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abortion
(complete, incomplete, spontaneous, threatened, inevitable,
induced)
termination
of a pregnancy prior to fetal viability (mostly defined as prior
to either 20 or 24 weeks gestational age or involving a fetus
that weighs less than 500 grams)
- complete
abortion is the spontaneous expulsion of all fetal and placental
“products of conception” from the uterine cavity
- incomplete
abortion is the spontaneous expulsion of only part of the
“products of conception” so that a dilatation and
curettage (D+C) is often required to “complete”
the pregnancy loss
- spontaneous
abortion is a pregnancy loss that occurs without apparent
cause
- threatened
abortion refers to a pre-viable pregnancy associated with
uterine bleeding without cervical dilatation or effacement
(thinning)
- inevitable
abortion refers to a pre-viable pregnancy associated with
uterine bleeding and cervical dilatation but without any expulsion
of “products of conception”
- induced
abortion is the intentional termination of a pre-viable pregnancy
using medical or surgical techniques
acanthosis
nigricans
dark
(brown or black) localized regions of hyperpigmentation (of
the skin) contained in velvet like raised patches in areas like
the nape of the neck, the axilla (armpit), under the breast,
and along the inner thigh
associated with insulin resistance
acrosome
reaction
the
process by which the acrosomal cap over the head of the sperm
cell is removed to release proteolytic enzymes (capable of digesting
the outer shell or zona pellucida of the egg)
adenomyosis
the
growth of endometrial tissue (glands and stroma) within the
muscular wall of the uterus, generally defined by invasion into
the uterine wall to at least a certain minimal depth (often
2.5 mm from the basalis layer of the endometrium)
adhesion
scar
tissue that adheres two surfaces together
adnexa
(plural adnexae)
the
location within the pelvis that includes the ovary, fallopian
tube and adjacent broad ligament
amenorrhea
an
absence of menstrual flow during the reproductive years that
can be abnormal (such as with anovulation) or normal (such as
during pregnancy)
often defined by a time duration, such as greater than 6 months since the
prior menstrual flow
anechoic
cyst
on
ultrasound examination an anechoic cyst is a unilocular (having
only one compartment) simple clear cyst (one that does not contain
internal echogenic material)
anechoic ovarian cysts are most often benign follicular cysts (functional
cysts containing eggs at various stages of development)
anembryonic
gestational sac
a
gestational (pregnancy related) sac (water bag) that does not
contain an embryo and has no chance of developing an embryo
on high resolution transvaginal ultrasound examination the absence of
a visible embryo within the gestational sac at about 7-8 weeks
gestational age (from the first day of the last menstrual period)
normally defines an anembryonic gestational sac
anovulation
a
(potentially chronic) condition in which ovulation (the release
of a mature egg) does not occur
anovulatory
cycle
a
menstrual cycle in which ovulation (the release of a mature
egg) does not occur
anticardiolipin
antibodies (ACA)
antibodies
(agents of the immune system) that are directed against one
of the phospholipids, specifically “cardiolipin”
roughly
80% of women with antiphospholipid syndrome will test positive
for anticardiolipin antibodies
the presence
of elevated concentrations of anticardiolipin antibodies is
widely accepted as a cause for recurrent pregnancy loss
antiphospholipid
antibodies
antibodies
(agents of the immune system) that attach to (any or all of
the) phospholipids
phospholipid
may up the bulk of cell membranes and include cardiolipin, phosphoethanolamine,
phosphoinositol, phosphatidic acid, phosphoglycerol, phosphoserine,
and phosphocholine
presence
of elevated concentrations of antiphospholipid antibodies is
associated with antiphospholipid syndrome and recurrent pregnancy
loss
arcuate
nucleus
a
group of nerve cells lying within the hypothalamus just above
a region called the “median eminence.”
the nerve
cells of the arcuate nucleus are the major source of the GnRH
hormone, which primarily acts as a “releasing hormone”
(RH) for gonadotropins (Gn)
gonadotropins
are pituitary hormones, including FSH and LH
arcuate
uterus
uterus
with a projection of tissue into the (top of the) uterine cavity
most likely secondary to incomplete absorption of this tissue
embryologically.
often thought
of as a small (or minimal) septate uterus of little or no recognized
clinical (reproductive) importance
artificial
insemination
a
procedure in which sperm is placed within the female reproductive
tract without sexual intercourse
- intracervical
insemination involves placement of the sperm into the cervical
mucus, which does not require “a sperm wash” to
remove the semen from the sperm cells
- intrauterine
insemination involves placement of the sperm into the uterine
cavity (above the cervix) using a thin catheter, which generally
uses “washed sperm” (sperm cells that have been
washed free of semen and then resuspended in an inert buffered
medium)
- “artificial
insemination husband” (AIH) refers to inseminations using
the husband’s sperm sample
- “artificial
insemination donor” (AID) refers to inseminations using
a donor sperm sample (collected from a man other than the
patient’s husband)
Asherman
syndrome
intrauterine
adhesions (scar tissue) that can obliterate part or all of the
uterine cavity
aspermia
absence
of both sperm and semen (“nothing comes out”)
assisted
reproductive technology (ART)
defined
in various ways in the past
US Health
and Human Services CDC uses the term ART to refer to any reproductive
procedure that involves the direct handling of both the egg
and the sperm (ie., requires the removal of eggs from the ovaries)
asthenospermia
sperm
(as assessed on semen analysis) with “decreased motility”
(generally referring to a decreased percentage of motile sperm
cells within an entire semen sample but may also refer to a
reduced quality of motion of the motile sperm)
atresia
technically
refers to the absence of a normal opening
with respect
to ovarian follicles, atresia is a normal process in which the
egg contained by an ovarian follicle degenerates and is subsequently
replaced by a scar (“cicatrical closure”)
azoospermia
the
complete absence of sperm cells within a semen sample
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bicornuate
uterus
an
abnormally shaped uterus (with an abnormal outer contour as
well as an abnormal shaped uterine cavity) with a single (unified)
cervix that is due to a partial lack of fusion of the Mullerian
ducts during embryonic development
bioassay
determination
of the potency or amount of hormone (or other substance) by
its effect within an animal or tissue (isolated from an animal)
not the
same as an immunoassay
bladder
neck
region
of the urinary bladder that is adjacent to the site of insertion
of the urethra
blastocyst
an
early stage of embryo development that is formed by a rearrangement
of the blastomeres (one of the cells into which an egg divides
after fertilization) of a morula to form a hollow sphere consisting
of an inner cell mass (to become the fetus), an outer thin trophoblast
layer (to become the placenta) and a central cavity (the blastocele)
normally
a human embryo enters the uterine cavity at about the blastocyst
stage of development
blighted
ovum
an
anembryonic gestational sac
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canceled
cycle
an
ART cycle in which controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was initiated
and then stopped prior to egg (oocyte) retrieval
reasons
for cancellation of an ART cycle include poor egg development,
onset of a medical illness in the woman undergoing treatment,
or the couple decides to cancel for personal reasons
capacitation
the
process in which a sperm cell undergoes (biochemical, morphologic,
functional) changes that subsequently enable it to initiate
the acrosome reaction
cerclage
a
ligature placed around or within the uterine cervix usually
to treat a (suspected) incompetent cervix
cervix
the
lower part of the uterus that extends into the vaginal canal
normally
remains closed (at the internal os) throughout pregnancy until
the time of delivery (at which time the cervix dilates during
labor to allow the baby to be born)
chemical
pregnancy
a
pregnancy in which there is implantation into the uterus and
a detectable elevation of the circulating hCG titers but in
which the pregnancy is lost very early on (prior to ultrasound
identification of the gestational sac or development of a fetal
heart beat)
chocolate
cyst
endometrioma
a persistent
nonfunctional ovarian cyst that contains endometriosis and old
blood that has turned brown over time (chocolate color)
choriocarcinoma
a
highly malignant type of trophoblastic neoplasm in which both
the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells (cell types
that normally are part of the placenta) are malignant
chromopertubation
a
test usually performed during laparoscopy in which a colored
fluid (dyed with an inert solution) is injected through the
cervix into the uterine cavity and is (normally) subsequently
seen to flow from the fallopian tubes (blue or other color fluid
is seen spilling from the ends of the tubes)
chromosome
one
of the bodies (normally there are 23 pairs of chromosomes for
a total of 46 chromosomes in humans) in the cell nucleus that
contains genes in a linear arrangement
clinical
pregnancy
for
ART data (USA) a clinical pregnancy is a pregnancy that is documented
by ultrasound to contain a gestational sac in the uterus
complete
abortion
the
spontaneous expulsion of all fetal and placental “products
of conception” (fetus and placenta) from the uterine cavity
complete
mole
a
molar pregnancy characterized by swelling of all of the placental
villi and absence of fetal parts
complex
ovarian cyst
a
cystic structure in the ovary that contains internal echogenic
material, which may include
- internal
septations (echogenic bridges that are generally wider than
0.5mm),
- papillae
(irregular formations that protrude into the liquid phase
of the cyst generally measuring greater than 5mm)
- daughter
cysts (semicircular echogenic structures generally measuring
less than 1 cm in diameter that are contained within the liquid
phase of the cyst)
- loculations
(small cavities or chambers generally measuring less than
1 cm in diameter within the liquid phase of the cyst)
- solid
lesions (a formation occupying more than 25% of the liquid
phase of the cyst)
persistent
nonfunctional complex ovarian cysts have an increased chance
of malignancy and usually are removed surgically if they do
not resolve spontaneously within a few months
a (functional)
corpus luteum (ovarian) cyst may have complex features so followup
ultrasound(s) are generally scheduled for early in a subsequent
menstrual cycle (eg., cycle day 2 through cycle day 6) when
only follicular (ovarian) cysts are normally present
controlled
ovarian hyperstimulation
a
procedure during which medications (usually menotropins) are
administered (often daily by injection) in order to promote
the maturation of multiple eggs
frequent
monitoring (usually involving ultrasound examinations and bloodwork
for estradiol concentration) is generally recommended during
these stimulation cycles
corpus
luteum
a
functional (normal reproductive) ovarian cyst that forms from
the follicular cyst (ovarian cyst containing an egg) after ovulation<
normally
produces the abundant amount of progesterone that is characteristic
of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (from ovulation until
the onset of the subsequent flow)
the yellow
pigment that usually discolors the cyst is called “lutein”
(also turns the yolk of eggs yellow) to give the cyst its name
cortical
granules
granules
(particles) within the cytoplasm of the egg (ooplasm) that are
released during the “cortical reaction” into the region
of the plasma membrane (that encloses the cytoplasm) upon fertilization
by a sperm cell
the cortical
granules are thought to block the ability of additional sperm
cells to fertilize an egg that has already been fertilized (by
another sperm cell)
cryopreservation
maintaining
viability of a tissue (or possibly embryos in the context of
IVF) at very low temperatures (through freezing)
cul de
sac (of Douglas)
a
deep pouch of peritoneum anterior to the rectum and posterior
to the uterus that may be filled with bowel when a woman is
standing upright
cumulus
oophorus
the
mass of cells that surround an egg’s outer shell (zona
pellucida) at the time of ovulation (release from the ovary)
cytoplasm
the
substance of an egg that is exclusive of the nucleus, a protoplasm
containing various organelles and inclusions that allow the
egg to function normally
cytoplasmic
transfer
when
the cytoplasm of a donor egg is placed into a recipient egg’s
cytoplasm
the purpose
is to potentially enhance the reproductive quality of the recipient
egg after “revitalization” with the donor egg’s
cytoplasm
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Dermoid
cyst (ovary)
a
benign cystic teratoma
“hair
ball cyst”
a persistent
nonfunctional ovarian cyst that contains elements of all three
germ cell layers (may contain any type of tissue from the body
including hair, brain tissue, teeth, cartilage, and sebaceous
material)
didelphic
uterus
a
complete duplication of the uterus and cervix (there are two
separate cervical canals each leading to a separate uterine
“horn” and fallopian tube) that is due to a complete
lack of fusion of the Mullerian ducts during embryonic development
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic
Acid)
a
molecule (type of nucleic acid that contains deoxyribose as
the sugar component) that makes up (the autoreproducing component
of) a chromosome
the sequence
of DNA bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine) are primarily
what determine the genetic code and determine hereditary characteristics
down
regulation (desensitization)
process
in which the cellular receptors for a hormone (within a tissue)
are reduced in number due to chronic (prolonged) saturation
by the hormone
the biological
effect of the hormone following down regulation of its cellular
receptors may be paradoxical (eg., inhibitory rather than stimulatory)
dysfunctional
uterine bleeding
excessive
uterine bleeding without a cause that is attributable to a particular
organ
most often
due to a hormone imbalance that has resulted in anovulation
dysmenorrhea
pain
with the menstrual flow (menses)
dyspareunia
pain
with sexual intercourse
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ectopic
pregnancy
a
pregnancy that implants and develops anywhere other than within
the uterine cavity (the “normal” location for a pregnancy
to grow)
egg (oocyte)
retrieval
a
procedure to collect eggs from the ovarian follicles, most often
performed (in USA) under ultrasound guidance
embryo
transfer
a
procedure to place fertilized eggs (preimplantation embryos)
into the uterus (womb) following In Vitro Fertilization
embryologist
a
scientist specializing in the development and function of embryos
empty
sella syndrome
an
abnormal extension of the subarachanoid space into the sella
turcica that results in compression of the pituitary gland and
an enlarged appearing bony sella turcica
associated
with galactorrhea and an elevated circulating prolactin concentration
(hyperprolactinemia)
endometrial
hyperplasia
an
overgrowth of endometrial tissue that normally lines the uterine
cavity
one subtype
is atypical endometrial hyperplasia that involves cells with
an abnormal appearance (cytologic atypia) and often involves
glandular structures that are severely crowded together (architectural
atypia)
atypical
endometrial hyperplasia is a premalignant change that can be
graded into mild, moderate or severe
endometrial
polyp
an
organized overgrowth of endometrial tissue (glands and stroma)
that projects into the uterine cavity (resulting in an irregularity
of the lining) and includes a vascular “stalk”
endometriosis
the
presence and growth of endometrial tissue (glands and stroma)
in any location outside the body of the uterus (this sort of
tissue normally lines the uterine cavity)
estradiol
the
most bioactive of the estrogen compounds normally secreted by
the human ovary
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fecundability
the
probability of conception (pregnancy) for a specific population
of people (couples) over a specified period of time (usually
1 month)
fibroid
(leiomyoma, myoma)
a
benign tumor that is composed of smooth muscle tissue that may
involve any tissue that contains smooth muscle (but most commonly
refers to uterine tissue when discussing human reproduction
and the female reproductive tract)
- a submucosal
fibroid is one that develops immediately under the endometrial
lining of the uterine cavity and projects into the cavity
- a transmural
fibroid is one the develops entirely within the wall of the
uterus
- a subserosal
fibroid is one that develops immediately under the outer (serosal)
lining of the uterus and projects into the pelvis or abdomen
fimbrioplasty
a
surgical procedure that removes scar tissue (adhesions) from
the distal end of the fallopian tube (specifically from the
fimbriae of the tube)
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis
syndrome
perihepatic
(involving the region around the liver) inflammation and adhesions
(scar tissue) that is characteristic of (at least 5-10% of)
acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), often associated with
either Neisseria gonorrhea or Chlamydia trachomatis
fundus
(of the uterus)
the
top (upper rounded extremity) of the uterus above the openings
of the fallopian tubes
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galactorrhea
secretion
of a watery or milky fluid from the breast that is not related
to pregnancy
gene
a
functional unit of heredity that normally occupies a specific
location on a chromosome and directs the formation of particular
proteins (including enzymes)
gestational
age
estimated
gestational age (EGA) is the age of a pregnancy as measured
from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP)
if ovulation
occurs at cycle day 14 then the EGA is 2 weeks (14 days) greater
than the fertilization age (age of the pregnancy as measured
from the time of fertilization)
gestational
trophoblast disease
any
of the wide variety of disorders that can result from the abnormal
growth (proliferation) of trophoblast (the cell type that normally
composes placental tissue)
GIFT
(gamete intrafallopian transfer)
an
ART procedure in which eggs are removed from the ovarian follicles
(egg retrieval), a few of these eggs are combined with sperm,
and the eggs and sperm are placed into the fallopian tube(s)
by means of laparoscopy
currently
replaced (almost entirely) by IVF in most ART centers in the
USA (except possibly for very select populations of patients)
GnRH
(gonadotropin releasing hormone)
a
hormone composed of 10 amino acids that is secreted by the hypothalamus
(brain) in a tightly regulated manner (amplitude and frequency)
to stimulate gonadotropin (FSH and LH) release from the (anterior)
pituitary gland
GnRH
agonist
a
GnRH agonist is a synthetic hormone that contains 10 amino acids,
the amino acid sequence is the same as that found in GnRH except
at (amino acid) positions 6 and 10, and the substitutions at
positions 6 and 10 confer increased potency (bioactivity) and/or
a longer half life (longevity) so that down regulation (of the
GnRH receptor) occurs
downregulation
of the GnRH receptors normally occurs over a several day time
frame so that whenever a GnRH agonist is administered there
is an initial stimulatory response (secretion of FSH and LH)
followed by suppression (reduction of FSH and LH)
GnRH
antagonist
a
GnRH antagonist is a synthetic hormone that resembles GnRH (yet
has some amino acid substitutions) and directly blocks the GnRH
receptors in the pituitary gland (disables the GnRH receptors)
GnRH antagonists
work rapidly to prevent native (natural) GnRH from producing
its normal bioactive response (to stimulate the release of FSH
and LH from the anterior pituitary gland)
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hemoperitoneum
blood
within the peritoneal cavity (pelvis or abdomen) that is “free”
(not contained within blood vessels)
hemotocolpos
a
vaginal vault (canal) that is filled (and distended) with blood
due to an obstruction (may be due to an imperforate hymen or
a transverse vaginal septum)
hematometria
a
uterus that is full of (and distended with) blood due to an
obstruction (that may be partial or complete) in the lower reproductive
tract
heterotopic
pregnancy
a
multiple pregnancy that includes at least one pregnancy within
the uterine cavity and (simultaneously) at least one ectopic
pregnancy
hirsutism
presence
of dark pigmented thick (terminal) hair on a woman’s body
in locations that are normally associated with “male sex
(post-pubertal) hair” (and ordinarily not found on women)
hormone
receptor
a
protein that is contained either within the (outer) cell membrane
or within the cytoplasm of a cell that binds (uniquely) to a
specific hormone and produces a particular biological response
human
menopausal gonadotropin (HMG)
a
formulation (medication) composed of equal amounts of immunoreactive
FSH and LH, generally derived from the urine of postmenopausal
women, used during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation to promote
the maturation of multiple eggs within one menstrual cycle
hydatid
cyst, cyst of Morgagni, paratubal cyst
remnants
of the Wollfian (mesonephric) duct system that may form nonfunctional
cysts along the female internal reproductive organs (including
the fallopian tubes, uterus, or vagina).
the Wollfian
duct system includes a cell mass that normally gives rise to
some of the male internal reproductive organs when the embryo
is male (develops into a boy). The Mullerian (paramesonephric)
duct system include a cell mass that normally gives rise to
some of the female internal reproductive organs when the embryo
is female (develops into a girl).
both females
and males have Wollfian (mesonephric) as well as Mullerian (paramesonephric)
duct systems, one of which normally differentiates (specializes
into specific structures) early in embryonic development depending
on the chromosomal makeup of the embryo (XX for female or XY
for male)
hydrosalpinx
a
dilated (distended) fallopian tube that is filled with a watery
sterile (noninfectious) fluid, often associated with chronic
inflammation and distal tubal occlusion
hyperprolactinemia
elevated
circulating concentrations of prolactin that can cause galactorrhea
or an ovulation dysfunction
hypogonadotropic
hypogonadism
failure
of eggs within the ovaries to mature (and also often failure
of the ovaries to develop) as a result of reduced circulating
concentrations of gonadotropins (FSH and LH)
hypothalamus
a
particular region at the base of the brain that has an important
role in secreting a variety of different “releasing hormones”
the releasing
hormones of the hypothalamus are delivered to the pituitary
gland where they subsequently release other (pituitary) hormones
into the general circulation (including gonadotropins like FSH
and LH that then can direct ovarian biological responses)
hysterosalpingogram
(HSG)
a
radiologic procedure involving x-ray visualization (often with
flouroscopy) of the interior of the uterine cavity and the fallopian
tubes using a radiopaque dye
hysteroscopy
an
endoscopic procedure used to visualize the uterine cavity directly
using an endoscope that is attached to a light source
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immunoassay
determination
of the concentration of a substance using serological (immunological)
methods, most often using the substance in question as an antigen
within an assay system that employs antibodies (that attach
to the target substance or antigen)
implantation
the
process during which an embryo attaches to and subsequently
burrows under the endometrial lining of the uterine cavity
impotence
the
inability of a man to achieve and maintain an erection for long
enough to ejaculate during (complete) sexual intercourse
incompetent
cervix
a
cervix that dilates painlessly (without labor or painful contractions)
within the second trimester of pregnancy (often at greater than
16 weeks gestational age) and often results in recurrent spontaneous
pregnancy losses
incomplete
abortion
the
spontaneous expulsion of only part of the “products of
conception” (fetus and placenta) so that a dilatation and
curettage (D+C) is often required to “complete” the
pregnancy loss
induced
abortion
the
intentional termination of a pre-viable pregnancy using medical
or surgical techniques
inevitable
abortion
a
pre-viable pregnancy associated with uterine bleeding and cervical
dilatation but without any expulsion of “products of conception”
(fetus or placental tissue)
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karyotype
the
chromosomal characteristics of an individual cell (or cell line)
usually presented as the systematized array of chromosomes of
a cell (at metaphase) in descending order of size
normal chromosome
analysis in humans is either 46 XX (female) or 46 XY (male)
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laparoscopy
an
endoscopic procedure that is used to visualize the pelvic and
abdominal contents directly with an endoscope that is attached
to a light source
luteal
phase defect (progesterone insufficiency syndrome)
an
abnormal reduction in progesterone effect on the uterine lining
(endometrium) either due to insufficient progesterone production
or a reduction in the local progesterone receptor concentration
ovarian
progesterone production is characteristic of the luteal phase
of the menstrual cycle (from ovulation until the onset of the
next menstrual flow) and the placenta normally takes over progesterone
production between 7 and 12 weeks gestation if a pregnancy is
established
associated
with recurrent pregnancy loss or the inability to get pregnant
(especially if a severe reduction in progesterone effect is
identifiable)
lysis
of adhesions
cutting
of scar tissue (adhesions)
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menorrhagia
excessive
menstrual flow that is either prolonged (greater than 7 days
duration) or abundant (greater than 80 mL of flow) at regular
intervals
menotropin
a
formulation (medication) that contains at least one of the gonadotropins
(FSH or LH), generally containing (at least) FSH and most often
used to promote the maturation of multiple eggs during a cycle
of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
missed
abortion
the
demise (death) of a pre-viable pregnancy (fetus) without expulsion
of the products of conception (fetus or placental tissue) for
a prolonged period of time (often defined as 4 or 8 weeks after
the demise)
mittleschmerz
pelvic
pain associated with ovulation in timing although the actual
mechanism causing the discomfort is not clearly known
most often
thought to be due to the sudden rapid expansion of the ovarian
capsule just prior to (within a day of) ovulation
molar
pregnancy (hydatiform mole)
an
abnormality of the placenta that involves swollen villi and
a reduction (or absence) of fetal structures, thought to be
due to a chromosomal abnormality
morula
an
early stage (preimplantation) embryo (fertilized egg) that has
an outer shell (zona pellucida) and contains a solid “ball
of cells” within this shell.
the stage
of (embryonic) development immediately prior to the blastocyst
stage of development
Mullerian
ducts
paired
structures that can form into components of the female internal
reproductive tract
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Nabothian
cysts
cysts
that develop within the uterine cervix that are lined by endocervical
columnar epithelium, most often thought to be benign retention
cysts
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oligospermia
a
persistently reduced concentration of sperm within the semen
(below a concentration that is considered normal, often thought
to be 20 million sperm per mL)
ovarian
hyperstimulation syndrome
a
potentially life threatening complication of controlled ovarian
hyperstimulation that may involve pelvic pain, abdominal fluid
(ascites) and dehydration (hemoconcentration due to passage
of the water component of the blood into open spaces like the
pelvis and abdomen)
the mechanism
causing this complication is unknown
self
limited and treatment usually is directed at treatment of the
symptoms that develop (possibly requiring hospitalization for
intravenous fluid management and paracenteses)
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partial
mole
a
molar pregnancy in which there are some normal appearing and
some swollen placental villi and some fetal structures
persistent
ectopic pregnancy
the
continued growth of viable placental (trophoblast) tissue after
active treatment of an ectopic pregnancy (most often following
conservative management of the involved fallopian tube such
as with salpingostomy)
polar
body
one
of two small (daughter) cells containing a nucleus and very
little cytoplasm that is formed by the first and second stages
(divisions) of meiosis in eggs.
the initial
polar body is normally released (into the space between the
outer shell (zona pellucida) and the plasma membrane) immediately
prior to ovulation.
the second
polar body is normally released (humans) shortly after successful
fertilization of the egg by a sperm cell
polyspermy
the
fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm cell
postcoital
test
the
microscopic examination of the cervical mucus obtained from
a woman (ideally a few days prior to ovulation and) several
hours after sexual intercourse
precocious
puberty
the
appearance of sexual maturation (secondary sexual characteristics
or menstruation) at an age that is greater than 3 standard deviations
below (younger than) the mean for the child’s population
(for white girls in the USA sexual maturation prior to 8 years
of age is generally considered precocious)
premature
ovarian failure
amenorrhea
(absence of menses) due to a depletion of the ovarian reserve
(number of eggs) or a failure of the remaining eggs to respond
to adequate concentrations of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) prior
to 40 years of age
progestin
(progestagen, gestagen)
a
class of sex steroids that have progestational (progesterone)
activity
prophylactic
antibiotics
antibiotics
given to a patient without evidence of an infection in order
to prevent (or limit the exposure to risk for a) post-procedural
infection
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retroplacental
collection of fluid (subchorionic hematoma)
a
collection of fluid (most often thought to be blood) behind
the placental bed of tissue that elevates the placenta (and
gestational sac) away from the uterine wall
these collections
of fluid can disrupt the transfer of nutrients and metabolytes
across the placenta and can “dissect” along the uteroplacental
junction to further disrupt placental exchange
rugae
numerous
transverse folds (wrinkles, ridges, creases)
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salpingitis
isthmica nodosa
the
direct invasion of the epithelium that lines the (fallopian)
tubal lumen (endosalpinx) into the wall of the fallopian tube
(muscularis)
salpingostomy
operative
procedure in which the outer wall (serosa) of the fallopian
tube is opened (generally to remove an unruptured ectopic pregnancy)
without surgically closing the incision site (it is allowed
to close on its own)
salpingotomy
operative
procedure in which the outer wall (serosa) of the fallopian
tube is opened (often to remove an unruptured ectopic pregnancy)
and then the incision is surgically closed
semen
analysis
laboratory
examination of semen most often including an assessment of the
sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology (shape)
- oligospermia
refers to a persistently reduced concentration of sperm within
the semen (below a concentration that is considered normal,
often thought to be 20 million sperm per mL)
- asthenospermia
refers to sperm (as assessed on semen analysis) with “decreased
motility” (generally referring to a decreased percentage
of motile sperm cells within an entire semen sample but may
also refer to a reduced quality of motion of the motile sperm)
- teratospermia
is an increased percentage of abnormally shaped sperm (compared
to what is normally found) within a semen sample
septate
uterus
a
uterine cavity that is (partially or fully) separated into two
different cavities by a wedge shaped mass of tissue that projects
into the cavity from the top downward
the wedge
shaped mass of tissue (uterine septum) represents tissue from
the fused Mullerian ducts that was incompletely resorbed embryologically
spermatogenesis
development
of immature sperm cells (spermatogonia) into more mature and
specialized cells (spermatids)
spinnbarkeit
a
measure of the elasticity (distensibility) of cervical mucus
spontaneous
abortion
a
pre-viable pregnancy loss that occurs without apparent cause
stenosis
of the cervix
a
narrowing or stricture of the cervical canal such that there
may either be (a) difficulty in passing instruments through
the cervix into the uterine cavity or (b) a (partial or complete)
inability to pass menstrual flow out through the cervix at the
time of menses.
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teratogen
a
substance (drug or other agent) that is able to cause a fetal
malformation (birth defect) or abnormal fetal development
teratospermia
an
increased percentage of abnormally shaped sperm (compared to
what is normally found) within a semen sample
threatened
abortion
a
pre-viable pregnancy associated with uterine bleeding without
cervical dilatation or effacement (thinning)
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ultrasound
a
noninvasive radiological procedure that uses sound (acoustic)
waves to identify structures
unicornuate
uterus
a
(hemi-) uterus with a single cervix and a single fallopian tube
that represents development from only one or two Mullerian ducts
(the second Mullerian duct arrested in development)
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vaginismus
a
painful and involuntary spasm of the muscles surrounding the
vaginal orifice that makes sexual intercourse uncomfortable
or impossible
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zona
pellucida
a
translucent outer shell (noncellular layer of mucopolysaccharides)
that surrounds an egg and its outer plasma membrane
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