OB Mod III terms Flashcards
Ampulla
The outer two-thirds of the fallopian tube; fertilization of the ovum by a spermatozoon usually occurs here.
Areola
Pigmented ring surrounding the nipple of the breast.
Broad ligament
A ligament that keeps the uterus centrally placed and provides stability within the pelvic cavity. It is a double layer that is continuous with the abdominal peritoneum. The broad ligament covers the uterus anteriorly and posteriorly and extends outward from the uterus to enfold the fallopian tubes.
Cardinal ligaments
1The chief uterine supports, the cardinal ligaments suspend the uterus from the side walls of the true pelvis. Also known as Mackenrodt’s or transverse cerical ligaments, they arise from the sides of the pelvic walls and attach the cervix in the upper vagina. They prevent uterine prolapse and support the upper vagina.
Cervix
The “neck” between the external os and the body of the uterus. The lower end of the cervix extends into the vagina.
Conjugate vera
The true conjugate, which extends from the middle of the sacral promontory to the middle of the pubic crest.
Cornua
The elongated portion of the uterus where the fallopian tubes enter.
Corpus
The upper two-thirds of the uterus.
Diagonal conjugate
An ateroposterior diameter that extends from the subpubic angle to the middle of the sacral promontory and is typically 12.5 cm. One of the three diameters that are used to assess the size and shape of the pelvic inlet.
Endometrium
The mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the uterus.
Estrogens
The hormones estradiol and estrone, produced by the ovary.
Fallopian tubes
Tubes that extend from the lateral angle of the uterus and terminate near the ovary; they serve as a passageway for the ovum from the ovary to the uterus and for the spermatozoa from the uterus toward the ovary. Also called oviducts and uterine tubes.
False pelvis
The portion above the pelvic brim, or linea terminalis, that serves to support the weight of the enlarged pregnant uterus and direct the presenting fetal part into the true pelvis below.
Female reproductive cycle (FRC)
The monthly rhythmic changes in sexually mature women.
Fimbria
The funnel-like structure at the abdominal opening of the uterine tube that has many fingerlike projections (fimbriae) reaching out to the ovary.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary during the first half of the menstrual cycle, stimulating development of the graafian follicle.
Fundus
The upper portion of the uterus between the fallopian tubes.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete FSH and LH.
Graafian follicle
The ovarian cyst containing the ripe ovum; it secretes estrogens.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
A hormone produced by the chorionic villi and found in the urine of pregnant women. Also called prolan.
Infundibulopelvic ligament
The ligament that suspends and supports the ovaries. It arises from the outer third of the broad ligament and contains the ovarian vessels and nerves.
Ischial spines
Prominences that arise near the junction of the ilium and ischium and jut into the pelvic cavity; used as a reference point during labor to evaluate the descent of the fetal head into the birth canal.
Isthmus
The straight, narrow part of the fallopian tube with a thick muscular wall and an opening (lumen) 2 to 3 mm in diameter; the sight of tubal ligation. Also, a constriction in the uterus that is located above the cervix and below the corpus.
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Anterior pituitary hormone responsible for stimulating ovulation and for development of the corpus luteum.