Medical Terminology Simplified

Diagnostic Procedures

Female Reproductive System

Obstetric procedure that involves surgical puncture of the amniotic sac under ultra-

sound guidance to remove amniotic fluid

In amniocentesis, cells of the fetus found in the fluid are cultured and studied to detect

genetic abnormalities and maternal–fetal blood incompatibility. (See Fig. 8–16.)

Examination of the vagina and cervix with an optical magnifying instrument (colpo-

scope)

Colposcopy is commonly performed after a Papanicolaou test to obtain biopsy specimens

of the cervix and identify abnormal cervical tissue. (See Fig. 8–17.)

Visual examination of the abdominal cavity with a laparoscope through one or more

small incisions in the abdominal wall, usually at the umbilicus (See Fig. 8–18.)

Laparoscopy is used for inspection of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, diagnosis of

endometriosis, destruction of uterine leiomyomas, myomectomy, and gynecological

sterilization.

372 CHAPTER 8• Reproductive Systems

amniocentesis

ăm-nē-ō-sĕn-TĒ-sĭs

amni/o: amnion

(amniotic sac)

-centesis: surgical

puncture

colposcopy

kŏl-PŎS-kō-pē

colp/o: vagina

-scopy: visual

examination

laparoscopy

lăp-ăr-ŎS-kō-pē

lapar/o: abdomen

-scopy: visual

examination

DNA and

chromosome

analysis

Cell culture

Biochemical

analysis

Amniotic

fluid

Fetal cells

Centrifuge

Ultrasound Amniotic fluid

monitor

Placenta

Amniotic fluid

Urinary

bladder

Vagina

Figure 8-16Amniocentesis.