Female Reproductive System
Learning Objectives
- Identify the anatomy and describe the main functions of the female reproductive system
- Analyze, translate, and define medical terms and common abbreviations of the female reproductive system
- Practice the spelling and pronunciation of female reproductive system medical terminology
- Identify the medical specialties associated with the female reproductive system and explore common diseases, disorders, diagnostic tests and procedures
Key Word Components
Identify meanings of key word components of the female reproductive system:
Prefixes
- a- (absence of, without)
- an- (absence of, without)
- dys- (painful, difficult, abnormal, labored)
- endo- (within)
- peri- (surrounding)
Combining Forms
- arche/o (first, beginning)
- cervic/o (cervix)
- colp/o (vagina)
- endometri/o (endometrium)
- episi/o (vulva)
- gyn/o (woman)
- gynec/o (woman)
- hymen/o (hymen)
- hyster/o (uterus)
- mamm/o (breast)
- mast/o (breast)
- men/o (menstruation)
- metr/i (uterus)
- metr/o (uterus)
- oophor/o (ovary)
- pelv/i (pelvis, pelvic bones, pelvic cavity)
- perine/o (perineum)
- salping/o (fallopian tube)
- trachel/o (cervix)
- vagin/o (vagina)
- vulv/o (vulva)
Suffixes
- -al (pertaining to)
- -atresia (occlusion, closure)
- -clesis (surgical closure)
- -ectomy (excision, surgical removal)
- -gram (the record, radiographic image)
- -graphy (process of recording, radiographic imaging)
- -itis (inflammation)
- -logist (specialist or physician who studies and treats)
- -logy (study of)
- -osis (abnormal condition)
- -pexy (surgical fixation, suspension)
- -plasty (surgical repair)
- -rrhaphy (suturing, repairing)
- -rrhea (flow, discharge)
- -salpinx (fallopian tube)
- -scope (instrument used for visual examination)
- -scopy (visually examining)
- -tomy (cut into, incision)
Female Reproductive System Words
Female Reproductive System Medical Terms (Text version)
Practice the following female reproductive system words by breaking into word parts and pronouncing.
- menarche
- men/arche
- beginning of menstruation
- cervicitis
- cervic/itis
- inflammation of the cervix
- endocervical
- endo/cervic/al
- pertaining to within the cervix
- colpocleisis
- colp/o/cleisis
- surgical closure of the vagina
- colpoperineorrhaphy
- colp/o/perine/o/rrhaphy
- suturing of the vagina and the perineum
- colpoplasty
- colp/o/plasty
- surgical repair of the vagina
- colporrhaphy
- colp/o/rrhaphy
- suturing of (a tear in) the vagina
- colposcope
- colp/o/scope
- instrument used to view the vagina and the cervix
- colposcopy
- colp/o/scopy
- process of viewing the vagina
- endometriosis
- endometri/osis
- abnormal condition of the endometrium
- endometritis
- endometr/itis
- inflammation of the endometrium
- episiorrhaphy
- episi/o/rrhaphy
- suturing of the vulva
- episioperineoplasty
- episi/o/perine/o/plasty
- surgical repair of the vulva and the perineum
- gynopathic
- gyn/o/pathic
- disease pertaining to the women
- gynecologist
- gynec/o/logist
- specialist or physician who studies and treats disorders and diseases of women
- gynecology
- gynec/o/logy
- study of women
- hymenectomy
- hymen/ectomy
- excision of the hymen
- hymenotomy
- hymen/o/tomy
- incision into the hymen
- hysterectomy
- hyster/ectomy
- excision of the uterus
- hysteropexy
- hyster/o/pexy
- surgical fixation of the uterus
- hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy
- hyster/o/salping/o/-oophor/ectomy
- excision of the uterus, uterine tubes, and ovaries
- hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
- hyster/o/salping/o/gram
- radiographic image of the uterus and uterine tubes
- hysteroscope
- hyster/o/scope
- instrument used for visual examination of the uterus
- hysteroscopy
- hyster/o/scopy
- visual examination of the uterus
- sonohysterography (SHG)
- son/o/hyster/o/graphy (SHG)
- process of recording the uterus by use of sound
- mammoplasty
- mamm/o/plasty
- surgical repair of the breast
- mammogram
- mamm/o/gram
- radiographic image of the breast
- mammography
- mamm/o/graphy
- radiographic imaging of the breast
- mastitis
- mast/itis
- inflammation of the breast
- mastectomy
- mast/ectomy
- surgical removal of the breast
- mastopexy
- mast/o/pexy
- surgical fixation of the breast
- mastalgia
- mast/algia
- pain in the breast
- dysmenorrhea
- dys/men/o/rrhea
- painful menstrual flow
- amenorrhea
- a/men/o/rrhea
- absence of menstrual flow
- menometrorrhagia
- men/o/metr/o/rrhagia
- excessive bleeding from the uterus at menstruation
- menorrhagia
- men/o/rrhagia
- excessive bleeding at menstruation
- metrorrhagia
- metr/o/rrhagia
- excessive bleeding from the uterus
- oligomenorrhea
- olig/o/men/o/rrhea
- scanty menstrual flow
- myometritis
- my/o/metr/itis
- inflammation of the uterine muscle
- perimetritis
- peri/metr/itis
- inflammation surrounding the uterus
- oophoritis
- oophor/itis
- inflammation of the ovary
- oophorectomy
- oophor/ectomy
- excision of the ovary
- pelviscopic
- pelv/i/scop/ic
- pertaining to visual examination of the pelvic cavity
- pelviscopy
- pelv/i/scopy
- visual examination of the pelvic cavity
- perineorrhaphy
- perine/o/rrhaphy
- suturing of (a tear in) the perineum
- salpingitis
- salping/itis
- inflammation of a fallopian/uterine tube
- salpingectomy
- salping/ectomy
- excision of the uterine/fallopian tube
- salpingo-oophorectomy
- salping/o/-oophor/ectomy
- excision of the uterine tube and ovary
- salpingostomy
- salping/o/stomy
- creation of an artificial opening in the uterine tube
- trachelectomy
- trachel/ectomy
- excision of the cervix
- trachelorrhaphy
- trachel/o/rrhaphy
- suturing of the cervix
- vaginitis
- vagin/itis
- inflammation of the vagina
- vaginosis
- vagin/osis
- abnormal condition of the vagina
- vulvovaginitis
- vulv/o/vagin/itis
- inflammation of the vulva and vagina
- vaginal
- vagin/al
- pertaining to the vagina
- vesicovaginal
- vesic/o/vagin/al
- pertaining to the bladder and the vagina
- vulvovaginal
- vulv/o/vagin/al
- pertaining to the vulva and vagina
- vulvectomy
- vulv/ectomy
- excision of the vulva
- hematosalpinx
- hemat/o/salpinx
- blood in the uterine/fallopian tube
- hydrosalpinx
- hydro/salpinx
- water in the uterine/fallopian tube
- pyosalpinx
- py/o/salpinx
- pus in the uterine/fallopian tube
- leukorrhea
- leuk/o/rrhea
- white discharge
- menopause
- men/o/pause
- cessation on menstruation
- menses
- men/ses
- the monthly bleeding from the uterus
- perimenopause
- peri/men/o/pause
- period of time before and after menopause
Activity Source: Female Reproductive System Medical Terms by Kimberlee Carter, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Pronouncing and Defining Female Reproductive System Medical Terms
Female Reproductive System (Text version)
Practice these female reproductive medical terms that are not easily broken into word parts.
- adenomyosis
- (ad-ĕ-nō-mī-Ō-sis)
- growth of endometrium into the other muscular portion of the uterus
- anovulation
- (an-ov-yŭ-LĀ-shŏn)
- absence of ovulation
- Bartholin’s glands
- (BAR-tō-lĭns glăns)
- Also known as greater vestibular glands they are responsible to secrete mucus to keep the vestibular area moist
- breast cancer
- brest KAN-sĕr
- malignant tumor of the breast
- cervical cancer
- SĔR-vi-kăl KAN-sĕr
- malignant tumor of the cervix, which progresses from cervical dysplasia to carcinoma. Its cause is linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- contraception
- kon-tră-SEP-shŏn
- intentional prevention of conception (pregnancy)
- dyspareunia
- dis-pă-ROO-nē-ă
- difficult or painful intercourse
- endometrial cancer
- en-dō-MĒ-trē-ăl KAN-sĕr
- malignant tumor of the endometrium (also called uterine cancer)
- fibrocystic changes of the breast (FCC)
- fī-brō-SĬS-tĭk brest
- fibrosis, benign cysts, and pain or tenderness in one or both breasts (also called fibrocystic breasts)
- fistula
- FIS-chŭ-lă
- abnormal passageway between two organs or an internal organ and the body surface
- hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)
- replacement of hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, typically to treat symptoms associated with menopause
- menopause
- MEN-ŏ-poz
- cessation of menstruation
- oligoovulation
- ol-i-gō-ov-yŭ-LĀ-shŏn
- infrequent ovulation
- ovarian cancer
- ō-VAR-ē-ăn KAN-sĕr
- malignant tumor of the ovary
- ovulation
- ov-yŭ-LĀ-shŏn
- release of ovum from a mature Graafian follicle
- Papanicolaou smear
- păp-ă-NĒ-kă-low smēr
- PAP test – A smear method for examining cells, that is used to detect cancers of the cervix
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- inflammation of some or all of the female pelvic organs
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- pŏl-ē-SĬS-tĭk Ō-vă-rē SĬN-drōm
- condition typically characterized by hormonal imbalances, ovulatory dysfunction, and multiple ovarian cysts.
- premenstrual syndrome
- prē-MĔN-stroo-ăl SĬN-drōm
- syndrome involving physical and emotional symptoms occurring up to 10 days before menstruation. Symptoms include nervous tension, irritability, mastalgia, edema, and headache.
- prolapse
- PRŌ-laps
- displacement of an organ or anatomic structure from its normal position
- speculum
- SPEK-yŭ-lŭm
- instrument for opening a body cavity to allow visual inspection
- toxic shock syndrome
- severe illness characterized by high fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and myalgia followed by hypotension and, in severe cases, shock and death. Typically occurs in women using tampons and caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes
- tubal ligation
- TOO-băl lī-GĀ-shŏn
- surgical closure of the fallopian tubes for sterilization
- uterine fibroid
- ŪT-ĕ-rīn FIB-royd
- benign tumor of the uterine muscle
- uterine prolapse
- ŪT-ĕ-rīn PRŌ-laps
- downward displacement of the uterus into the vagina
- vaginal fistula
- VAJ-ĭn-ăl FIS-chŭ-lă
- abnormal opening between the vagina and another organ, such as the urinary bladder, colon, or rectum
Activity Source: Female Reproductive System terms not built from word parts from Medical Terminology by Grimm et al., licensed under CC BY 4.0./Some H5P audio re-recorded by Tania Deane and David McCuaig and text version added.
Pronouncing and Defining Commonly Abbreviated Female Reproductive System Terms
Practice pronouncing and defining these commonly abbreviated female reproductive system terms:
Female Reproductive System Term Abbreviations
- BC (birth control)
- Cx (cervix)
- D&C (dilation and curettage)
- FCC (fibrocystic breast changes)
- GYN (gynecology)
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
- HSG (hysterosalpingogram)
- IUD (intrauterine device)
- LAVH (laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy)
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
- PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
- SHG (sonohysterography)
- TAH/BSO (total abdominal hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy)
- TLH (total laparoscopic hysterectomy)
- TSS (toxic shock syndrome)
- TVH (total vagianal hysterectomy)
- TVS (transvaginal sonography)
- UAE (uterine artery embolization)
Reproductive Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Abbreviations
- AB (Antibiotic)
- CT (Chlamydia)
- GC (Gonorrhea)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)
- PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
- STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
- STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Sorting Terms
Sort the terms from the word lists above into the following categories:
- Disease and Disorder (terms describing any deviation from normal structure and function)
- Diagnostic (terms related to process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms)
- Therapeutic (terms related to treatment or curing of diseases)
- Anatomic (terms related to body structure)
Female Reproductive System Structures
Label the following female reproductive system anatomy:
Anatomy Labeling Activity (Text Version)
Label the diagram correctly with the following words:
- Broad Ligament
- Fundus
- Uterine Tube
- Uterine artery/vein
- Vaginal Artery
- Cervix
- Myometrium
- Ovarian Ligament
- Endometrium
- Perimetrium
- Ovarian artery/vein
- Fimbrae
- Suspensory Ligament
- Vagina
Anatomy Labeling Activity Diagram (Text Version)
Diagram of female reproductive system featuring anatomy organs and structures. The ______[Blank 1] also know as the fallopian tubes are positioned at the right top portion of the diagram. Extending from the uterine tube is finger-like projects known as ________[Blank 2]. The ______[Blank 3] is also known as the womb, is a hollow, muscular organ located in the pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The _______[Blank 4] supplies blood to the uterus. The _____[Blank 5] of uterus, also called the uterine fundus, refers to the dome-shaped, rounded superior part of the body of the uterus that lies above the opening. The _____[Blank 6] and the round ligaments of the uterus serve as secondary support for the uterus within the pelvis. The ________[Blank 7] is a fold of tissue arising from the peritoneum and extends out from the ovaries. The _______[Blank 8] connects the ovaries to the lateral surface of the uterus. The _______[Blank 9] supplies blood to the ovaries. The three layers of the uterus from outside to inside are the ______[Blank 10], ______[Blank 11], _______[Blank 12]. The neck of the uterus is called the cervix. The _______[Blank 13] is a muscular canal connecting the cervix of the uterus and serves as the birth canal during childbirth. The _______[Blank 14] supplies the vagina with blood.
Check your answers:[1]
Activity source: Female Reproductive System Anatomy by Kimberlee Carter, from Building a Medical Terminology Foundation, illustration from Anatomy and Physiology (OpenStax), licensed under CC BY 4.0./ Text version added.
Medical Terms in Context
Place the following medical terms in context to complete the scenario below:
Medical Terms in Context (Text Version)
Use the words below to fill in the medical report:
- Transvaginal
- Laparoscopy
- Dysmenorrhea
- Pain
- Endometrial
- Tissue
- Cysts
- Pelvic
- Endometriosis
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM – MEDICAL REPORT
PATIENT NAME: Stacey ROBERTS
AGE: 28 Sex: Female
DOB: October 27
DATE OF ASSESSMENT: July 22
ADMITTING PHYSICIAN: Adam Vance, MD, Gynecology
DIAGNOSIS: Endometriosis
HISTORY: This 28-year-old white female came to me with symptoms of _____ [Blank 1]. She presented with _____[Blank 2], menorrhagia, and pain with intercourse.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: During a _____[Blank 3] exam, abnormalities were felt. A _____[Blank 4] ultrasound was performed, and _____[Blank 5] were identified.
TREATMENT: I have discussed the results of the ultrasound and have recommended a laparoscopy to provide more information on the location, extent, and size of the _____[Blank 6] implants. A _____[Blank 7] sample will be sent for further testing. If possible, the endometriosis implants will be removed.
PLAN: Ms. Roberts has agreed to the laparoscopy. I have prescribed Orilissa to help with the ________[Blank 8]. My office will set up an appointment for the ________[Blank 9].
___________________________
Adam Vance, MD, Gynecology
Check your answers: [2]
Activity source: Female Reproductive System – Medical Report by Heather Scudder, licensed under CC BY 4.0./Text version added.
Medical Terms in Context
Place the following medical terms in context to complete the scenario below:
Medical Terms in Context (Text Version)
Use the words below to fill in the medical report:
- Edema
- Blood Pressure
- Ovarian
- Menorrhagia
- Auscultation
- Murmur
- Spotting
- Chronic
- Oophoritis
- Urination
- Abdominal
- RLQ
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM – MEDICAL REPORT
PATIENT NAME: Megan WESTOVER
AGE: 29
SEX: Female
DOB: November 22
DATE OF ASSESSMENT: June 4
ATTENDING PHYSICIAN: Adam Vance, MD, Gynecology
HISTORY: A 29-year-old woman complains of right _____[Blank 1] pain. She has fever with chills, nausea, and pain during _____[Blank 2] for 3 days. She is in the 4th day of her menstrual cycle and has _____[Blank 3]. She has had intermenstrual _____[Blank 4] for the last 3 menstrual cycles. She had a hysterectomy due to a breast cancer 9 years ago. She has no other history of _____[Blank 5] illness.
PHYSICAL AND EXAMINATION: VITAL SIGNS: Temperature 102.2, _____[Blank 6] 115/75, and pulse 92, regular. Respiratory rate 16. LUNGS: Normal breath sounds. HEART: No _____[Blank 7], regular rhythm. ABDOMEN: There is a tenderness to deep palpation in the _____[Blank 8]. Pain triggers when the patient bends forward. Normal to _____[Blank 9]. BACK: No flank tenderness. EXTREMITIES: Normal with no _____[Blank 10].
LABORATORY: No UTI, urinalysis done in the clinic negative.
ASSESSMENT: Rule out _____[Blank 11]. No evidence of UTI currently.
PLAN
- CBC lab testing.
- Pelvic ultrasound focused on _____ [Blank 12]structures, transvaginal ultrasound.
- Begin treatment empirically with Ampicillin 500 mg daily.
- Follow up with the patient after the blood and ultrasound results.
___________________________________
Adam Vance, MD, Gynecology
Check your answers: [3]
Activity source: Female Reproductive System – Medical Report by Heather Scudder and Sheila Bellefeuille, licensed under CC BY 4.0./Text version added.
Medical Terms in Context
Place the following medical terms in context to complete the scenario below:
Medical Terms in Context (Text Version)
Using the words below fill in the consultation report:
- Cyanosis
- Mastectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Breast
- HEENT
- Murmurs
- Weight
- Distended
- Erythema
- Lesion
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM – CONSULTATION REPORT
PATIENT NAME: Abigail LANGMAN
AGE: 51
SEX: Female
DOB: July 27
DATE OF CONSULTATION: October 8
CONSULTING PHYSICIAN: Adam Vance, MD, OB/GYN
REASON FOR CONSULTATION: Possible breast cancer.
HISTORY: Patient is a 51-year-old woman here for a check-up because of a suspicious lump that was found on her yearly mammogram. Patient is worried about possible _____[Blank 1] cancer.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: GENERAL: No acute distress. VITAL SIGNS: Temperature is 98.1°F. Pulse is 72, BP is 110/72 mm Hg. Respirations 16. _____[Blank 2] is 186 pounds, height is 5 feet, 8 inches. _____[Blank 3] : Eyes are equal and responsive. Ears are normal, no discharge. Nose is normal. Throat is normal and without _____[Blank 4]. LUNGS: Clear to auscultation. CARDIOVASCULAR: Regular rate and rhythm, no _____[Blank 5]. ABDOMEN: Palpation is soft, not _____[Blank 6], nontender. BREAST: RIGHT: Tender to the touch on right side and has a hard lump about the size of a golf ball near the axilla. LEFT: Normal to the touch, no discomfort. EXTREMITIES: Without edema, _____[Blank 7], or clubbing.
SOCIAL HISTORY: Mother had breast cancer at the age of 48 and had a _____[Blank 8] to remove the left breast. Patient has been scheduled for yearly mammograms since the age of 45 to check for possible signs of early breast cancer. Father has a history of stage 1 rectal cancer treated with 3 rounds of _____[Blank 9]. The patient does not smoke or use recreational drugs, she does like a glass of wine 3-4 nights a week.
Patient states she is quite worried since scheduling an appointment to follow up her mammogram results. Patient has experiencing anxiety which is affecting her eating and sleeping routine.
ASSESSMENT: Patient is a 51-year-old woman here for a check-up because a suspicious lump found on her yearly mammogram. Patient is otherwise healthy and is not currently on any medications.
PLAN
- 1. Ultrasound of the right breast.
- 2. Biopsy of the _____[Blank 10] for pathology. Avoid overexertion or lifting of arms above shoulder height after the biopsy
- Follow-up appointment in 2-3 weeks for results.
________________________
Adam Vance, MD, OB/GYN
Check your answers:[4]
Activity source: Female Reproductive System – Medical Report by Heather Scudder and Sheila Bellefeuille, licensed under CC BY 4.0./Text version added.
Test Your Knowledge
Test your knowledge by answering the questions below:
Female Reproductive System Glossary Reinforcement Activity (Text Version)
- The site of implantation for a fertilized egg or the layer that sheds during menstruation if no egg is fertilized is called ____[Blank 1].
- Endometrium
- Oocyte
- Puerperium
- Hysterectomy is the _____[Blank 2].
- Surgical removal of the breast(s)
- Surgical removal of the uterus
- Surgical removal of the fallopian/uterine tubes
- Pain periods is called _____[Blank 3].
- Dysmenorrhea
- Amenorrhea
- Oligomenorrhea
- Painful Intercourse is called _____[Blank 4].
- Dysuria
- Dyspareunia
- Dysmenorrhea
- The superior portion of the vagina is called _______[Blank 5].
- Axilla
- Bartholin’s glands
- Fornix
Check your answers: [5]
Activity source: Female Reproductive System Glossary Reinforcement Activity by Kimberlee Carter, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Downloadable Worksheets
View or download & print the PDF or Word format worksheets below:
Worksheet – Female Reproductive System – Chapter 7 [Word]
7. Female Reproductive System – Scenario [Word]
7. Female Reproductive System – Definitions [Word]
Attribution
Except where otherwise noted, this book is adapted from Medical Terminology by Grimm et al. (2022), Nicolet College, CC BY 4.0 International. / A derivative of Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Carter & Rutherford (2020), and Anatomy and Physiology by Betts, et al., CC BY 4.0, which can be accessed for free at OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology.
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↵
Anatomy Labeling Activity Diagram (Text Version)
Diagram of female reproductive system featuring anatomy organs and structures. The uterine tube also know as the fallopian tubes are positioned at the right top portion of the diagram. Extending from the uterine tube is finger-like projects known as fimbriae. The uterus is also known as the womb, is a hollow, muscular organ located in the pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The uterine artery/vein supplies blood to the uterus. The fundus of uterus, also called the uterine fundus, refers to the dome-shaped, rounded superior part of the body of the uterus that lies above the opening. The broad ligament and the round ligaments of the uterus serve as secondary support for the uterus within the pelvis. The suspensory ligament is a fold of tissue arising from the peritoneum and extends out from the ovaries. The ovarian ligament connects the ovaries to the lateral surface of the uterus. The ovarian artery/vein supplies blood to the ovaries. The three layers of the uterus from outside to inside are the endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium. The neck of the uterus is called the cervix. The vagina is a muscular canal connecting the cervix of the uterus and serves as the birth canal during childbirth. The vaginal artery supplies the vagina with blood. - 1. Endometriosis 2. Dysmenorrhea 3. Pelivc 4. Transvaginal 5. Cysts 6. Endometrial 7. Tissue 8. Pain 9. Laparoscopy ↵
- 1. Abdominal 2. Urination 3. Menorrhagia 4. Spotting 5. Chronic 6. Blood Pressure 7. Murmur 8. RLQ 9. Auscultation 10. Edema 11. Oophoritis 12. Ovarian ↵
- 1. Breast, 2. Weight, 3. HEENT 4. Erythema, 5. Murmurs, 6. Distended, 7. Cyanosis, 8. Mastectomy, 9. Chemotherapy, 10. Lesion ↵
- 1. Endometrium 2. Surgical removal of the uterus 3. Dysmenorrhea 4. Dyspareunia 5. Fornix ↵