人類生理學/女性生殖系統

詞彙表

Adhesions: Abnormal tissue that binds organs together

Alveoli: Basic components of the mammary glands; lined with milk-secreting epithelial cells

Birth Control: regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant

Cervical Mucus: Mucus secreted by the cervix, near ovulation it helps to lower the acidity of the vagina

Cervix: Lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top of the vagina

Clitoris: Small body of spongy tissue that functions solely for sexual pleasure

Chromosomes: Structures in the nucleus that contain the genes for genetic expression

Ectocervix: Portion of the cervix projecting into vagina

Endocervical Canal: Passageway between the external os and the uterine cavity

Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus

Fallopian Tubes: Located at the upper end of the vagina, passage way for the egg from the ovary

Factor V Leiden: This is the name given to a variant of human factor V that causes a hypercoagulability disorder. In this disorder the Leiden variant of factor V, cannot be inactivated by activated protein C. Factor V Leiden is the most common hereditary hypercoagulability disorder amongst Eurasians. It is named after the city Leiden (The Netherlands), where it was first identified in 1994 by Prof R. Bertina et al.

Gamete: A haploid sex cell; either an egg cell or a sperm cell

Gene: That portion of the DNA of a chromosome containing the information needed to synthesize a particular protein molecule

Gonad: A reproductive organ, testis or ovary that produces gametes and sex hormones

Hormone: A chemical substance produced in an endocrine gland and secreted into the bloodstream that acts on target cells to produce a specific effect

Hymen: Thin fold of mucous membrane that separates the lumen of the vagina from the urethral sinus

Infertility: Inability to naturally conceive a child or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term

Labia Majora: Outer "lips" of the vulva, made of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue with some smooth muscle

Labia Minora: Inner lips of the vulva, folds and protects the vagina, urethra and clitoris

Mammary Glands: Organs that produce milk for the sustenance of a baby

Meiosis: A specialized type of cell division by which gametes, or haploid sex cells, are formed

Menarche: The first menstrual discharge; occurs normally between the ages of 9 and 17

Menopause: The period marked by the cessation of menstrual periods in the human female

Menstrual Cycle: The rhythmic female reproductive cycle characterized by physical changes in the uterine lining

Menstruation: The discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus at the end of menstrual cycle

Mittelschmerz: Pain near the lower abdomen site at the time of ovulation; German for ovulation pain

Mons Veneris: soft mound at the front of the vulva (fatty tissue covering the pubic bone)

Ovarian Cycle: Last phase of the reproductive cycle; if no implantation occurs, causes the breakdown of the endometrial lining and causes menstruation

Ovulation: The rupture of an ovarian follicle with the release of an ovum

Perineum: External region between the scrotum and the anus in a male or between the vulva and anus in a female

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Time leading up to menstruation; includes both physical and emotional symptoms: acne, bloating, fatigue, backaches, sore breasts, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating or handling stress

Puberty: The period of development in which the reproductive organs become functional and the secondary sex characteristics are expressed

Reproduction: Process by which an organism continues its species

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): diseases or infections that have a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of sexual contact

Urethra: Located below the clitoris, used for the passage of urine

Uterine Cycle: First part of the reproductive cycle; the time when the endrometrial lining builds up and follicles develop

Uterus: Major reproductive organ, receives fertilized eggs which become implanted in the lining, the lining (endometrium) provides nourishment to developing fetus; contains some of the strongest muscles in the female body and is able to stretch during fetus development

Vagina: Muscular, hollow tube that extends from the vaginal opening to the cervix

Vulva: External female genitals, includes labia majora, labia minora, mons pubis, clitoris, meatus, vaginal vestibule, vestibule bulbs and vestibular glands