Disorders of the Fallopian Tubes
Adhesions of the fallopian tubes
Hematosalpinx
Hydrosalpinx
Pyosalpinx
Salpingitis
Adhesions of the fallopian tubes are scar tissue that binds the inner surfaces of the tubes together. This may be a result of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which, as a result of inflammation, may cause the tubes to heal closed, causing infertility.
Hematosalpinx is a condition of blood in the fallopian tubes (hemat/o = blood + -salpinx = fallopian tube).
Hydrosalpinx is a condition of fluid in the fallopian tubes. (hydr/o = fluid)
Pyosalpinx is a condition of pus in the fallopian tubes. (py/o = pus)
Salpingitis is an inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
Discuss why infection could cause adhesions.
Hydrosalpinx
From Baggish and Karram: Atlas of pelvic anatomy and gynecology surgery, ed 2, Saunders
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

21. Terms Related to Disorders of the Uterus
Endometritis
Endometriosis
Hysteroptosis
Retroflexion of the uterus
Hysteroptosis
Endometritis is an inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus, the endometrium.
Endometriosis is an abnormal condition of the endometrium. The tissue is found growing outside of the uterus and the causes are unknown.
Hysteroptosis is a falling or sliding of the uterus from its normal location in the body. (-ptosis = falling, drooping) A synonym is uterine prolapse.
Retroflexion of the uterus is a bending backward of the uterus forming an angle with the cervix (retro- = backward). Students may have heard this referred to as a “tipped uterus.”
Endometriosis
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

22. Terms Related to Disorders of the Cervix
Cervicitis
Leukorrhea
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix.
Leukorrhea is a whitish discharge (leuk/o = white + -rrhea = flow, discharge), usually as a result of a cervical inflammation.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

23. Terms Related to Disorders of the Vagina and Vulva
Vaginal prolapse
Vaginitis
Vulvitis
Vulvodynia
Vulvovaginitis
Vaginal prolapse (also called colpoptosis) is a downward displacement of the vagina.
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina.
Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva, the external female genitalia.
Vulvodynia is an idiopathic syndrome of complaints of pain (-dynia) of the vulva.
Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation of the vulva and the vagina.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

24. Terms Related to Disorders of the Breast
Galactorrhea
Mastitis
Mastoptosis
Thelitis
Acromastitis
Galactorrhea is an abnormal flow or discharge of milk (galact/o = milk) from the breast.
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast.
Mastoptosis is a downward displacement of the breasts.
Thelitis is an inflammation of the nipple. A synonym is acromastitis.
What is the relationship of thelitis to acromastitis? (acro- means extremities–so the nipple is the “extremity” of the breast).
Mastitis
From Damjanov: Pathology for the health professions, ed 3, Saunders
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

25. Clicker Question An inflammation of the external female genitalia is:
A. cervicitis
B. salpingitis
C. vaginitis
D. vulvitis
vulvitis
All of the other structures are internal.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

26. Terms Related to Menstrual Disorders
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)
Menorrhagia
Metrorrhagia
Menometrorrhagia
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is abnormal uterine bleeding not caused by a tumor, inflammation, or pregnancy.
Menorrhagia is abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual (men/o) bleeding. This may be indicative of fibroids.
Metrorrhagia is uterine (metr/o) bleeding other than that caused by menstruation.
Menometrorrhagia is excessive menstrual flow and uterine bleeding other than that caused by menstruation.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a mood disorder that includes depression, irritability, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty in concentrating. These symptoms are present only 1--2 weeks before each menstrual flow.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a poorly understood group of symptoms that occurs in some women on a cyclic basis. Not as severe as PMDD, the symptoms of PMS are breast pain, irritability, fluid retention, headache, and a lack of coordination.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

27. Terms Related to Menstrual Disorders (cont’d)
Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea
Polymenorrhea
Notice that each of these terms ends in –menorrhea, which means “menstrual discharge or flow.” The beginnings of the terms explain the specific abnormality named.
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation.
Dysmenorrhea is a painful menstrual flow.
Oligomenorrhea is an abnormally light or infrequent menstrual flow.
Polymenorrhea is an abnormally frequent menstrual flow.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

28. Clicker Question
Which of the following is a scanty or infrequent menstrual period?
A. amenorrhea
B. dysmenorrheal
C. polymenorrhea
D. oligomenorrhea
D. oligomenorrhea

29. Terms Related to Pregnancy Disorders
Agalactia
Cephalopelvic disproportion
Eclampsia
Preeclampsia
Toxemia of pregnancy
Agalactia is a condition of a mother’s inability to produce milk (a=-=without, galact/o = milk + -ia = condition).
Cephalopelvic disproportion is a condition in which the infant’s head (cephal/o) is larger than the pelvic outlet through which it must pass. It is one of the indications for a cesarean section.
Eclampsia is an extreme form of hypertension secondary to pregnancy. Patients are at risk for coma, convulsions, and death.
Preeclampsia is an abnormal condition of pregnancy with an unknown cause. It is marked by hypertension (high blood pressure), edema (swelling), and proteinuria (protein in the urine). Another name for preeclampsia is toxemia of pregnancy.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

30. Did You Know?
One out of 10 women diagnosed with eclampsia dies from it.
The term eclampsia comes from a Greek word meaning a flash of light, referring to what a victim of convulsions may experience. Later, the term was restricted to mean a disorder of pregnancy that can result in convulsions.

31. Terms Related to Pregnancy Disorders
Miscarriage/abortion
Spontaneous
Therapeutic
Ectopic pregnancy
A miscarriage or abortion is the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable. A spontaneous abortion is a miscarriage; if the miscarriage is induced, it is termed a therapeutic abortion.
An ectopic pregnancy is an implantation of the embryo in any location but the uterus. Ec- = out + top/o= place, hence it is a pregnancy out of its normal place. Because 95% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes, these are also called tubal pregnancies.
Ectopic pregnancy sites
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

32. Clicker Question
A pregnancy that takes place outside of the uterus is termed a/n:
A. miscarriage
B. nulligravida
C. ectopic pregnancy
D. primigravida
C. Ectopic pregnancy

33. Terms Related to Pregnancy Disorders (cont’d)
Erythroblastosis fetalis
Erythroblastosis fetalis is a condition in which the mother is Rh negative and her fetus is Rh positive. This causes the mother to form antibodies to the Rh-positive factor. Subsequent Rh-positive pregnancies will be in jeopardy because the mother’s anti-Rh antibodies will cross the placenta and destroy fetal blood cells.
Rh sensitization
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

34. Terms Related to Pregnancy Disorders (cont’d)
Abruptio placentae
Placenta previa
Oligohydramnios
Polyhydramnios
Abruptio placentae is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. This separation can cause a severe hemorrhage that can threaten the lives of the mother and the infant. A synonym is ablatio placentae.
Placenta previa is a malpositioned placenta that covers the opening of the cervix.
Oligohydramnios is a condition of low or missing amniotic fluid (olig/o = scanty + hydr/o = water, fluid + -amnios = amnion).
Polyhydramnios is a condition of excessive amniotic fluid.
Placenta previa
From Thibodeau and Patton: Anatomy and physiology, ed 6, Mosby
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

35. Terms Related to Neonatal Disorders
Meconium staining
Nuchal cord
Meconium is the term for the first feces of the newborn. If meconium staining occurs, it is fetal defecation while in utero and represents fetal distress. Meconium derives its name from the Greek term for poppy juice, which is a purplish-black color.
The presence of a nuchal cord is an abnormal but common occurrence in which the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck of the neonate.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

36. Terms Related to Benign Neoplasms
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
Endometrial hyperplasia
Leiomyoma of the uterus
Mature teratoma of the ovary
Ovarian cyst
Ovarian cyst
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), also called cervical dysplasia, is abnormal cell growth that may or may not develop into cancer. It is reported in grades of I-III with I being the mildest and III being the most severe.
Endometrial hyperplasia is an excessive (hyper-) development (-plasia) of cells in the lining of the uterus. It is a benign condition, but must be monitored as it can become malignant.
A leiomyoma of the uterus (commonly called a fibroid) is a smooth muscle tumor that is usually a nonpainful growth.
A mature teratoma of the ovary (also called a dermoid cyst) is usually a noncancerous ovarian growth that arises from germ cells.
An ovarian cyst is a benign fluid-filled sac on the ovary. If it is a follicular cyst, it develops when a follicle does not rupture at ovulation. A cyst of the corpus luteum is caused when it does not continue its transformation.
Leiomyoma
From Damjanov: Pathology for health-related professions, ed 3, Mosby
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

37. Terms Related to Benign Neoplasms
Fibroadenoma of the breast
Fibrocystic changes of the breast
Fibroadenoma
From Damjanov: Pathology for the health professions, ed 3, Mosby
Fibroadenoma of the breast is a noncancerous breast tumor composed of fibrous and glandular tissue (fibr/o + aden/o).
Fibrocystic changes of the breast (formerly called fibrocystic disease) is a benign condition that affects the glandular and stromal tissue. The symptoms are cysts, lumpiness, and/or pain.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

38. Terms Related to Malignant Neoplasms
Endometrial adenocarcinoma
Leiomyosarcoma
Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix
Choriocarcinoma
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)
Endometrial adenocarcinoma is the most common type of uterine cancer. It develops from cells that line the uterus.
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops from the smooth muscle of the uterus.
A squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is the most common cervical cancer. It is thought to be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is one of the most curable cancers if detected in its early stage. Many forms of HPV are also preventable through a vaccine.
Choriocarcinoma is a malignant tumor arising from the chorionic membrane surrounding the fetus.
Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common malignancy of the ovaries. It is associated with a mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene that is also linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

39. Terms Related to Malignant Neoplasms
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC)
Lobular carcinoma
Paget disease of the breast
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. It arises from the cells that line the milk ducts.
Lobular carcinoma begins in the glandular tissue of the breast at the ends of the milk ducts. It occurs in about 15% of all diagnosed breast cancers.
Paget disease of the breast is a rare form of cancer, a malignancy of the nipple that can occur in either women or men.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

40. Age Matters Pediatrics Geriatrics Meconium staining
Cord entanglement during delivery
Geriatrics
Neoplasms of the breast, uterus, cervix, and ovaries
Review the pediatric and geriatric diagnoses for Age Matters. Very few surprises here!
What is the term for “cord entanglement during delivery”? (nuchal cord)
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

41. Clicker Question Excessive amniotic fluid is: A. oligohydramnios
B. hydrosalpinx
C. polyhydramnios
D. polycystic ovary syndrome
C. polyhydramnios
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

42. Pregnancy/Labor/Delivery
3-D weeks 1-9:
3-D weeks 10-14:
3-D weeks 15-20:

43. Pregnancy/Labor/Delivery
3-D weeks 21-27:
3-D weeks 28-37:
3-D Labor and Birth:
Maternal/Fetal Circulation:

44. Terms Related to Imaging
Cervicography
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
Mammography:
Pelvimetry
Sonography
Pelvic
Sonohysterography
Transvaginal
Hysterosalpingography
Cervicography is the process of recording the uterine cervix through the process of photography. The image formed is a cervigram. It is used to detect early cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cervical cancer.
A hysterosalpingography is an x-ray procedure in which a contrast medium is used to image the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Mammography is the process of recording the breast for the early detection of breast cancer. The record or recording is called a mammogram.
Pelvimetry is the process of recording the measurement of the birth canal (the pelvic outlet).
Sonography is the use of high-frequency sound waves to image the pelvic area in a pelvic sonography and the uterus in sonohysterography. Transvaginal (trans- = through) sonography is a recording of the pelvic cavity obtained through the use of a probe introduced into the vagina. B
Transvaginal sonography
Transvaginal sagittal view of uterus
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

45. Terms Related to Endoscopies
Colposcopy:
Culdoscopy
Hysteroscopy:
Laparoscopy
A colposcopy is the process of viewing the vagina.
A culdoscopy is the process of viewing the rectouterine pouch.
A hysteroscopy is the process of viewing the uterus.
A laparoscopy is the process of viewing the abdomen in order to remove lesions, perform a hysterectomy, or take an ovarian biopsy.
Colposcopy
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

46. Terms Related to Laboratory Tests
Culdocentesis
Hormone levels
Pap smear- Assisting:
Pap smear procedure:
Prenatal Labs:
Pap smear
From Mosby’s dictionary, ed 8, Mosby
Culdocentesis is the removal of fluid and cells (-centesis = surgical puncture) of the rectouterine pouch to detect dysplasia.
Hormone levels are measured in specimens of blood, urine, or body tissues to evaluate a range of conditions from pregnancy to menopause.
A Pap smear is an exfoliative cytologic procedure used to detect vaginal and cervical cancer.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

47. Terms: Prenatal Diagnosis
Pregnancy test
Alpha-Fetoprotein test (AFP)
Amniocentesis:
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS):
Pregnancy tests are available in two forms: either the over-the-counter test that examines urine for the presence of hCG or a serum (blood) pregnancy test to measure a quantitative hCG.
An alpha-fetoprotein test is performed between 14 and 19 weeks of gestation in order to detect conditions such as neural tube defects and multiple gestations.
Amniocentesis is the removal and analysis of a sample of amniotic fluid to diagnose fetal abnormalities.
Chorionic villus sampling is the removal of a small piece of the chorionic villi either transvaginally or through a small incision in the abdomen to test for chromosomal abnormalities.
A contraction stress test is done to predict fetal outcome and the risk of intrauterine asphyxia by measuring the fetal heart rate through a minimum of three contractions within a 10-minute period.
A nonstress test is the stimulation of the fetus to monitor for a normal, expected acceleration of the fetal heart rate. A nonreactive stress test should be followed by a CST and possible ultrasound studies.
Amniocentesis
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

48. Terms: Prenatal Diagnosis
Contraction stress test (CST):
Nonstress test (NST):
Biophysical Profile (BPP):
Fetal Monitoring:

49. Terms Related to Postnatal Diagnosis (cont’d)
Apgar score:
Congenital hypothyroidism test
Phenylketonuria (PKU) test:
An Apgar score is an examination that uses a set of criteria to rate the physical health of the infant 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.
A congenital hypothyroidism test is conducted to detect deficient hormones. If undiscovered and not treated, this lack of hormones can lead to retarded growth and brain development.
A test for phenylketonuria seeks to detect a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is responsible for converting phenylalanine, found in certain foods, into tyrosine. Failure to treat this condition will lead to brain damage and mental retardation.
Discuss PKU and ask students if they have noticed the mention of phenylketones on some of their soft drink labels.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

50. Clicker Question Which procedure is a process of viewing the vagina?
A. colposcopy
B. culdoscopy
C. culdocentesis
D. Apgar score
Colposcopy
Be careful! Colp/o means vagina, while culd/o means the rectouterine pouch.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

51. Terms Related to Nonpregnancy Procedures
Oophorectomy
Oophorocystectomy
Salpingectomy
Salpingolysis
An oophorectomy is the removal of one or both ovaries (unilateral or bilateral).
An oophorocytectomy is the removal of an ovarian cyst (oophor/o + cyst/o).
A salpingectomy is the removal of one or both fallopian tubes.
Salpingolysis is the removal of adhesions in the fallopian tubes to reestablish patency, with the goal of fertility.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

52. Clicker Question Which is a term for the removal of an ovarian cyst?
A. oophorectomy
B. salpingectomy
C. mastopexy
D. oophorocystectomy
A. Oophorocystectomy

53. Terms Related to Nonpregnancy Procedures (cont’d)
Cervicectomy
Dilation and curettage (D&C)
Hysterectomy
Hysteropexy
Loop electrocautery excision procedure (LEEP)
Uterine artery embolization (UAE)
A cervicectomy is a removal of the cervix of the uterus.
A dilation and curettage is a procedure that widens (dilates) the cervix until a curette (a sharp scraping tool) can be inserted to remove the lining (curettage)of the uterus. A D&C is used to control conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding or to empty the uterus of the products of conception.
A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. It can be partial, all (the prefix pan- is used), or may include other organs as well. A TAH-BSO is a total abdominal hysterectomy with a bilateral salpingooophorectomy. The approach for a hysterectomy may be abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic.
A hysteropexy is the suspension and fixation of the uterus. Connect the pathologic condition of hysteroptosis and the corrective procedure of hysteropexy.
A loop electrocautery excision procedure is done to remove abnormal cells from the cervix (cervical dysplasia).
A uterine artery embolization is the injection of particles to block a uterine artery supplying blood to a fibroid. The lack of blood supply causes the death of the fibroid tissue.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

54. Terms Related to Nonpregnancy Procedures (cont’d)
Colpopexy
Colpoplasty
Clitoridectomy
Hymenotomy
Uterine ablation (Novasure):
Colpopexy is the fixation (-pexy) of the vagina to an adjacent structure to hold it in place.
A colpoplasty is the surgical repair of the vagina.
A clitoridectomy is the removal of the clitoris. In some cultures, this is referred to as “female circumcision.
A hymenotomy is an incision of the hymen to enlarge the vaginal opening.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

55. Terms Related to Nonpregnancy Procedures (cont’d)
Culdoplasty
Pelvic exenteration
A culdoplasty is a surgical repair of the cul-de-sac (rectouterine pouch).
A pelvic exenteration is the removal of the contents of the pelvic cavity. This extreme procedure, which removes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, vagina, rectum, and lymph nodes, is usually done to attempt to control a widespread cancer.
Pelvic exenteration
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

56. Terms Related to Nonpregnancy Procedures (cont’d)
Lumpectomy
Mastectomy
Mammoplasty
Theleplasty
Mastopexy
Each of these is an intervention that has to do with the breasts.
A lumpectomy is the removal of a tumor from the breast.
A mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast. It may be unilateral or bilateral.
A mammoplasty is the surgical or cosmetic repair of the breast. This can include augmentation (increasing) or reduction (reducing) the size of the breasts.
Theleplasty is the surgical or cosmetic repair of the nipple.
Mastopexy is a reconstructive procedure to lift and fixate (-pexy= fixation, suspension) the breasts.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

57. Terms Related to Pregnancy and Delivery Procedures
Cephalic version:
Cervical Insufficiency:
Cerclage:
Cerclage
Cephalic version is the process of turning the fetus so that the head is at the cervical outlet for delivery.
Cerclage is the suturing of the cervix closed to prevent a spontaneous abortion in a woman with an incompetent cervix. The suture is removed when the pregnancy is at full term to allow the delivery to proceed normally.
A cesarean section is the delivery of an infant through a surgical abdominal incision. The term derives its name from one of the first individuals purported to be delivered in this manner: Julius Caesar.
From Lowdermilk: Maternity and women’s health care, ed 9, Mosby
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

58. Pregnancy and Delivery Procedures
Episiotomy:
Oxytocia/dystocia
Vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC)
Cesarean section (CS, C-section):
Vaginal delivery
cephalic
Breech
An episiotomy is an incision to widen the vaginal opening (orifice) to prevent tearing of the tissue of the vulva during delivery. Decode and define the term mediolateral.
Oxytocia and dystocia are not really interventions, but are causes of concern. Oxytocia (oxy- = rapid + -tocia means labor, delivery). Dystocia is a difficult labor. The term eutocia (eu- means healthy or normal) is a normal, healthy delivery.
A vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is the delivery of an infant vaginally after a C-section.
A cephalic presentation (cephal/o = head) is the delivery of the baby head first, which is a usual, normal method. A breech delivery is a presentation that is feet or buttocks first and can be the reason for a C-section.
Types of episiotomies
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

59. Infertility Procedures
Artificial insemination (AI)
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI):
In vitro fertilization (IVF):
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)
GIFT and ZIFT:
Each of these procedures are methods to treat infertility.
Artificial insemination is the introduction of semen into the vagina by mechanical or instrumental means.
Gamete intrafallopian transfer is a process in which the ova and sperm are mixed together in a laboratory and are then injected into the fallopian tubes.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the injection of one sperm in an ovum; the fertilized ovum (the zygote) is then transplanted into the uterus.
In vitro fertilization allows for the fertilization of the ova outside of the mother’s body; it is then implanted in the uterus of the biologic mother or the surrogate to carry to term.
Zygote intrafallopian transfer is a mixing of the ova and the sperm in the laboratory; fertilization is then confirmed and the zygotes are retuned to the fallopian tubes.
Discuss the advantages and/or disadvantages of each.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

60. Terms Related to Sterilization
Salpingosalpingostomy: reversal of tubal ligation:
Tubal ligation:
Essure Procedure:
A salpingosalpingostomy is a rejoining of previously cut fallopian tube to reestablish patency (openness). This is a reversal of a tubal ligation, similar to a vasovasostomy.
Sterilization is a surgical procedure of rendering a person unable to produce children. For women, this could be a hysterectomy, a bilateral oophorectomy, or a tubal ligation.
A tubal ligation is the cutting, tying (ligation), and cauterization (burning) the fallopian tubes to prevent released ova from being fertilized by spermatozoa.
Discuss the similarities between a tubal ligation and a vasectomy.
Tubal ligation
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

61. Pharmacology: Contraceptive Management
Abstinence
Rhythm method
Barrier methods
contraceptive sponge
diaphragm
cervical cap
male condom
female condom
Contraceptive management encompasses a variety of methods to control the time of pregnancy.
Abstinence is the total avoidance of sexual intercourse.
The rhythm method is a natural family planning method that involves charting the menstrual cycle to recognize fertile and infertile periods.
Barrier methods are different ways of preventing the physical union of an ovum and a spertmatozoon.
The contraceptive sponge is an intravaginal barrier with a spermicidal additive.
A diaphragm is a soft, rubber hemisphere that fits over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering.
Cervical caps are small rubber cups that fit over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering.
Male condoms are soft, flexible sheaths that cover the penis and prevent the sperm from entering the vagina.
Female condoms are soft, flexible sheaths that fit within the vagina and prevent sperm from entering the vagina.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

62. Pharmacology: Contraceptive Management
Abortifacient
Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP)
Abortifacients are medications that terminate pregnancy. Examples are mifepristone (Mifeprex) and dinoprostone (Prostin E2).
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) are medications that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse. It does not affect existing pregnancies or cause abortions. Plan B is a popular brand-name available ECP that in now available OTC behind the counter.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

63. Pharmacology: Contraceptive Management (cont’d)
Oral contraceptive pill (OCP)/birth control pill (BCP)
Birth control patch
Hormone implant
Hormone injection
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Spermicides
IUDs
Oral contraceptive pills (also called birth control pills) contain estrogen and/or progesterone; they are taken daily to fool the body into thinking it is pregnant, so that ovulation is suppressed.
A birth control patch is a timed-release contraceptive worn on the skin that delivers hormones transdermally.
Hormone implants are timed-release medications placed under the skin of the upper arm, providing long-term protection. The Norplant system is an example.
Hormone injections are contraceptives such as Depo-Provera that may be given approximately four times a year; they provide 99.7% reliability in preventing pregnancies.
An intrauterine device is a small, flexible device inserted into the uterus that prevents implantation of a zygote. Examples are the copper T380A, progesterone T, and Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs.
Spermicides are foams or gels that are inserted into the vagina or coated inside a male condom before intercourse to kill sperm. The suffix –cide means “killing.”
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

64. Did You Know?
Although adverse publicity surrounding one type of IUD years ago has deterred many women from considering it as a contraceptive option, the AMA, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the WHO recognize it as one of the safest and most effective forms of reversible birth control.

65. Pharmacology: Fertility Drugs
Bromocriptine
Clomiphene
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GRH) agonist
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)
Lutropin alfa
Urofollitropin
Procreative management is the term for fertility management to produce a pregnancy.
Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is an oral medication typically used with in vitro fertilization to reduce the level of prolactin, which suppresses ovulation.
Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) is an oral medication that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce the hormones that trigger ovulation.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GRH) agonist (Lupron) is an agent injected or inhaled nasally to prevent premature release of eggs.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (Novarel) is a hormone given intramuscularly to trigger ovulation; it is typically given with another hormone that will stimulate the release of developed eggs.
Human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG) (Repronex) are dual gonadotropins that both stimulate the production of egg follicles and cause the eggs to be released once they are developed. These are given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
Lutropin-alfa (Luveris) is a gonadotropin that stimulates the production of egg follicles.
Urofollitropin (Fertinex) is a hormone given subcutaneously that mimics follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to directly stimulate the ovaries to produce egg follicles.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

66. Pharmacology: Drugs to Manage Delivery
Oxytocic
Tocolytic
An oxytocic is a medication given to induce labor by mimicking the body’s natural release of oxytocin or to manage postpartum uterine hemorrhage. Oxytocin (Pitocin) is the most commonly used agent to induce labor. Other available oxytocic agents are methylergonovine (Methergine) and ergonovine (Ergotrate). Be careful not to confuse oxytocin with oxytocia, which means rapid birth.
Tocolytic medication is given to slow down or stop preterm labor by inhibiting uterine contractions. It is also referred to as a uterine relaxant. Ritodrine is the only FDA-approved tocolytic medication.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

67. Pharmacology: Hormone Replacements
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)/estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)
Phytoestrogens
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) involve the healthcare replacement of estrogen alone (ERT) or with progesterone (HRT) perimenopausally in several forms (tablet, transdermal patch, injection, or vaginal suppository) to relieve symptoms of menopause and protect against osteoporosis.
Phytoestrogens are an alternative source of estrogen replacement that occurs through the ingestion of certain plants such as soy beans. Phytoestrogens act similarly to human estrogens in the body. The combining form phyt/o means “plant.”
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

68. Clicker Question
Which of the following terms is a removal of adhesions from the fallopian tubes?
A. D&C
B. salpingolysis
C. theleplasty
D. mastopexy
Salpingolysis
Salping/o means the fallopian tubes and –lysis stands for freeing from adhesions or destruction.
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8

69. Sort these terms into their correct categories
1. oligohydramnios
2. menarche
3. cerclage
4. HSG
5. fimbriae
Categories
__ A+P
__ Pathology
__ Diagnostic Procedures
__ Therapeutic Interventions
A+P--fimbriae, menarche
Pathology--oligohydramnios
Dx--HSG
Tx--cerclage

70. Parting Thought “The beginning of knowledge is the discovery
of something we do not understand.”
–Frank Herbert
Any questions?
Mastering Healthcare Terminology/Chapter8