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MED 7.1
Med
148
Medical
Not Applicable
09/18/2025

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Endocrine & Reproductive Prefixes
Definition
Term
eu- good, normal
Definition
  • Example: Euthyroid:
    A state in which the thyroid gland functions normally, producing the right levels of thyroid hormones necessary for metabolism and growth.
Term
hyper-: Above, excessive
Definition
  • Example:
    Hyperthyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and nervousness.
Term
hypo-: Below, under, deficient
Definition
Example: Hypoglycemia: A condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, often causing symptoms such as dizziness, shakiness, and confusion.
Term
oxy-: Rapid, sharp, acid 
Definition
Example: Oxytocin: A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and the release of milk during breastfeeding.
Term
pan-: All, total
Definition
Example: Panhypopituitarism: A condition in which the pituitary gland fails to produce or secretes all of its hormones, leading to a wide range of endocrine dysfunctions.
Term
para-: Around, beside, beyond, abnormal 
Definition
Example: Parathyroid: Small glands located beside the thyroid gland, responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism.
Term
poly-: Many or much
Definition
Example: Polyuria: Excessive urination, a common symptom of diabetes mellitus due to high blood sugar levels affecting kidney function.
Term
syn-: Joined, together 
Definition
Example: Synergistic hormones: Hormones that work together to amplify their effects, such as insulin and growth hormone in promoting cell growth.
Term
tetr-: Four
Definition
example: Tetralogy of Fallot: A condition involving four congenital heart defects that may indirectly affect endocrine function due to oxygenation issues.
Term
tri-: Three
Definition
Example: Triiodothyronine (T3): A thyroid hormone that contains three iodine atoms and plays a critical role in regulating metabolism and energy levels.
Term
a-: Absence of, without
Definition
Example Azoospermia: The absence of sperm in semen, which can cause male infertility and may result from blockages or testicular failure.
Term
an-: Absence of, without
Definition
Example Anovulation: The absence of ovulation, often leading to infertility and irregular menstrual cycles, commonly caused by hormonal imbalances or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Term
dys-: Painful, difficult
Definition
Example Dysmenorrhea – Painful menstrual cramps, often caused by uterine contractions or underlying conditions like endometriosis.
Term
endo-: Within
Definition
Example Endometritis: Inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium), often caused by infection or retained tissue after childbirth or miscarriage.
Term
epi-: Above
Definition
Example Epidural: Pertaining to the area upon or above the dura mater of the spinal cord, commonly referring to a type of anesthesia used during childbirth to provide pain relief while allowing the patient to remain awake and alert.
Term
hyper-: Above, excessive
Definition
Example Hypergonadism: A condition characterized by excessive activity of the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females), leading to overproduction of sex hormones, which can result in early puberty, menstrual irregularities, or fertility issues.
Term
hypo-: Below
Definition
Example Hypogonadism: Reduced function of the gonads (testes or ovaries), leading to decreased hormone production and issues like infertility or delayed puberty.
Term
oligo-: Small amount
Definition
Example Oligospermia: A condition characterized by a low sperm count in semen, often contributing to male infertility.
Term
par-: Near
Definition
Example Parovarian cyst: A fluid-filled cyst near the ovary, usually arising from the remnants of embryonic structures.
Term
peri-: Surrounding
Definition
 Example: Perimetrium: The outermost layer of the uterus, surrounding the uterine wall and providing structural support.
Term
trans-: Through, across, beyond 
Definition
Example Transvaginal ultrasound: An imaging procedure where a probe is inserted through the vaginal canal to obtain detailed images of reproductive organs like the uterus and ovaries.
Term
Endocrine & Reproductive Suffixes
Definition
Term
-drome: Run, running together
Definition
Example: Syndrome: A group of symptoms or signs that occur together, such as Cushing’s syndrome, which results from excessive cortisol production by the adrenal glands.
Term
-ectomy: Excision, cut out
Definition
Example: Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, often performed to treat conditions such as hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, or goiters.
Term
-emia: Condition of the blood
Definition
Example: Hyperglycemia: High levels of glucose in the blood, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus and requiring careful monitoring and management.
Term
-ism: State of 
Definition
Example: Hypothyroidism: A state of underactive thyroid function, resulting in reduced production of thyroid hormones and symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
Term
-itis: Inflammation
Definition
Example: Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which may result from autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or infections.
Term
-logist: Specialist who studies and treats
Definition
Example: Endocrinologist: A medical specialist who studies and treats disorders of the endocrine system, such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, and hormonal imbalances.
Term
-logy: Study of
Definition
Example: Endocrinology: The study of the endocrine system, including the glands, hormones, and their related diseases.
Term
-megaly: Enlarged, enlargement 
Definition
Example: Acromegaly: Abnormal enlargement of extremities caused by excessive growth hormone secretion from the pituitary gland in adulthood.
Term
-oid: Resembling
Definition
Example: Adrenoid: Resembling the adrenal glands in shape or function, possibly used in anatomical studies or to describe tissue with adrenal-like characteristics.
Term
-oma: Tumor
Definition
Example: Insulinoma: A tumor of the pancreas that produces excessive amounts of insulin, often leading to episodes of hypoglycemia.
Term
-pathy: Disease
Definition
Example: Adenopathy: A disease or enlargement of glandular tissue, such as in swollen lymph nodes or glandular dysfunction in the endocrine system.
Term
-plasia: Condition of, formation, development, growth
Definition
xample: Hyperplasia: Excessive growth or formation of cells within an endocrine gland, such as adrenal hyperplasia, which can affect hormone production.
Term
-tomy: Incision, cut into
Definition
Example: Adrenalotomy: A surgical incision into the adrenal gland, often performed to remove a tumor or investigate gland abnormalities.
Term
-al: Pertaining to
Definition
Example Vaginal: Pertaining to the vagina, as in vaginal delivery, which refers to childbirth through the birth canal.
Term
-algia: Pain
Definition
Example Orchidalgia: Pain in one or both testicles. The pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe and may be acute (sudden) or chronic (lasting for a longer time).
Term
-ar: Pertaining to
Definition
Example Seminiferous: Pertaining to the production of semen, such as in seminiferous tubules found in the testes
Term
-atresia: Occlusion, closure
Definition
Example Vaginal atresia: Congenital closure or absence of the vaginal canal, which may require surgical correction.
Term
-cision: Process of cutting
Definition
Example Incision: A surgical cut made during procedures, such as a cesarean section (C-section).
Term
-cleisis: Surgical closure
Definition
Example Colpocleisis: Surgical closure of the vaginal canal, often performed to treat uterine prolapse in elderly patients who are not sexually active.
Term
-ectomy: Excision or surgical removal
Definition
Example Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, commonly performed to treat fibroids, cancer, or severe uterine bleeding.
Term
-genesis: Beginning, development, or production
Definition
Example Spermatogenesis: The production and development of sperm in the testes.
Term
-gram: Record
Definition
Example Hysterosalpingogram: A radiographic image of the uterus and fallopian tubes, used to assess fertility or detect blockages.
Term
-graphy: Process of recording
Definition
Example Mammography: The process of obtaining X-ray images of the breasts to screen for abnormalities such as tumors.
Term
-ia: Diseased state, abnormal state, condition of 
Definition
Example Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual periods, which can result from hormonal imbalances or other medical conditions.
Term
-ic: Pertaining to
Definition
Example Pelvic: Pertaining to the pelvis, as in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the reproductive organs.
Term
-ism: State of, condition
Definition
Example Cryptorchidism: A condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum, often requiring surgical correction.
Term
-itis: Inflammation
Definition
Example Endometritis: Inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus, often caused by infection or retained tissue after childbirth.
Term
-logy: Study of
Definition
Example Gynecology: The study of the female reproductive system, including its disorders and diseases.
Term
-lysis: Loosening, dissolution, separating
Definition
Example Adhesiolysis: The surgical removal of adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can form in the pelvic region and affect fertility.
Term
-oma: Tumor, mass
Definition
Example Teratoma: A type of tumor composed of tissues from different germ layers, often found in the ovaries or testes.
Term
-ous: Pertaining to
Definition
Example Gravidous: Pertaining to pregnancy, often used in terms like multigravidous (having had multiple pregnancies).
Term
-pathy: Disease
Definition
Example Endometriopathy: Disease of the endometrium, which may lead to abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility.
Term
-pexy: Surgical fixation, suspension
Definition
Example Oophoropexy: Surgical fixation of an ovary, often performed to prevent ovarian torsion.
Term
-plasia: Development, growth
Definition
Example Hyperplasia: Excessive growth of cells, such as endometrial hyperplasia, which can increase the risk of uterine cancer.
Term
-plasty: Surgical repair
Definition
Example Vaginoplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of the vagina, often performed for congenital abnormalities or after trauma.
Term
-rrhagia: Rapid flow of blood 
Definition
Example Menorrhagia: Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, which may result from uterine fibroids or hormonal imbalances.
Term
-rrhaphy: Suturing, repairing
Definition
Example Perineorrhaphy: Surgical suturing of the perineum, often performed after childbirth to repair tears.
Term
-rrhea: Flow, discharge
Definition
Example Leukorrhea: A white or yellowish vaginal discharge, often indicating an infection or hormonal changes.
Term
-stomy: Creation of a new opening
Definition
Example Colpostomy: The surgical creation of an opening in the vaginal wall to drain fluid or provide access for treatment.
Term
-tomy: Cut into, incision
Definition
Example Episiotomy: A surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth.
Term
Endocrine & Reproductive Root words
Definition
Term
aden/o: Gland
Definition
Example Adenoma: A benign tumor of an endocrine gland, such as a pituitary adenoma, which can affect hormone production and cause symptoms like vision problems or hormonal imbalances.
Term
adren/o, adrenal/o: Adrenal glands
Definition
Example Adrenalectomy: Surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands, often performed to treat adrenal tumors or excessive hormone secretion.
Term
calc/i: Calcium
Definition
Example Hypercalcemia: An elevated level of calcium in the blood, often caused by overactivity of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism).
Term
cortic/o: Cortex, outer layer of a body organ
Definition
Example Corticosteroids: Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, such as cortisol, which play roles in stress response, immune regulation, and metabolism.
Term
dips/o: Thirst
Definition
Example Polydipsia: Excessive thirst, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus due to hormonal imbalances affecting water regulation.
Term
endocrin/o: Endocrine 
Definition
Example Endocrinopathy: A disease or disorder affecting the endocrine system, including the glands and hormones that regulate bodily functions.
Term
glyc/o: Sugar
Definition
Example Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes mellitus caused by insufficient insulin production or action
Term
home/o: Sameness 
Definition
Example Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body, such as balanced hormone levels to regulate metabolism and growth.
Term
kal/i: Potassium
Definition
Example Hypokalemia: A condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can result from adrenal dysfunction such as hyperaldosteronism.
Term
myx/o: Mucus
Definition
Example Myxedema: Severe hypothyroidism characterized by swelling and deposits of mucus-like substances in the skin, often affecting the face and extremities.
Term
natr/o: Sodium
Definition
Example Hyponatremia: A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, which can result from hormonal imbalances such as adrenal insufficiency.
Term
parathyroid/o: Parathyroid gland
Definition
Example Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands, often performed to treat hyperparathyroidism and manage calcium imbalances.
Term
pituitar/o: Pituitary gland
Definition
Example Pituitarism: Any disorder of the pituitary gland, such as hypopituitarism, which results in decreased hormone production and widespread endocrine effects.
Term
somat/o: Body
Definition
Example Somatotropin: A growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates body growth and cell reproduction.
Term
thyr/o, thyroid/o: Thyroid gland
Definition
Example Thyrotoxicosis: A condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone levels, leading to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and tremors.
Term
andr/o: Male
Definition
Example Androgen: A group of male sex hormones, including testosterone, responsible for the development of male characteristics such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle mass. Androgens also play roles in libido, bone density, and reproductive health in both males and females.
Term
arche/o: First, beginning
Definition
Example Menarche: The first occurrence of menstruation, marking the onset of reproductive capability in females.
Term
balan/o: Glans penis
Definition
Example Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by poor hygiene, infections, or irritants.
Term
cervic/o: Cervix
Definition
Example Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix, often caused by infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Term
colp/o: Vagina
Definition
Example Colposcopy: A visual examination of the vagina and cervix using a specialized magnifying instrument to detect abnormalities.
Term
crypt/o: Hidden
Definition
Example Cryptomenorrhea: A condition where menstrual blood is produced but cannot exit the body due to an obstruction, most commonly an imperforate hymen. It causes pelvic pain without visible menstruation and typically requires a minor surgical procedure to restore normal menstrual flow.
Term
endometri/o: Endometrium
Definition
Example Endometriosis: A condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain, heavy periods, and potential infertility.
Term
epididym/o: Epididymis
Definition
Example Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm.
Term
episi/o: Vulva
Definition
Example Episiotomy: A surgical incision made in the vulva to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth.
Term
gonad/o: Gonad
Definition
Example The surgical removal of the gonads (testes in males or ovaries in females). This procedure is performed to treat conditions such as gonadal cancer, hormone-sensitive cancers like breast or prostate cancer, or as part of gender-affirming surgeries.
Term
gyn/o, gynec/o: Woman
Definition
Example Gynecomastia: A condition in males characterized by the enlargement of breast tissue, giving a female-like appearance. It is often caused by hormonal imbalances, medications, or underlying health conditions and can occur during puberty or in adulthood.
Term
hemat/o: Blood
Definition
Example Hematosalpinx: The presence of blood in the fallopian tube, often associated with ectopic pregnancy or trauma.
Term
hymen/o: Hymen
Definition
Example Hymenotomy: A surgical procedure to remove or open the hymen, often performed to address issues like imperforate hymen.
Term
hyster/o: Uterus
Definition
 Example Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, often performed to treat fibroids, uterine cancer, or severe bleeding.
Term
leuk/o: White
Definition
Example Leukoplakia: The formation of white patches on mucous membranes, such as the vulva in reproductive health. Vulvar leukoplakia can cause discomfort and may sometimes be precancerous, requiring further medical evaluation.
Term
mamm/o, mast/o : Breast
Definition
Example Mammogram: An X-ray image of the breast used to screen for abnormalities such as lumps or tumors.
Term
men/o: Menstruation
Definition
Example Menopause: The cessation of menstruation, marking the end of reproductive capability in women.
Term
metr/i: Uterus 
Definition
Example Metritis: Inflammation of the uterus, often caused by infections following childbirth or miscarriage.
Term
oophor/o: Ovary
Definition
Example Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of one or both ovaries, often performed to treat ovarian cancer or cysts.
Term
orch/o, orchi/o, orchid/o: Testis, testicle
Definition
Example: Orchiectomy – Surgical removal of one or both testicles, often performed to treat testicular cancer.
Term
pelv/i: Pelvis, pelvic bones, pelvic cavity
Definition
Example Pelvimetry: Measurement of the dimensions of the pelvis, often performed during pregnancy to assess the feasibility of vaginal delivery.
Term
pen/I, phall/o: Penis
Definition
Example Phalloplasty: Surgical reconstruction or construction of a penis, often performed in gender-affirming surgeries
Term
perine/o: Perineum
Definition
Example Perineoplasty: Surgical repair of the perineum, often performed after childbirth or trauma.
Term
posth/o, preputi/o: Prepuce, foreskin
Definition
Example Posthitis: Inflammation of the foreskin, often associated with infections or poor hygiene.
Term
prostat/o: Prostate gland
Definition
Example Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause pain, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction
Term
salping/o: Uterine tube, fallopian tube
Definition
Example Salpingectomy: Surgical removal of a fallopian tube, often performed in cases of ectopic pregnancy or severe infections.
Term
scrot/o: Scrotum
Definition
Example Scrotoplasty: Surgical repair of the scrotum, often performed for injuries or congenital abnormalities.
Term
son/o: Sound waves
Definition
Example Sonohysterography: A diagnostic imaging technique using sound waves to evaluate the uterus and detect abnormalities.
Term
sperm/o, spermat/o: Sperm, spermatozoon
Definition
Example Spermatorrhea: The involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm, which can result from neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, or infections affecting the male reproductive system.
Term
test/o, testicular/o: Testis, testicle
Definition
 Example Testicular torsion: A condition where the testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply, and requiring emergency treatment.
Term
trachel/o: Cervix
Definition
Example Trachelectomy: Surgical removal of the cervix, often performed as a fertility-sparing option for early-stage cervical cancer.
Term
urethr/o: Urethra
Definition
Example Urethrocele: Prolapse or herniation of the urethra, often seen in women due to pelvic floor weakness.
Term
vagin/o: Vagina
Definition
Example Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle contractions of the vagina, often causing pain during intercourse or medical exams.
Term
vas/o: Vas deferens, vessel, duct
Definition
Example Vasectomy: Surgical cutting and sealing of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from reaching the semen as a form of permanent contraception.
Term
vesicul/o: Seminal vesicle
Definition
Example Vesiculitis: Inflammation of the seminal vesicles, which can cause pain and affect fertility.
Term
vulv/o: Vulva
Definition
Example Vulvodynia: Chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva, often with no identifiable cause.
Term
Endocrine & Reproductive System Abbreviations, Acronyms, & Eponyms
Definition
Term
ALD = Aldosterone
Definition
  • A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure and balance electrolytes by promoting sodium retention and potassium excretion.
Term
ACTH = Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Definition
  • A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which helps regulate stress, metabolism, and immune response.
Term
ADH = Antidiuretic Hormone
Definition
  • A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland that regulates water balance in the body by reducing urine production and increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Term
DKA = Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Definition
  • A serious complication of diabetes where the body produces high levels of blood acids (ketones) due to insufficient insulin, often accompanied by high blood sugar levels and dehydration.
Term
DM = Diabetes Mellitus
Definition
  • A group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production (type 1) or resistance to insulin (type 2).
Term
EPI, Epi = Epinephrine
Definition
  • A hormone and neurotransmitter, also known as adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for the "fight or flight" response by increasing heart rate, blood flow, and energy availability.
Term
FBS = Fasting Blood Sugar
Definition
  • A test that measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast to help diagnose diabetes or monitor blood sugar control.
Term
FSH = Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Definition
  • A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a critical role in reproductive processes, including the maturation of eggs in females and the production of sperm in males.
Term
GD = Graves’ Disease
Definition
  • An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones.
Term
HGH = Human Growth Hormone
Definition
  • A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in the body, particularly during childhood and adolescence.
Term
LADA = Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults
Definition
  • A form of type 1 diabetes that develops more slowly and typically occurs in adults, often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes due to its gradual onset.
Term
OGTT = Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Definition
  • A test that measures blood sugar levels before and after drinking a glucose-containing solution to diagnose diabetes or gestational diabetes.
Term
RAI = Radioactive Iodine Treatment
Definition
  • A therapy using radioactive iodine to destroy overactive thyroid cells, commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.
Term
TSH = Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
Definition
  • A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by stimulating the thyroid gland.
Term
Addison's Disease
Definition
  • Named After: Thomas Addison, a British physician.

A condition caused by adrenal insufficiency, leading to reduced production of cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, and weight loss.

Term
Cushing's Syndrome
Definition
  • Named After: Harvey Cushing, an American neurosurgeon.

A disorder caused by excessive cortisol levels, often due to a pituitary adenoma or long-term corticosteroid use. Symptoms include moon face, central obesity, purple striae, and hypertension.

Term
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Definition
  • Named After: Hakaru Hashimoto, a Japanese physician.

An autoimmune disorder leading to hypothyroidism due to chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin.

Term
Islets of Langerhans
Definition
  • Named After: Paul Langerhans, a German pathologist.

Clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. Dysfunction can lead to diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disorders.

Term
AMN = Amniocentesis
Definition
  • A diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to collect amniotic fluid, often used to detect chromosomal abnormalities or infections during pregnancy.
Term
BV = Bacterial Vaginosis
Definition
  • A common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina, often resulting in unusual discharge, odor, and irritation.
Term
C-section = Cesarean Section
Definition
  • A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the abdomen and uterus, often performed when a vaginal delivery is unsafe.
Term
HRT = Hormone Replacement Therapy
Definition
  • A treatment involving supplemental hormones, typically estrogen and/or progesterone, used to alleviate symptoms of menopause or hormonal imbalances.
Term
HPV = Human Papillomaviruses
Definition
  • A group of viruses that can cause genital warts and are associated with cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancer in both men and women.
Term
HYS = Hysteroscopy
Definition
  • A minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, lighted scope is inserted into the uterus through the vagina to examine the uterine cavity and treat abnormalities.
Term
IUD = Intrauterine Device
Definition
  • A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus for long-term contraception, available in hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) types.
Term
NICU = Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Definition
  • A specialized unit in a hospital that provides intensive care to premature or critically ill newborns.
Term
PID = Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Definition
  • An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, which can lead to infertility if untreated.
Term
PMS = Premenstrual Syndrome
Definition
  • A group of symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and irritability, that occur in the days leading up to menstruation.
Term
STIs, STDs= Sexually Transmitted Infections or Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Definition
  • Infections transmitted through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
Term

Bartholin's Glands

Definition
  • Named After: Caspar Bartholin the Younger, a Danish anatomist.

Paired glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that secrete mucus to lubricate the vulva. Infections of these glands can result in Bartholin's cysts or abscesses, causing pain and swelling in the vulvar region.

Term

Cowper's Glands

Definition
  • Named After: William Cowper, an English anatomist.

Also known as the bulbourethral glands, they are small glands in males that produce a pre-ejaculate fluid to neutralize acidity in the urethra. These glands play a role in enhancing sperm viability during ejaculation and reducing damage to sperm caused by residual urine.

Term

Hegar's Sign

Definition
  • Named After: Alfred Hegar, a German gynecologist.

A clinical sign characterized by the softening of the lower uterine segment during early pregnancy. This is used as an early indicator of pregnancy during pelvic exams.

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