0-9

7-transmembrane receptor see G-protein coupled receptor
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A

adenocarcinoma A type of cancer that forms from cells lining the wall of an organ. Breast cancer is an adenocarcinoma.
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adenoma A benign tumour forming from the cells lining the vessels or cavities of a glandular organ, eg the breast.
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allele Chromosomes are arranged in pairs, so each gene at a particular postion on the chromosome pair is represented twice. Each member of the pair is called an allele.
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androgen a compound, usually a hormone, which controls or stimulates the development and maintenance of male characteristics
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andrology The study of medical problems specific to men, particularly relating to problems of the reproductive system such as infertility and sexual dysfunction.
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anemia A lack of red blood cells in the bloodstream, resulting in insufficient supply of oxygen to organs and tissues.
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angiogenesis the process of growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels
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antagonist A substance that blocks or negates the action of another substance - such as a hormone, by binding to the hormone's receptor but without stimulating a response.
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anterior Postioned at, or towards, the front.
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antibody A protein molecule with a very specific structure, so that it will interact only with the protein or organism that induced its production in the body.
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antiproliferative Counteracting the proliferation, or multiplication, of cells.
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antisense A strand of DNA or RNA which can bind to the complimentary strand of normal 'sense' DNA or RNA and inactivate it.
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apoptosis Also called programmed cell death - a natural process of cell death which happens when normal cells reach a particular stage of development or become old.
It can also happen in diseased cells.
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aromatase An enzyme that converts testosterone (male hormone) into oestrogen (female hormone).
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atretic Degenerating - e.g. ovarian follicles may degenerate before reaching maturity.
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B

Benign prostatic hyperplasia Non-malignant enlargement or overgrowth of the prostate (abbr. BPH).
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biochemistry The scientific study of the chemistry of cells, tissues or organisms.
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bioinformatics The use of computers and databases to analyse biological data or information about, for example, genes, chromosomes, DNA coding sequences or protein structures.
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biomedical Relating to the biology or physiology that underlies a medical problem or the study of medicine generally.
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biomolecular Relating to biomolecules - or chemical compounds - that occur naturally in living organisms.
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biophysical Relating to the science of physics in biology, or to the study of physical structures and processes found in living organisms.
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bioscience Those branches of science, e.g. biology and medicine, that relate to living organisms and processes.
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biosynthetic From biosynthesis - the formation (or synthesis) of a chemical compound by a living organism.
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bladder The bag-like organ in which urine is stored before it leaves the body.
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blood plasma the liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended.
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bovine Relating to, derived from, or resembling cows/bulls.
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C

cancer Disease characterised by the abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells in the body.
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carcinoma A mass or growth of diseased cells formed inside or on the body.
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cardiovascular Relating to the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular).
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cervical Relating to the cervix - the narrow lower of the womb leading into the vagina.
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cervical ripening The relaxation and dilation of the cervix (neck of the womb) in preparation for childbirth.
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chemotherapy The treatment of disease - often cancers - using chemicals.
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chorionic Chorionic gonadotropin - a hormone made by the embryo during pregnancy.
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clone An organism or a population of cells derived from a single original cell, and therefore genetically identical.
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contraceptive a mechanism for birth control; usually a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman giving birth or becoming pregnant
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corpus luteum A mass of tissue in the ovary which forms from the ovarian follicle after the follicle has matured and released its egg.
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cryostat Apparatus used to maintain a constant very low temperature.
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cryptorchidism Condition in which the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum and so remain within the body cavity.
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cyclooxygenase A complex protein enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins - prostaglandins regulate many cellular processes, especially inflammation.
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D

diacylglycerol is a second messenger molecule made by phospholipase C (PLC) (a membrane-bound enzyme), together with inositol triphosphate (IP3). Although inositol triphosphate (IP3) diffuses into the cytosol, diacylglycerol (DAG) stays close to the plasma membrane, due to its hydrophobic properties
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dibutyl phthalate (DBP) DBP is a phthalate with the same core structure as DIDP and DINP but with two shorter side chains attached, each having four carbon atoms. DBP is an oily liquid that is soluble in fat and slightly soluble in water. It is not very volatile so it does not evaporate readily into the atmosphere.
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digoxigenin is a molecular probe to detect DNA or RNA. It can easily be attached to oligonucleotides, at either 5' or 3' ends by chemical modifications
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dimorphism differences in the body appearance of a species based on sex
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dysmenorrhoea cramps or painful periods, often accompanied by pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
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E

eclampsia a serious complication of pregnancy and is characterised by convulsions. Usually eclampsia occurs after the onset of pre-eclampsia though sometimes no pre-eclamptic symptoms are recognisable. The convulsions may appear before, during or after labour, though cases of eclampsia after just 20 weeks of pregnancy have been recorded.
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electrophoresis is the movement of an electrically charged substance under the influence of an electric field
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embryology the branch of developmental biology that studies embryos and their development
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endocrine system a control system of ductless glands that secrete chemical "instant messengers" called hormones that circulate within the body via the bloodstream to affect distant cells within specific organs
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endocrinology branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the endocrine system and its specific secretions called hormones
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endogenous means 'arising from within'
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endometriosis a common medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found outside the womb in other areas of the body
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endometrium the inner membrane of the mammalian uterus. It develops in preparation for the implantation of a blastocyst upon its arrival into the uterus. During pregnancy, the endrometrium becomes rich in glands and blood vessels. These all become interconnected, forming the placenta. The placenta supplies oxygen and nourishment to the embryo as it becomes a fetus and eventually, fully gestates.
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endometrium the tissue or membrane which lines the womb in preparation for pregnancy
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endothelium the layer of thin specialized epithelium, comprised of a single layer of flat cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels, forming an interface between circulating blood in the lumen and the rest of the vessel wall
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enzyme proteins that speed up (catalyze) chemical reactions
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epidemiology the scientific study of factors affecting the health and illness of individuals and populations, and serves as the foundation and logic of interventions made in the interest of public health and preventive medicine. It is considered a cornerstone methodology of public health research, and is highly regarded in evidence-based medicine for identifying risk factors for disease and determining optimal treatment approaches to clinical practice.
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epididymis part of the human male reproductive system and is present in all male mammals. It is a narrow, tightly-coiled tube connecting the efferent ducts from the rear of each testicle to its vas deferens. The epididymis can be divided into three main regions, the head (caput), body (corpus) and tail (cauda)
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epigenetics the study of epigenetic inheritance, a set of reversible heritable changes in gene function or other cell phenotype that occur without a change in DNA sequence (genotype). These changes may be induced spontaneously, in response to environmental factors, or in response to the presence of a particular allele, even if it is absent from subsequent generations.
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epithelium a tissue made up of layers of (epithelial) cells which lines both the inside and the outside of the body, e.g. the skin or the inside of the stomach
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epitope the part of a macromolecule that is recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or cytotoxic T cells. Although usually epitopes are thought to be derived from nonself proteins, sequences derived from the host that can be recognized are also classified as epitopes
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estrogen see oestrogen
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extracellular outside the cell
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F

fertilisation is fusion of gametes to form a new organism of the same species. In animals, the process involves a sperm fusing with an ovum, which eventually leads to the development of an embryo. Depending on the animal species, the process can occur within the body of the female in internal fertilisation, or outside in the case of external fertilisation.
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fetus a developing mammal after the embryonic stage and before birth
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fluorescence a luminescence that is mostly found as an optical phenomenon in cold bodies, in which the molecular absorption of a photon triggers the emission of another photon with a longer wavelength. The energy difference between the absorbed and emitted photons ends up as molecular vibrations or heat
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flutamide an oral antiandrogen drug primarily used to treat prostate cancer. It competes with testosterone and its powerful metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) for binding to androgen receptors in the prostate gland. By doing so, it prevents them from stimulating the prostate cancer cells to grow.
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follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) a hormone synthesised and secreted by gonadotropes in the anterior pituitary gland. In the ovary FSH stimulates the growth of immature Graafian follicles to maturation. As the follicle grows it releases inhibin, which shuts off the FSH production. In men, FSH enhances the production of androgen-binding protein by the Sertoli cells of the testes and is critical for spermatogenesis. FSH and LH act synergistically in reproduction
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G

G-protein G-proteins, short for guanine nucleotide binding proteins, are a family of proteins involved in second messenger cascades. They are so called because of their signaling mechanism, which uses the exchange of guanosine diphosphate (GDP) for guanosine triphosphate (GTP) as a molecular "switch" to allow or inhibit biochemical reactions inside the cell.
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G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) G-protein coupled receptor: a family of protein receptors which stimulate a sequence of reactions which transfer a signal from outside to inside a cell. They play an important role in many functions of the body including smell, mood and regulation of the immune system
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gamete the name given to specialised sex cells: also called sperm cells in men, and ova or eggs in women
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gametogenesis the process which results in the creation of gametes: also called spermatogenesis in men, and oogenesis in women
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gene Genes are the units of heredity in living organisms. They are encoded in the organism's genetic material (usually DNA or RNA), and control the physical development and behavior of the organism. During reproduction, the genetic material is passed on from the parent(s) to the offspring. Genetic material can also be passed between un-related individuals (e.g. via transfection, or on viruses).
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genome the genome of an organism is the whole hereditary information of an organism that is encoded in the DNA (or, for some viruses, RNA). This includes both the genes and the non-coding sequences.
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genomics the study of an organism's genome and the use of the genes. It deals with the systematic use of genome information
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gonad the organ that makes gametes. Gametes are haploid germ cells. For example, sperm and egg cells are gametes. The gonads are a combined gland providing both exocrine and endocrine functions.
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gonadotrope cells in the anterior pituitary which produce the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone
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gonadotropin Gonadotropins are protein hormones secreted by gonadotrope cells of the pituitary gland of vertebrates. The two principle gonadotropins are luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Both hormones consist of two peptide chains, an alpha chain and a beta chain, linked by disulfide bonds. LH and FSH share nearly identical alpha chains, while the beta chain provides specificity for receptor interactions.
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gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a 10 amino acid protein that is produced by GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus and acts on gonadotrope cells in the anterior pituitary to stimulate pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thus plays a pivitol role in the regulation of reproduction.
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gynaecology literally means 'the science of women', but in medicine this is the specialty of diseases of the female reproductive system
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H

homology In biology, two or more structures are said to be homologous if they are alike because of shared ancestry
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hormone a chemical messenger from one cell (or group of cells) to another. All multicellular organisms produce hormones.
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hybridisation the process of joining two complementary strands of DNA
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hyperplasia or "hypergenesis" is a general term for an increase in the number of the cells of an organ or tissue causing it to increase in size. It may be due to any number of causes including (but not limited to) increased demand, chronic inflammatory response, hormonal dysfunctions, or neoplasia.
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hypospadias a birth defect of the urethra in the male that involves an abnormally placed urethral meatus (opening). Instead of opening at the tip of the glans of the penis, a hypospadic urethra opens anywhere along a line (the urethral groove) running from the tip along the underside (ventral aspect) of the shaft to the junction of the penis and scrotum or perineum. A distal hypospadias may be suspected even in an uncircumcised boy from an abnormally formed foreskin and downward tilt of the glans.
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hypothalamus a region of the mammalian brain located below the thalamus, forming the major portion of the ventral region of the diencephalon and functioning to regulate certain metabolic processes and other autonomic activities. The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, by synthesizing and secreting neurohormones, often called releasing hormones.
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I

immunoassay a biochemical test that measures the level of a substance in a biological liquid, typically serum or urine, using the reaction of an antibody or antibodies to its antigen. The assay takes advantage of the specific binding of an antibody to its antigen.
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immunofluorescence the labeling of antibodies or antigens with fluorescent dyes.
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immunohistochemistry the process of localizing proteins in cells of a tissue section exploiting the principle of antigens in tissue binding to their respective antibodies. Visualization is enabled by tagging the antibody with color producing tags
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implantation a medical term to describe the start of a pregnancy, when the embryo is embedded into the lining of the womb
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in vitro in glass
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in vivo means that which takes place inside an organism. In science, in vivo refers to experimentation done in or on the living tissue of a whole, living organism as opposed to a partial or dead one
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infertile the inability to naturally conceive a child or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term
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inositol or cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-cyclohexanehexol, is a cyclic polyalcohol that plays an important role as a second messenger in a cell, in the form of inositol phosphates. It is found in many foods, particularly in cereals with high bran content. It is classified as a member of the vitamin B complex, though it is not considered a vitamin per se, since the human body can synthesize it.
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intracellular pertaining to within or inside the cell
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intramolecular describes a process or characteristic limited within the structure of a single molecule; a property or phenomenon limited to the extent of a single molecule
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J

K

kinase any of various enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group from a donor, such as ADP or ATP, to an acceptor.
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L

leukocyte White blood cells (a.k.a. leukocytes) are cells which form a component of the blood. They are produced in the bone marrow and help to defend the body against infectious disease and foreign materials as part of the immune system.
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leydig cell also known as interstitial cells of Leydig, are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testes. Leydig cells can synthesize testosterone and are often closely related to nerves. Leydig cells have round vesicular nuclei and a granular eosinophilic cytoplasm
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ligand-selective signalling Signalling via the GnRH receptor in the pituitary gland is vital for the maintenance of fertility in men and women. Studies in the Unit have shown that this receptor can adopt a number of different shapes in its 'active' form and that these in turn stimulate different signaling pathways. We call this concept 'ligand-selective signaling' (LISS). The work on LISS has opened up new and exciting ways to use synthetic peptides modeled on GnRH to treat reproductive diseases.
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luteinizing hormone (LH) a hormone synthesized and secreted by gonadotropes in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. In concert with the other pituitary gonadotropin follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) it is necessary for proper reproductive function. In the female, an acute rise of LH – the LH surge - triggers ovulation. In the male, where LH had also been called Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone (ICSH), it stimulates Leydig cell production of testosterone.
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luteolysis the structural and functional degradation of the corpus luteum that occurs at the end of the luteal phase in the absence of pregnancy
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M

meiosis the process that transforms one diploid cell into four haploid cells in eukaryotes in order to redistribute the diploid cell's genome. Meiosis forms the basis of sexual reproduction and can only occur in eukaryotes
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menopause the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age in species that experience such cycles. Menopause is sometimes referred to as change of life or climacteric
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menorrhagia abnormally heavy or prolonged (menstrual) periods, often caused by the disruption of normal hormone regulation or disorders of the lining of the womb
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menstruation a natural cyclical process in women in which part of the womb lining and blood are shed and pass out of the body through the vagina
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metabolism is the biochemical modification of chemical compounds in living organisms and cells. This includes the biosynthesis of complex organic molecules (anabolism) and their breakdown (catabolism).
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miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the natural or accidental termination of a pregnancy at a stage where the embryo or the fetus is incapable of surviving, generally defined at a gestation of prior to 20 weeks
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mitosis the process by which a cell separates its duplicated genome into two identical halves. It is generally followed immediately by cytokinesis which divides the cytoplasm and cell membrane. This results in two identical daughter cells with a roughly equal distribution of organelles and other cellular components. Mitosis and cytokinesis together is defined as the mitotic (M) phase of the cell cycle, the division of the mother cell into two daughter cells, each the genetic equivalent of the parent cell.
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monomer a small molecule that may become chemically bonded to other monomers to form a polymer
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morphogenesis is one of three fundamental aspects of developmental biology along with the control of cell growth and cellular differentiation. Morphogenesis is concerned with the shapes of tissues, organs and entire organisms and the positions of the various specialized cell types
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morphology In biology morphology is the study of the form or shape of an organism or part thereof
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mRNA Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) is RNA that encodes and carries information from DNA during transcription to sites of protein synthesis to undergo translation in order to yield a gene product
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mutation In biology, mutations are changes to the genetic material (usually DNA or RNA). Mutations can be caused by copying errors in the genetic material during cell division and by exposure to radiation, chemicals (mutagens), or viruses, or can occur deliberately under cellular control during processes such as meiosis or hypermutation
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N

neonatal A human infant less than a month old is a newborn infant or a neonate
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neuroendocrinology the study of the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The concept arose from the recognition that the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland was closely controlled by the brain, and especially by the hypothalamus
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neurotransmitter chemicals that are used to relay, amplify and modulate electrical signals between a neuron and another cell
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neurotrophin a family of molecules that encourage survival of nervous tissue. Neurotrophic factors are secreted by cells in a neuron's target field, and act by prohibiting the neuron from apoptosis. In this way, target neurons are not removed
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nucleotide a chemical compound that consists of a heterocyclic base, a sugar, and one or more phosphate groups. In the most common nucleotides the base is a derivative of purine or pyrimidine, and the sugar is the pentose (five-carbon sugar) deoxyribose or ribose
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nucleus (cell) the membrane-bound subcellular organelle found in eukaryotes, visible via microscopy, which contains, primarily, the cell's chromosomes
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O

oestradiol a sex hormone in the oestrogen family found in both women and men and which has a critical impact on reproductive and sexual function
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oestrogen a group of steroid hormones found in both men and women (although at higher levels in women) which are involved in some aspects of the regulation of the menstrual cycle
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oligonucleotide short sequences of nucleotides (RNA or DNA), typically with twenty or fewer bases. Automated synthesizers allow the synthesis of oligonucleotides up to 160 to 200 bases. Oligonucleotides are often used as probes for detecting complementary DNA or RNA because they bind readily to their complements
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oocyte the female sex (or germ) cell involved in reproduction: it later divides and differentiates into an egg
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organogenesis the process by which the ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm develop into the internal organs of the organism
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osteoporosis a disease of bone in which the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture is disrupted, and the amount and variety of non-collagenous proteins in bone is changed
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ovine of the sheep (genus Ovis)
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ovulation the process in the female reproductive cycle when the ovary ruptures to discharge an egg
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P

paracrine signalling a form of cell signalling in which the target cell is close to the signal releasing cell, and the signal chemical is broken down too quickly to be carried to other parts of the body
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pathogenesis the mechanism by which a certain etiological factor causes disease
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pathology the study of the processes underlying disease and other forms of illness, harmful abnormality, or dysfunction. Within biology but also a branch of medicine, it means specifically the study and diagnosis of the structural and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs that underlie disease.
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pathophysiology the study of the disturbance of normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions that a disease causes, or that which causes the disease
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peptide a family of short molecules formed from the linking, in a defined order, of various a-amino acids. The link between one amino acid residue and the next is an amide bond, and is sometimes referred to as a peptide bond.
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permeability a measure of the ability of a material to transmit fluids. It is also referred to as Hydraulic conductivity.
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pharmacology the study of how chemical substances interact with living systems
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phenotype The phenotype of an individual organism is either its total physical appearance and constitution or a specific manifestation of a trait, such as size, eye color, or behavior that varies between individuals. Phenotype is determined to some extent by genotype, or by the identity of the alleles that an individual carries at one or more positions on the chromosomes. Many phenotypes are determined by multiple genes and influenced by environmental factors. Thus, the identity of one or a few known alleles does not always enable prediction of the phenotype
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phosphorylation the addition of a phosphate (PO4) group to a protein or a small molecule or the introduction of a phosphate group into an organic molecule
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physiology the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms
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pituitary or hypophysis, is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea that sits in the small, bony cavity (sella turcica) at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland secretes hormones regulating a wide variety of bodily activities, including trophic hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands.
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placenta an ephemeral (temporary) organ present only in female placental mammals during gestation (precnancy)
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plasticity In body tissues, plasticity refers to the ability of differentiated cells to undergo transdifferentiation
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polycystic many cysts
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polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic (literally, many cysts) ovary syndrome (PCOS or PCO) is a complex condition that affects the ovaries (the organs in a woman's body that produce eggs).
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postnatal the period after birth
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pre-menopausal woman a woman who has not yet begun menopause
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pregnancy the condition of a woman or female mammal from conception until birth; the condition of being pregnant
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progesterone steroid hormone secreted by the corpus luteum and by the placenta, that acts to prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized ovum, to maintain pregnancy, and to promote development of the mammary glands. Also called corpus luteum hormone, luteohormone, progestational hormone
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prohormone An intraglandular precursor of a hormone
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prostaglandin Any of a group of potent hormonelike substances that are produced in various mammalian tissues, are derived from arachidonic acid, and mediate a wide range of physiological functions, such as control of blood pressure, contraction of smooth muscle, and modulation of inflammation
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prostanoid is the term used to describe three classes of eicosanoids: the prostaglandins (mediators of inflammatory and anaphylactic reactions), the thromboxanes (mediators of vasoconstriction) and the prostacyclins (active in the resolution phase of inflammation.)
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prostate a gland of the male reproductive system which stores and secretes (through a duct) a fluid which makes up around 30% of the volume of semen
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protease any of various enzymes, including the endopeptidases and exopeptidases, that catalyze the hydrolytic breakdown of proteins into peptides or amino acids
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puberty the stage of adolescence in which an individual becomes physiologically capable of sexual reproduction
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R

radioisotope a naturally or artificially produced radioactive isotope of an element
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receptor a protein molecule in the nucleus that receives and responds to a hormone or other substance
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Recurrent miscarriage repeated, naturally occurring termination of pregnancy
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RNA Ribonucleic acid; a polymeric constituent of all living cells and many viruses, consisting of a long, usually single-stranded chain of alternating phosphate and ribose units with the bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil bonded to the ribose. The structure and base sequence of RNA are determinants of protein synthesis and the transmission of genetic information
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S

secretogranin a member of the chromogranin family of secretory proteins
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seminal of, relating to, containing, or conveying semen or seed
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seminiferous epithelium the outside layer of the seminiferous tubules in the testicles
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sertoli cells found in the testicles whose main function is to nurture developing sperm cells through the stages of spermatogenesis
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somatic Of or relating to a somatic cell or the somatoplasm
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somatic cell any cell which makes up the body of an organism, except stem cells, sex (germ) cells, sperm cells and eggs
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spermatogenesis the process by which stem cells develop into mature sperm cells
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spermatogonial Any of the cells of the gonads in male organisms that are the progenitors of spermatocytes
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steroidogenesis production of steroids by living organisms
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steroids hormones made by the ovaries or testicles that produce sex differences between male and female, or support reproduction. They include androgens (e.g. testosterone), oestrogens and progestagens
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stroma The connective tissue framework of an organ, gland, or other structure, as distinguished from the tissues performing the special function of the organ or part
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stromal cell a cell of an organ, found in the loose connective tissue which often supports, binds or protects the organ
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substrate The material or substance on which an enzyme acts.
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T

testes plural of testis
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testicular referring to the testes
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testis the reproductive gland in a male vertebrate, the source of spermatozoa and the androgens, normally occurring paired in an external scrotum in humans and certain other mammals.
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testosterone a steroid hormone from the androgen group, secreted by the testicles and ovaries, and which is essential in men for the production of sperm
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transactivation the stimulation of a host cell to replicate the genetic components of a virus.
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transcription the process by which messenger RNA is synthesized from a DNA template resulting in the transfer of genetic information from the DNA molecule to the messenger RNA.
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transduction transfer of genetic material or characteristics from one bacterial cell to another by the incorporation of bacterial DNA into a bacteriophage
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transfection infection of a cell with purified viral nucleic acid, resulting in subsequent replication of the virus in the cell.
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transgenic of, relating to, or being an organism whose genome has been altered by the transfer of a gene or genes from another species or breed
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transmembrane a passing or event or occurrance across a membrane
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transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor see G-protein coupled receptor
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trisphosphate A salt or ester containing three phosphate groups
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tumour an abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled, progressive multiplication of cells and serving no physiological function; a neoplasm
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tumourigenesis the process or processes involved in the production or formation of tumor or tumors
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U

urogenital referring to the urinary and genital organs
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uterine referring to the uterus
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uterine fibroid nodule or tumour located in or near the wall of the womb which can cause problems with fertility and pregnancy
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uterus The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina; the other is connected on both sides to the fallopian tubes.
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V

vas deferens paired ducts found in men which carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra (urine tube) so that the sperm can be released during ejaculation.
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vascular Vascular is an adjective for the word vessel and refers to tube-like structures
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vesicle a vesicle is a relatively small and enclosed compartment, separated from the cytosol by at least one lipid bilayer
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W

wolffian duct a paired organ found in male embryos and which later forms part of the network of tubes which carry sperm from the testicles to the prostate gland
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womb The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina; the other is connected on both sides to the fallopian tubes.
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X

Y

Z