Anatomy and Medical Terminology Flashcards

What are the major organs of the female reproductive system?

Answer: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina

Understanding the complete female reproductive anatomy is essential for accurate coding.

What is the difference between the endometrium and myometrium?

Answer: Endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus; myometrium is the muscular wall

The uterus has distinct layers: the endometrium (lining that sheds during menstruation) and the myometrium (muscular layer).

What does the suffix '-ectomy' mean in surgical terminology?

Answer: Surgical removal of a body part

Common examples: hysterectomy (uterus removal), oophorectomy (ovary removal), salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal).

What is the difference between bilateral and unilateral procedures?

Answer: Bilateral means both sides; unilateral means one side only

This distinction affects coding: bilateral procedures may use different codes or modifiers than unilateral procedures.

What does 'gravida' and 'para' mean in obstetric terminology?

Answer: Gravida is the number of pregnancies; para is the number of deliveries past 20 weeks

G3P2 means three pregnancies and two deliveries past viability.

What is the difference between benign and malignant in gynecologic coding?

Answer: Benign means non-cancerous; malignant means cancerous — coding and treatment differ significantly

The behavior of a tumor (benign vs. malignant) determines diagnosis codes, treatment codes, and care pathways.