Uniformed Services University Obstetrics and Gynecology Core ...

Leiomyoma (fibroid): A benign tumor derived from smooth muscle.Leiomyosarcoma: An uncommon malignant tumor of smooth muscle.Leukoplakia: An imprecise clinical term usually referring to white lesions of the vulva.Levator muscle: The muscular sheet, consisting of the iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus andpuborectalis muscles, which forms most of the pelvic floor (pelvic diaphragm) and supportsthe pelvic viscera.Libido: Sexual desire or urge.Lie: The relationship of the long axis of the fetus to the long axis of the mother. Examples arelongitudinal, transverse and oblique.Ligament:Cardinal: The dense connective tissue that represents the union of the base of thebroad ligament to the supravaginal portion of the cervix and laterally to the sides of thepelvis. It is considered to be the primary support of the uterus.Uterosacral: The peritoneal folds containing connective tissue, autonomic nerves andinvoluntary muscle arising on each side of the posterior wall of the uterus at about thelevel of the internal cervical os and passing backward toward the rectum, aroundwhich they extend to their insertion on the sacral wall. It is considered to play animportant part in axial support of theuterus.Ligation, tubal: The surgical or mechanical interruption of the continuity of the fallopiantubes for the purpose of permanent contraception.LMP: Last menstrual period.LNMP: Last normal menstrual period.Mastitis: Inflammation of the breast.Masturbation: Sexual stimulation by the manipulation of the genitals.Maturation index: The ratio of parabasal to intermediate to superficial vaginal epithelial cells(eg. 0/20/80), which is an indication of estrogen effect.Maturity: The condition of a fetus weighing 2,500 grams or more.Membranes, premature rupture of (PROM): Rupture of the amniotic membranes before theonset of labor.Menarche: The onset of the menses.Menopause: The permanent cessation of the menses caused by ovarian failure or removalof the ovaries.Menorrhagia: Excessive or prolonged uterine bleeding occurring at regular intervals.Metaplasia: A reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by another cell type.The most common type of epithelial metaplasia is the replacement of columnar cells bystratified epithelium (squamous metaplasia).Metrorrhagia: Uterine bleeding occurring at times other than the expected menses; forexample, intermenstrual bleeding.