Common Word Roots for Female Reproductive System (Part 1)

amni/o is a combining form that refers to "amnion (amniotic sac)". A thin-walled sac surrounds the fetus during pregnancy called an amniotic sac. In the amniotic sac, there is liquid (amniotic fluid) and a membrane enclosing the placenta on the fetal side (amnion). It safeguards the fetus from injury and maintains its temperature.

cervic /o, trachel/o is a combining form that refers to "cervix (also refers to neck)". The cervix is the section of the uterus that lies at the bottom; it is the part that connects the uterus to the vagina, providing a passage between the two.

clitor/o or clitorid/o is a combining form that refers to "clitoris". The clitoris is the female's primary erogenous area and is generally associated with female sexual pleasure.

embry/o is a combining form that refers to "embryo". As part of the reproductive process, an embryo is the development of an egg that is fertilized by sperm that takes place before the fetus develops into a full-fledged human being.

endometri/o is a combining form that refers to "endometrium". The endometrium is the inner layer of tissue that lines the uterus.

fet/o is a combining form that refers to "fetus". The fetus is a human embryo after the eighth week of its development.

gravid/o is a combining form that refers to "pregnant woman". The term gravida refers to a woman's current state of pregnancy; usually it is followed by a roman numeral specifying how many times she has been pregnant in the past.

gyn/o or gynec/o is a combining form that refers to "woman". Gynecology deals with the treatment of diseases associated with women, especially those affecting their reproductive organs.

hymen/o is a combining form that refers to "hymen". A hymen is a thin, mucosal piece of tissue that wraps around or covers a portion of the external opening of the vaginal canal. It makes up a part of the external genitalia, also known as the vulva, and is structurally similar to that of the vagina.

lact/o or galact/o is a combining form that refers to "milk". For infants, breastmilk is the most nutritious food. With its safe, clean, and reliable antibodies, it can prevent several common childhood illnesses. For the first few months, breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients an infant needs. It continues to do so for more than half of a child's nutritional needs for the second half of the first year.

mamm/o or mast/o is a combining form that refers to "breast (mammary gland)". Mammary glands are highly evolved and specialized organs located on either side of the chest wall. Its primary function is to secrete milk. Despite being present in both sexes, it's more developed in women and much less developed in men.

men/o is a combining form that refers to "menstruation". Menstruation, or periods, are normal vaginal bleeding that happens every month. A woman's body prepares for pregnancy every month. In the absence of pregnancy, the uterus sheds it's lining. Menstrual blood is a mix of blood and some tissue from inside the uterus. Through the vagina, it leaves the body.

nat/i is a combining form that refers to "birth". Birth, also known as childbirth or parturition is the event of delivering a child from the uterus, or womb.