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Lesson 13-Vocab
Male and Female Reproductive Systems
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| androgen replacement therapy | (ART), also known as testosterone replacement therapy, is sometimes used to treat conditions related to testosterone loss such as male hypogonadism, especially in men over the age of 40. |
| andrologist | a doctor focusing on the treatment of conditions affecting male fertility and sexuality. |
| azoospermia | the absence of sperm in the semen. |
| balanitis | an inflammation of the glans penis that is usually caused by poor hygiene in men who have not had the foreskin removed by circumcision. |
| bilateral orchiectomy | also known as castration, is the surgical removal or destruction of both testicles. |
| bulbourethral glands | the two bulbourethral glands are located just below the prostate gland. |
| chancre | sore caused by syphilis. |
| chlamydia | caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, is the most commonly reported STD in the United States. |
| circumcision | the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis. |
| cryopreservation | Cryopreservation of sperm allows a man to freeze his sperm indefinitely to use later for in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, or sperm donation. |
| cryptorchidism | also known as an undescended testicle, is a developmental defect seen in newborns in which one or both of the testicles have failed to descend into their normal position in the scrotum. |
| ejaculation | the act of discharging semen from the body |
| ejaculatory duct | begins at the vas deferens, passes through the prostate gland and empties into the urethra. |
| epididymitis | a painful inflammation of the epididymis resulting from a bacterial infection. |
| erectile dysfunction | (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability of the male to achieve or maintain a penile erection. |
| foreskin | also known as the prepuce, is a retractable double-layered fold of skin and mucous membrane that covers and protects the glans penis. |
| gamete | a male or female reproductive cell, that is, a sperm or an ovum. |
| genital herpes | caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). |
| genitourinary | relating to both the genital and urinary organs |
| glans penis | also known as the head of the penis, is the sensitive region located at the tip of the penis. |
| gonorrhea | (GC) is a highly contagious condition caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. |
| hematospermia | the presence of blood In the semen. |
| human immunodeficiency virus | (HIV) is transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids, particularly through sexual intercourse with an infected partner. |
| human papillomavirus | (HPV) causes genital warts. |
| hydrocele | a fluid-filled sac in the scrotum along the spermatic cord leading from the testicles. |
| inguinal hernia | also called a groin hernia, is a protrusion of tissue, often part of the small intestine, through the inguinal canal. |
| male hypogonadism | is also known as a testosterone deficiency. Deficient secretions from the gonads can cause symptoms that may include impaired sexual development or erectile dysfunction, depending on the age of onset. |
| orchiectomy | also known as an orchidectomy, is the surgical removal of one or both testicles. |
| oligospermia | a sperm count of below 15 million/mL. |
| orchiopexy | the repair of cryptorchidism, which is an undescended testicle. |
| penis | the male sex organ that transports the sperm out of the body. |
| perineum | the area between the scrotum and the anus. |
| Peyronie’s disease | (PD), also known as penile curvature, is a form of sexual dysfunction in which the penis is bent or curved during erection. |
| phimosis | a narrowing of the opening of the foreskin so it cannot be retracted (pulled back) to expose the glans penis. |
| priapism | a painful and persistent erection that lasts four hours or more, but is either not caused by sexual excitement or does not go away after sexual excitement has ended. |
| pubic lice | also known as crabs, are small parasites that can be transmitted during sexual contact or via bed linens. |
| scrotum | the sac-like structure that surrounds, protects, and supports the testicles. |
| semen | the whitish fluid containing sperm that is ejaculated through the urethra at the peak of male sexual excitement. |
| seminal vesicles | glands that secrete a thick, yellow substance to nourish the sperm cells. |
| seminiferous tubules | sperm are formed within the seminiferous tubules of each testicle. |
| sexually transmitted diseases | (STDs) are infections caused by either bacteria or viruses that affect both males and females. |
| sexually transmitted infections | Although all STDs are caused by infections, not all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) develop into a disease. Someone who has an STI can be a carrier for an STD without ever developing any disease. |
| sperm count | also known as a semen analysis, is the testing of freshly ejaculated semen to determine the volume plus the number, shape, size, and motility of the sperm. |
| spermatogenesis | the process of sperm formation. |
| spermatozoa | also known as sperm, are the male gametes necessary to fertilize a female gamete. The singular of spermatozoa is spermatozoon. |
| syphilis | caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, has many symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from other STDs. |
| testes | The testicles, also known as testes, are the two small, egg-shaped glands that produce the sperm. The singular of testes is testis. |
| testicular torsion | the twisting of the spermatic cord leading into the testicle, causing sharp pain in the scrotum. |
| testis | The testicles, also known as testes, are the two small, egg-shaped glands that produce the sperm. The singular of testes is testis. |
| testosterone | a steroid hormone secreted by the testicles and the adrenal cortex |
| trichomoniasis | also known as trich, is an infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. |
| urethral meatus | the external opening for the urethra at the tip of the glans penis. |
| urologist | a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the genitourinary system of males and the urinary system of females. |
| varicocele | a knot of widening varicose veins in one side of the scrotum. |
| vas deferens | also known as the ductus deferens, are the long, narrow continuations of each epididymis. Vas means vessel, and deferens is a Latin term meaning carrying down. |
| vasectomy | the male sterilization procedure in which a small portion of the vas deferens is surgically blocked or cut. |
| vasovasostomy | also known as a vasectomy reversal, is a procedure performed as an attempt to restore fertility to a vasectomized man. |
| varicocelectomy | the removal of a portion of an enlarged vein to relieve a varicocele inside the scrotum |
| venereologist | a doctor who specializes in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. |
| abruptio placentae | or placental abruption, is a disorder in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the birth of the fetus. |
| amenorrhea | an abnormal absence of menstrual periods for 90 days or more. |
| bacterial vaginosis | (BV) is a condition in which there is an abnormal overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina. |
| cauterization | the destruction of pre-cancerous cervical cells through the use of heat, electricity, or chemicals. |
| cephalic presentation | or crowning, describes when the baby is coming head first. |
| cervical dysplasia | the presence of precancerous changes in the cells that make up the inner lining of the cervix. |
| cervicitis | an inflammation of the cervix that is usually caused by infection, irritation, or allergies. |
| chorionic villus sampling | (CVS) is the examination of cells retrieved from the chorionic villi, which are minute, vascular projections on the chorion. |
| coitus | During penetrative coitus, also known as sexual intercourse or copulation, the male ejaculates approximately 100 million sperm per milliliter of fluid into the female’s vagina. |
| colostrum | a specialized form of breast milk that delivers essential nutrients and antibodies in a form that the newborn can digest. |
| colporrhaphy | the surgical suturing of a tear in the vaginal wall. |
| colposcopy | the direct visual examination of the tissues of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. |
| conization | also known as a cone biopsy, is the surgical removal of a cone-shaped specimen of tissue from the cervix. |
| corpus luteum | secretes the hormone progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. |
| dysmenorrhea | or menstrual cramps, is pain caused by uterine contractions during a menstrual period. |
| eclampsia | a serious condition characterized by seizures and coma that can develop from uncontrolled preeclampsia |
| ectopic pregnancy | also known as an extrauterine pregnancy, is a dangerous condition in which a fertilized egg is implanted and begins to develop outside of the uterus. |
| endometriosis | a condition in which patches of endometrial tissue escape the uterus and become attached to other structures in the pelvic cavity. |
| epidural block | (EDB) is regional anesthesia that blocks the nerve impulses from the lower segments of the spine to the lower half of the body, lessening the pain of contractions. |
| episiotomy | a surgical incision made into the perineum to enlarge the vaginal orifice to prevent tearing of the tissues as the infant moves out of the birth canal. |
| fibroadenoma | a round, firm, rubbery mass that arises from excess growth of glandular and connective tissue in the breast. |
| galactorrhea | the production of breast milk in a woman who is not breastfeeding. |
| gynecologist | (GYN) is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system. |
| hypomenorrhea | an unusually small amount of menstrual flow during a shortened regular menstrual period. |
| hysterectomy | the surgical removal of the uterus, often due to problems caused by uterine fibroids, gynecological cancer, endometriosis, or uterine prolapse. |
| hysterosalpingography | an x-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes. |
| hysteroscopy | (HYS) is the direct visual examination of the inside of the uterus and cervix. |
| in vitro fertilization | (IVF) is a procedure in which mature ova are removed from the mother to be fertilized. |
| lactation | the process of forming and secreting milk from the breasts as nourishment for the infant. |
| leukorrhea | a profuse whitish mucus discharge from the uterus and vagina. |
| lochia | the postpartum vaginal discharge that typically continues for up to four to six weeks after childbirth. |
| luteal phase | If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels change to cause the breakdown of the uterine endometrium and the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. |
| mastalgia | pain or tenderness in the breast. |
| mastopexy | also called a breast lift, is elective surgery to affix sagging breasts in a more elevated position. |
| meconium | the greenish material that collects in the intestines of a fetus and forms the first feces of a newborn. |
| menarche | the beginning of menstruation. |
| metrorrhagia | also known as intermenstrual bleeding, is irregular uterine bleeding outside of regular menstrual periods. |
| myometrium | the muscular middle layer (of the uterus). |
| neonate | The newborn infant is known as a neonate during the first 4 weeks after birth. |
| nullipara | a woman who has never borne a viable child. |
| obstetrician | (OB) is a physician who specializes in providing medical care to women during pregnancy, during childbirth, and immediately thereafter. |
| oligomenorrhea | also called infrequent menstruation, is the term used to describe irregular or very light menstruation in a woman with previously normal periods |
| oophorectomy | also known as an ovariectomy, is the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. |
| ovulation | the release of a mature egg from a follicle on the surface of one of the ovaries that happens on approximately the 13th or 14th day of a woman’s menstrual cycle. |
| pelvic inflammatory disease | (PID) is any inflammation of the female reproductive organs that is not associated with surgery or pregnancy. |
| perimenopause | the term used to designate the transition phase between regular menstrual periods and no periods at all. |
| perinatologist | also known as a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, works with women whose pregnancy is considered high risk. |
| placenta previa | the abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower portion of the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix. |
| polycystic ovary syndrome | (PCOS) is a condition characterized by an imbalance of reproductive hormones resulting in irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism (excessive body and facial hair), and acne |
| postpartum | after childbirth. |
| preeclampsia | a complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension (high blood pressure) and proteinuria (an abnormally high level of protein in the urine). |
| premenstrual syndrome | (PMS) is a group of symptoms experienced by some women within the two-week period before menstruation. |
| primigravida | a woman during her first pregnancy. |
| primipara | a woman who has borne one viable child. |
| salpingo-oophorectomy | (SO) is the surgical removal of a fallopian tube and ovary. |
| speculum | an instrument used to enlarge the opening of the vagina during the examination of the cervix and vagina. |
| transvaginal ultrasound | (TVS), also known as an endovaginal ultrasound, is performed to determine the cause of pelvic pain, infertility, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. |
| uterine prolapse | also known as a pelvic floor hernia, is a condition in which the weakening of pelvic muscles and supportive tissues allows the uterus to slide from its normal position in the pelvic cavity and sag into the vagina. |
| vaginismus | an involuntary spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, which close off the vagina. |
| vulvodynia | a painful syndrome of unknown cause that lasts at least three months. It is characterized by chronic burning, dyspareunia, itching, or stinging irritation of the vagina. |