2. 1. A. 10. One of the longest terms used in medical terminology refers to the removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This term = TOTAL ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY-BILATERAL SALPINGO-OOPHORECTOMY. This procedure = usually performed by a gynecologist. It’s the most common gynecological surgical procedure. In 2003, almost 1 million of these procedures were performed in the U.S. alone.
3. 2. A. 3. The 3 stages of labor and delivery are the dilation stage, the effacement stage, and the expulsion stage. Labor = defined as the onset of rhythmic contractions and the relaxation of the uterine smooth muscles which results in EFFACEMENT (the process by which the cervix prepares for delivery). Effacement = also the progressive thinning of the cervix.
4. 2. A. 3. (continued) DILATION = the opening of the cervix (the neck of the uterus), a.k.a. the entrance to the uterus during gynecological surgery, induced abortion, miscarriage or, in this case childbirth (i.e. labor & delivery). Cervical dilation may occur naturally, or may be induced by medical means.
5. 3. A. 7. The inner lining of the uterus is called the ENDOMETRIUM. This = the inner membrane of the mammalian uterus, so most, if not all, female mammals possess the endometrium (not just humans, i.e. homo sapiens). The endometrium functions as a lining for the uterus, preventing stickiness between the walls of the myometrium, thereby keeping the uterine cavity open.
6. 3. A. 7 (continued) During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium grows to a thick, blood vessel-rich, glandular tissue layer. This is the best environment for the implantation of a blastocyst upon its arrival to the uterus. The endometrium = central, detectable using ultrasound, and has an average thickness of 0.67 centimeters.
