| HOME Other Health Articles A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y | Z abortion: Expulsion or removal of an embryo or fetus from a pregnant woman’s uterus early in pregnancy before the fetus can survive on its own. abstinence: The voluntary avoidance of coitus. acquaintance rape: Rape in which the assailant and the victim know each other. acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS): A fatal disruption of the body’s immune mechanism caused by viral infection of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. acrosome: The caplike structure in the head of sperm that contains chemicals that “digest” a hole into the ovum allowing penetration by the sperm. adolescence: The period of life extending from puberty to adulthood. adrenal gland: A triangular-shaped gland located on the top of each kidney, producing many types of hormones. adrenogenital syndrome: A condition caused by excess activity of the adrenal glands. May cause masculinization of a female fetus. adultery: Sexual intercourse between a married person and an individual other than the married person’s legal spouse. amenorrhea: Absence of menstrual periods. amniocentesis: The surgical penetration of the abdomen to the uterus to obtain amniotic fluid. This is used to assist in the diagnosis of prenatal disease. amnion: The innermost fetal membrane containing amniotic fluid and commonly called the bag of waters. amniotic fluid: The fluid contained in the amnion that protects the fetus from injury. amphetamines: Drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. anal intercourse: Sexual intercourse by inserting the penis into the anus. anaphrodisiac: A chemical agent or substance that diminishes or depresses sexual desire or function. anatomy: Relating to the structure of the body. androgen-insensitivity syndrome: When the cells of a genetic male (XY) lack androgen receptor sites, resulting in development of an XY female. androgens: Hormones that promote the development of male or malelike sexual structures and characteristics. androgyny: Showing some characteristics of both sexes. aneurysm: A bulge in the wall of a blood vessel. anilingus: Oral stimulation of the anus. anorgasmia: The inability to reach orgasm; more commonly used in reference to female sexual dysfunction. It may be classified as primary (has always existed), s (the person was once orgasmic), or situational (existing in certain situations only). See orgasmic dysfunction. anovulatory: Without ovulation. antibody: A protein substance that reacts with an antigen. Apgar test (score): A numerical rating of the condition of a newborn infant. The sum of points gained on assessment of the heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color; usually determined sixty seconds after birth. aphrodisiac: A chemical agent or substance that is supposed to increase or stimulate sexual desire. areola: The area surrounding the nipple of the breast. arousability: The speed with which a person can be sexually aroused. artificial insemination: The introduction of semen into the vagina or uterus of a woman by means other than sexual intercourse. asymptomatic: Without symptoms. aural sensations: Perception or awareness of sound. autoerotic activities: Activities that produce sexual gratification in one’s own body through self- stimulation of the genitals or other body parts. autonomy: Independence and self- direction. autosomes: The numbered chromosomes; chromosomes other than the sex chromosomes X and Y. |