Chapter 23 Gynecological Examination
and Prenatal Care Key Terms2023
Abortion - AnswerThe termination of the pregnancy before the fetus reaches the age of
viability (20 weeks)
Adnexal - AnswerAdjacent
Amenorrhea - AnswerThe absence or cessation of the menstrual period. Occurs
normally before puberty, during pregnancy, and after menopause.
Atypical - AnswerDeviation from the normal
Braxton Hicks contractions - AnswerIntermittent and irregular painless uterine
contractions that occur throughout pregnancy. They occur more frequently toward the
end of pregnancy and are sometimes mistaken for true labor pains.
Cervix - AnswerThe lower narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Colposcopy - AnswerExamination of the cervix using a colposcope (a lighted instrument
with a magnifying lens).
Cytology - AnswerThe science that deals with the study of cells, including teri origin,
structure, function, and pathology.
Dilation (of the cervix) - AnswerThe stretching of the external os from an opening a few
millimeters wide to an opening large enough to allow the passage of an infant
(approximately 10 cm).
Dysmenorrhea - AnswerPain associated with the menstrual period.
Dyspareunia - AnswerPain in the vagina or pelvis experienced by a woman during
sexual intercourse
Dysplasia - AnswerThe growth of abnormal cells. A precancerous condition that may or
may not develop into cancer.
Ectocervix - AnswerThe part of the cervix that projects into the vagina and is lined with
stratified squamous epithelium.
Effacement - AnswerThe thinning and shortening of the cervical canal from its normal
length of 1 to 2 cm to a structure with paper-thin edges in which there is no canal at all.
