Anatomy Ch. 19: The Reproductive System – Flashcards
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Areola
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Circular pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple.
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Clitoris
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Small, clindrical mass of erectile tissue w/ highly sensitive nerves located in the front of the vulva where the labia majora & labia minora meet; it is similar in function to the male penis.
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Coitus
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Sexual intercourse between a male & a female (also called copulation).
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Ejaculatory Duct
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Duct that begins at the vas deferens, passes through the prostate glands, & empties into the urethra; a reflex action caused by these ducts triggors ejaculation.
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Epididymis (Duct)
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Long, coiled duct on the outside of the testis in which sperm mature & are stored.
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Vas Deferens (Duct)
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Duct that carries sperm from the epididymis (where sperm mature in the testes) to the ejaculatory duct (carries sperm to the urethra).
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Endometrium
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Mucous membrane that lines the inner wall of the uterus.
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Erection
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State of a normally soft tissue when it fills w/ blood, swells, & becomes firm. Both the penis & clitoris can become erect.
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Estrogen
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Female sex hormone produced by the ovaries which acts w/ progesterone to stimulate the growth of female reproductive parts in a fetus, as well as development of female sexual charasteristics such as breast enlargement during puberty. These hormones also control the menstral cycle.
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Fallopian/Uterine Tubes
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tubes extending from the ovary along each side of the uterus & providing a passageway for the human egg to travel to the uterus; fertilization happens here, & severing of these tubes results in sterility of the female.
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Fetus
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Name given to a human embryo at 9 weeks of development & anytime thereafter until birth.
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Fistula
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Abnormal tubelike passageway between 2 organs or between an internal organ & the surface of the body.
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Foreskin
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Retractable double-layered fold of skin & mucous membrane around the edge of the penis in males & covering all or part of the clitoris in females (a.k.a. prepuce & the clitoral hood)
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Glans
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Rounded head of the penis/clitoris when foreskin/hood is retracted.
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Labia Majora
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2 outer folds of skin on either side of the vagina; they are usually covered w/ hair on the outer surface, & they provide protection for the vaginal opening.
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Labia Minora
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2 inner folds of the vagina; they are hairless, delicate, & ultra sensitive.
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Labor
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Series of rhythmic contractions of the uterus that expel the baby from the uterus, resulting in birth.
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Lactation
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Production & secretion of milk by the mammary glands.
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Mammary Glands
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Milk producing glands in the breasts of female mammals for the purpose of feeding an infant.
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Menarche
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1st occurrence of the menstruation; when the menstrual cycle begins for the 1st time in a woman.
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Menopause
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Time of the last occurance of menstruation; when the menstrual cycle stops permanently.
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Menses
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Monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus & blood that nonpregnant women experience from the time of puberty until menopause. a.k.a. menstruation/the menstrual cycle.
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Menstrual Cycle
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Monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus & blood that nonpregnant women experience from the time of puberty until menopause. a.k.a. menstruation/the menses.
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Menstruation
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Monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus & blood that nonpregnant women experience from the time of puberty until menopause. a.k.a. the menses/the menstrual cycle.
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Myometrium
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Smooth muscle forming the wall of the uterus.
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Ova
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Egg - The female reproductive cell.
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Ovaries
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Primary sex organs of the female reproductive system; they produce eggs & are located on each side of the uterus. They also secrete estrogen & progesterone
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Ovulation
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Process in which a fully developed egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tubes each month.
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Parturition
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Childbirth.
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Penis
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External male reproductive organ used to deliver sperm into the female reproductive tract; it also carries urine out of the body.
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Perimetrium
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Outermost layer of the wall of the uterus; it helps hold the uterus in place.
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Perineum
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Diamond-shaped region between the anus & the genital organs in both males & females. In males, it is between the anus & the scrotum, & in females, it is between the anus & the vagina.
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Placenta
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Vascular structure in the uterus in the females of most mammals through which oxygen & nutrients for & removing wastes from a developing fetus during pregnancy.
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Progesterone
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Female sex hormone produced by the ovaries which acts w/ estrogen to stimulate the growth of female reproductive parts in a fetus, as well as development of female sexual charasteristics such as breast enlargement during puberty. These hormones also control the menstral cycle.
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Prostate Gland
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Partly muscular chestnut-sized exocrine gland, in males, at the base of the urinary bladder that secretes the alkaline fluid part of semen into the urethra during ejaculation.
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Scrotum
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External sac that contains the testes in males.
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Semen/Seminal Fluid
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Thick white fluid that is a mixture of sperm cells & secretions of the _______ vesicles, prostate, & bulbourethral glands, & is ejaculated by the male genital tract.
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Testes
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Primary male sex organs of the male reproductive system located one on each side w/i the scrotum; they produce sperm & secrete male sex hormones.
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Testosterone
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Most important of the male sex hormones. Both males and females have it, but the additional amt. in males stimulates the growth of the male male reproductive parts in the fetus and the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty.
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Umbilical Cord
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Long, tubular duct of membranous tissue that connects a developing fetus w/ the placenta during pregnancy.
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Urethra
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Tube that leads from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
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Uterus
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Womb - The hollow muscular organ of the female reproductive system in the pelvic cavity in which a fertilized egg develops into a fetus.
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Vagina
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Birth Canal - The muscular, elastic passageway in females that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body.
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Vasectomy
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Surgical procedure that removes all or part of the vas deferens in order to prevent sperm from reaching the outside of the body (usually as a means of sterilization).
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Vulva/Pudendum
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External genitalia of a female - it consists of both sets of labia, the clitoris, bartholin's glands, & the vaginal orifice.
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Zygote
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A fertilized egg.
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AIDS
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Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - A disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus attacks the T cells, which weakens the capacity of the immune system to fight off infection. It has 3 stages: Initial symptoms (lasts only a few days; mimics the flu - fever, night sweats, swollen lymph glands in neck, weakness, & weight loss), A latency period (may last 5 - 10 years; no symptoms), & full blown (allows for even minor infections to possibly be fatal). The disease is transmitted by contact w/ body fluids containing eh virus - this includes sexual contact of any type (including anal intercourse), contaminated needles, during birth from an infected mother, or receiving contaminated blood in a transfusion.
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Breast Cancer
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Type of Cancer that develops from the cells of the breast & can spread to adjacent lymph nodes & from there to other body sites. It is the leading cause of death in women; however men can also get this type of cancer. Early detection is crucial for survival... Symptoms include leakage or puckering of the nipple, changes in the skin texture of the breast, & lumps. Self examination is recommended on a regular basis, & mammograms are recommended every 2 years beginging at age 40 & every year after age 49.
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Cervical Cancer
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Type of Cancer that affects the cells of the cervix. It is often caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is now preventable via a vaccine. This type of cancer can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, frequent inflammation of the cervix, & multiple pregnancies. Yearly pap smear tests are recommended for detection.
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Ectopic Pregnancy
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Potentially dangerous condition in which a fertilized egg is implanted outside of the uterus. This usually occurs in the fallopian tubes, which results in death of the fetus & the possibility of hemorrhaging from the rupturing of the tube. This condition can also occur in the abdominal cavity, in which case the fetus may be able to develop, but will hafta be delivered by caesarian section.
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Endometriosis
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Abnormal condition where endometrial tissue (the tissue lining the uterus; it is sloughed off during the woman's menstrual period, & afterward, grows back & slowly gets thicker & thicker until the next period) is found growing outside the uterus. It is usually caused by endometrial cells passing through the fallopian tubes from the uterus & entering the pelvic cavity. There the tissue first grows, then degenerates, causing bleeding, which leads to abdominal pain, inflammation, tissue scarring, & possible infertility.
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Enlarged Prostate
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Condition which occurs in older adult males in which the prostate gland expands, which constricts the urethra making urination difficult. This can lead to kidney damage & bladder infections. Changes in the size of the prostate gland can be detected by a physical examination which can be accomplished by reaching through the rectal wall to actually touch the prostate gland. In addition to normal aging factors, infections & tumors can also cause the prostate gland to expand. Treatment includes surgery or the use of certain prostate size reducing drugs.
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Erectile Disfunction
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Inability of a male to achieve or maintain an erection or the inability to ejaculate after having achieved an erection. This can be caused by physically defective genitalia, certain diseases such as Type II Diabetes, neuromuscular dysfunctions, verious psychological issues, stress, fatigue, advanced age, & the use of certain drugs. Currently certain drugs such as Viagra can enhance the achievement & maintenance of an erection by causing dialation of blood vessels.
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Genital Herpes
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STD caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 & characterized by leasions & blister-like eruptions of the skin. Other symptoms include painful touch & painful urination. Breakouts last for abt 2 weeks, but can recur, afterwhich the virus becomes dormant but can become active again during periods of stress such as illness or during female menstruation. There is no cure, & infection orrurs through contact w/ infected individuals.
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Genital Warts
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STD characterized by growths that develop in the genital area caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the same virus that causes common warts & cervical cancer. These are highly contagious & are infection occurs though contact w/ these growths on an infected individual. Treatment includes surgery or the use of antiviral topical medications.
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Gonorrhea
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STD caused by the bacteria Neisseria ______hoeae. The bacteria invades the epithelial lining of the vagina in women & the urethra in men, which causes inflammation of the genital mucous membrane, resulting in a periodic discharge of pus & painful burning when urinating. Symptoms occur w/i a week after exposure, but are less noticeable in women. Treatment is very successful w/ antibiotics, but if left untreated, this disease can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
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Hepatitis
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Inflammation of the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption or a virus infection. If untreated, liver cells die & are replaced by scar tissue which leads to liver failure & possible death. 2 varieties: A - caused by ___A virus (_AV) (Infectious) & contracted via contact w/ fecally contaminated water or food such as raw oysters/clams. B - caused by ___B virus (_BV) (Serum) & transmitted via contaminated serum in blood transfusions, contaminated needles, or sexual contact w/ an infected individual. Vaccines are available for immunization. Symptoms include nausea, fever, loss of apetite, abdominal pain, & jaundice. The viral variety is 2nd most frequently contracted infectious disease in the U.S.
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(Male) Infertility
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Inability of the male to fertilize an egg. This is most commonly due to low sperm cell count. The average range of sperm cells ejactulated is 50 - 100 million per milliliter. If that # falls below 20 million per milliliter, the male is considered to be infertile. Decreased sperm count can result from a # of causes that result in damage to the testes such as radiation, physical trauma, excessive heat, infection w/ mumps, abnormal sperm cell development, & hormonal issues such as inadequate secretions of follicle stimulating hormone & leutenizing hormone, & low levels of testesterone.
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(Female) Infertility
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Inability to conceive. This can be caused by immature or defective sexual organs, hormaonal issues such as decreased hormonal secretions fromt he ovaries, obstruction of the fallopian tubes, or the inability of the fertilized egg to implant in the endometrial lining of the uterus. Blockages of the fallopian tubes are most commonly due to adhesions from various infections. Other contributing factors include chronic exposure to tobacco smoke alcohol/drug abuse, & enviornmental toxins.
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Menstrual Cramps
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cramps a female experiences at the beginning of a menstrual period, resulting from strong contractions of the smooth muscle that forms the wall of the uterus. This produces lower abdominal pain which can extend to the legs & lower back. The pain can range from a dull ache to intense pain that peaks in 24 hours but can last fro a # of days. Treatment includes non steroid anti inflamitory drugs such as aspirin & ibuprofin , just before or after the start of the menstrual cycle.
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Ovarian Cancer
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Type of Cancer that developes in the cells of the ovaries. It is the most deadly of the female reproductive cancers because it is usually not detected until it has reached well advanced stages. Symptoms include abdominal pain & swelling, abnormal vaginal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, & frequent urination. Risk factors include infertility, not having children, delaying child birth to later on in life, & endometriosis. It usually developes in women in their 50s, so yearly pelvic examinations after age 40 can lead to early diagnosis, which is critical for survival.
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Pelvic Inflamatory Disease
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Bacterial infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, &/or ovaries. It can result from infection w/ a # of different bacteria, but most commonly occurs as a result of infections w/ Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics. If left untreated, it can lead to sterility & even death.
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Phimosis
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Abnormal condition where the foreskin of the penis fits too tightly over the head of the penis & cannot be retracted. This is usually prevented through circumcision (procedure where the foreskin is cut along the base of the glans & removed) at birth. Severe cases can obstruct urination, & mild can result in hygenic problems, because the foreskin can allow organic matter & debris to accumulate, which creates an atmosphere suitable for the growth of bacteria & other microorganisms which cause infections.
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
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Group of symptoms experienced by many women w/i the 2-week period prior to menstruation. These symptoms include irratability, fatigue, nervousness, & depression, which can become so severe that they affect relationships & disrupt family life. The cause is unknown, so treatment is aimed at releiving the symptoms.
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Prostate Cancer
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Type of Cancer that developes in the prostate gland & the 3rd most prevalent type of cancer in men. It is a slow-growing cancer that is not easily detected, so regular examinations by a physician for any abnormal changes in the gland are important for detection.
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Syphilis
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STD caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It can have an incubation period anwhere from a few weeks to several months, & it involves several stages... The 1st stage results in the appearance, at the site of infection, of a painless red sore called a chancre (SHANG-ker), which may vanish if untreated. Several weeks later during the 2nd stage, fever & skin rashes develop & last for several weeks. If left untreated, the disease then enters a latent period w/ no symptoms. The 3rd stage doesnt' develop until many years later & produces neural lesions, resulting in damage to nervous tissue, causing paralysis, insanity, & eventually death. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics, although a # of highly resistant strains of the bacteria have evolved.
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Trichomonas
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Highly contagious, protozoan parasite which is more commonly found in women where it inhabits the vagina & erodes the tissues of the vagina. If the acidity of the vaginal tract fails to control this organism, it causes inflammation of vaginal tissue accompanied w/ smelly yellow-green vaginal discharge. It can also be spread to males where it infects the urethra.
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Vaginitis
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Inflammation of the vagina w/ redness, swelling, & irritation, often caused by a specific organism, such as Candida (yeast) or Trichomonas (sexually transmitted parasite).
