Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

repetitive strain injury (RSI)An

overuse injury that affects keyboard

workers and musicians, causing weak-

ness and pain in the wrists and fingers.

reproduction, sexualThe process of

producing offspring by the fusion of 2

cells from different individuals; this is

achieved in humans by the fusion of 1

spermand 1 ovum. This fusion (fertiliza-

tion) is achieved by sexual intercourseor

artificial insemination.

reproductive system, femaleThe fe-

male organs involved in ovulation, sexual

intercourse, nourishing a fertilized ovum

until it has developed into a full-grown

fetus, and childbirth. With the exception

of the vulva, which protects the opening

of the vagina, these organs lie within

the pelvic cavity.

Ova (eggs) are released at monthly

intervals from the 2 ovaries, which also

secrete oestrogen hormone; and proges-

terone hormones that control the

reproductive cycle. The ova travel through

the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Fertil-

izationtakes place if a spermreleased

into the vagina during sexual inter-

coursetravels through the cervix and

uterus to penetrate an ovum while it is

in the fallopian tube.

reproductive system, maleThe male

organs involved in the production of

spermand in sexual intercourse. Sperm

and male sex hormones (androgen hor-

mones) are produced in the testes, which

are suspended in the scrotum. From each

testis, sperm pass into an epididymis,

where they mature and are stored. Short-

ly before ejaculation, sperm are propelled

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM, FEMALE

into a duct called the vas deferens,

which carries the sperm to the seminal

vesiclesbehind the bladder. These 2

sacs produce seminal fluid, which is

added to the sperm to produce semen.

Semen travels along 2 ducts to the ure-

thra. The ducts pass through the prostate

gland, which produces secretions that are

added to the semen. At orgasm, semen is

ejaculated from the urethra through the

erect penis, which is placed in the woman’s

vaginaduring sexual intercourse.

resectionSurgical removal of all or part

of a diseased or injured organ.

resistanceThe ability to oppose. In med-

icine, it has several different meanings. A

resistance to the flow of blood is exerted

by the blood vessel walls. Increased

resistance leads to raised blood pres-

sure. In psychoanalysis, resistance refers

to the blocking off from consciousness

of repressed memories or emotions.

Resistance may also refer to an ability to

withstand attack from poisons, irritants,

or microorganisms. A person’s resistance

to infection is called immunity. The term

drug resistance refers to the ability of

some microorganisms to withstand attack

from previously effective drug treatments.

resorption, dentalLoss of substance

from teeth. The loss may be external

(affecting the surface of the root) or

internal (affecting the wall of the pulp

cavity). External resorption is part of

the processs by which primary teethare

lost. Some degree of external resorp-

tion also occurs as part of the aging

process, and may also be due to injury,

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY (RSI) RESORPTION, DENTAL

R

Fallopian tube

Vagina

Bladder

Vulva

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM, MALE

Prostate

gland

Urethra

Penis

Testis

Bladder

Ovary Uterus

Cervix

Vas deferens Seminal vesicle

Scrotum

Epididymis