| A | B |
|---|
| gametes | general term for reproductive cells; cells with 23 chromosomes |
| ova | egg cells |
| ovary | organ that produces ova and secretes estrogen and progesterone |
| fallopian tubes | tubes that carry the ovum from the ovary to the uterus |
| fimbriae | finger-like projections on the end of the fallopian tubes |
| uterus | muscular organ that receives fertilized gametes and provides the environment for developing offspring |
| fundus | bulging, rounded part of the uterus above the entrance to the fallopian tubes |
| corpus | body of the uterus |
| cervix uteri | neck of the uterus that extends to the vagina |
| uterine serosa/perimetrium | outer lining of the uterus that produces a watery secretion |
| myometrium | muscular middle layer of the uterine wall |
| endometrium | inner mucosal layer of the uterine wall; changes density throughout the uterine cycle |
| vagina | muscular tube that extends from the cervix uteri to the outside of the body |
| vulva | external female genitalia |
| mons pubis | fleshy pad located over the pubic symphysis |
| labia majora | fat-filled folds of skin that enclose and protect the external genitalia |
| labia minora | small folds located medially to the labia majora |
| perineum | tissue area between vaginal opening and the anus |
| areola | dark pigmented area that surrounds the nipple |
| mammary glands | milk producing structures of the breast |
| lactiferous ducts | tubes that carry milk from the mammary glands to the nipple |
| menstruation | normal periodic discharge of the endometrial lining and unfertilized egg from the uterus |
| menarche | onset of menstruation at puberty |
| menopause | ending of the menstrual cycle when ova are depleted and secretion of estrogen decreases |
| gynecologist | medical doctor who specializes in disorders of the female reproductive system |
| antiflexion | bent forward |
| cul-de-sac | area between the uterus and the rectum |
| Bartholin glands | glands on either side of the vaginal opening that produce mucous secretions for lubrication |
| clitoris | mass of sensitive erectile tissue located anterior to the urethral meatus |
| hymen | thin membrane that partially covers the entrance to the vagina |
| mammary papilla | breast nipple; structure with external openings for laciferous ducts |
| obstetrician | medical doctor who specializes in providing medical care to women during pregnancy and childbirth |
| neonatologist | medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the newborn |
| estrogen | hormone that promotes the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and repair of the endometrium |
| progesterone | hormone that stimulates the build up of the endometrial lining |
| fertilization | process where a spermatozoon penetrates the ovum and releases genetic material |
| zygote | fertilized ovum |
| implantation | embedding of the zygote into the uterine lining after many divisions |
| embryo | developing offspring from the 2nd to 8th week of gestation |
| fetus | developing offspring from the 8th to 40th week of gestation |
| gestation | pregnancy |
| placenta | organ that creates a barrier between the maternal and fetal blood supplies; but allows passage of oxygen and nutrients |
| umbilical cord | connects the fetus to the placenta |
| amnion | inner membrane surrounding the developing fetus; contains the amniotic fluid |
| chorion | outer layer of the membrane surrounding the developing fetus |
| dilatation | first stage of labour; involves effacement and rupture of the amniotic sac |
| expulsion of the infant | second stage of labour; neonate is expelled from the birth canal |
| effacement | thinning and enlargement of the cervix |
| crowning | the stage of childbirth where the head can be seen at the vaginal opening |
| delivery of the placenta | third stage of labour |
| ovulation | release of the ovum from the ovarian follicle |
| multiple gestation | having more than one fetus within the uterus |
| dizygotic twins | twins arising from separate fertilized eggs; fraternal |
| monozygotic twins | twins arising from a single fertilized egg that splits; identical |
