Medical Glossary: L

Labia

The folds of skin that surround the opening of the vagina. The labia consist of two sets of folds, the labia majora, and the labia minora.

The labia majora are two long lips of skin, one each side of the vaginal opening that stretch from the anterior labial commissure to the posterior labial commissure and form the boundaries of the pudendal cleft.

The labia minora and the two folds of skin between the labia majora, extending from the clitoris to the posterior area where the labia majora meet the vagina.

Labor

The time and the process that takes place from the initial dilation of the cervix to the delivery of the placenta.

Lactogen

A hormone responsible for milk production. It is produced by the anterior pituitary and works in concert with estrogen, progesterone, thyroxine, insulin, growth hormone, glucocorticoids to initiate and maintain milk production.

Unknown in males, lactogen synthesis and release from the pituitary is mediated by the central nervous system in response to suckling by the baby. When suckling, or its mechanical equivalent such as expressing, ceases, the secretion of lactogen slows ending milk production. Also known as prolactin (PRL), lactogenic hormone or luteotropin.

Lactogenic Hormone

A hormone responsible for milk production. It is produced by the anterior pituitary and works in concert with estrogen, progesterone, thyroxine, insulin, growth hormone, glucocorticoids to initiate and maintain milk production.

Unknown in males, lactogenic hormone synthesis and release from the pituitary is mediated by the central nervous system in response to suckling by the baby. When suckling, or its mechanical equivalent such as expressing, ceases, the secretion of lactogenic hormone slows ending milk production. Also known as prolactin (PRL), lactogen or luteotropin.

Lamaze Method

A method of delivery developed by the French obstetrician, Fernand Lamaze during the 1950s. Soon becomming the most popular method of natural childbirth in the United States, it requires classes, practice and coaching during labor and delivery.

The goal is to condition the mother to disassociate herself from the source of stimulation by concentrating on a focal point, by consciously relaxing all of her muscles and controlled breathing at specific rates throughout the labor.

Lanugo

The soft downy hair that covers the fetus while it is in the womb. Lanugo is almost entirely shed by the time the baby is born.

Laparoscopy

A term used to describe the examination of the abdominal cavity through a small incision in the abdominal wall. A laparoscope is used to view the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and can also serve as a gynecologic sterilization technique for oviduct fertilization. It is also called an abdominoscopy.

Last Menstrual Period

The last menstrual period prior to pregnancy and used to calculate the estimated due date of the baby. Conception usually takes places about two weeks after the last menstrual period, and delivery following 280 days after the last menstrual period. Only about five percent of babies are born on their estimated due date so the term serves as a measure of the progress of the baby. Often abbreviated to LMP.

Lateral Position

A term used to describe the position of the baby in the uterus prior to labor in which the baby lies transversely across the the uterus in a horizontal position. The position most frequently occurs if the mother has a large pelvis. When in the lateral position the presenting part is usually a shoulder or the side of the head.

Laxative

An agent that helps promote the evacuation of the bowels by increasing the bulk of the feces, softening the stool or lubricating the intestinal wall.

Leboyer Approach

A method of delivery developed by the French obstetrician, Charles Leboyer. Leboyer wanted to minimize the trauma of the infant during birth by gently introducing it to the outside world. He would control the environment by delivering the baby in a quiet, dimly lit room, avoid pulling on the baby's head, avoid overstimulation of the baby's senses and encourage maternal infant bonding.

After delivery the baby is laid on the mother's abdomen and the back is massaged while the umbilical cord stops pulsating. When regular spontaneous breathing is established the baby is gently supported in a tub of warm water.

Lens

The crystalline lens of the eye which lies behind the cornea and iris, and is used to focus the light onto the retina permitting vision.

Let-Down Reflex

Also known as the milk ejection reflex, it is normal in a lactating woman, stimulated by touch of the nipple, which results in the release of milk from the glands in the breast.

Leukorrhea

A discharge from the vagina, normally white in color. It takes place regularly and in varying amounts during the course of the menstrual cycle.

During pregnancy, a greater amount is expected, and will diminish after delivery, during lactation and after menopause.

A green or yellow discharge may indicate vaginal or uterine infection, or other pathology of gynecologic origin. It is the most common reason for women to seek gynecologic care.

Lie

A term used to describe the position of the fetus in the uterus and the part of the infant, which is directed or in the birth canal.

There are several kinds of presenting parts including breech presentation, brow presentation, transverse presentation, and vertex presentation. Also called the presenting part.

Ligament

White, shiny, flexible bands of fibrous tissue that bind the joints. They are slightly elastic and consist of bundles of collagen.

Lightening

The term used the describe the dropping of the fetus lower into the pelvis a few weeks before labor. This puts pressure on many internal organs and may cause discomfort.

Linea Negra

From the Latin, meaning literally 'dark line'. It is caused by increased pigmentation, and runs down the abdomen from the navel to the pubic area during pregnancy.

Lithomy Position

Sometimes called the dorsosacral position, it describes the posture assumed by the patient when lying on her back with the hips and knees flexed and the feet supported high and rotated outward.

Liver Cirrhosis

A degenerative disease of the liver that restricts blood flow and degrades its ability to detoxify the blood. While alcohol abuse is the most common cause of cirrhosis, it can also be brought about by malnutrition, hepatitis or other infection.

Symptoms include nausea, flatulence, anorexia, weight loss, ascites, light colored stools and spider angiomas. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy, and recovery includes a diet high in protein, vitamins including folic acid, rest and zero alcohol intake.

LMP

Abbreviation of last menstrual period, and describing the LMP prior to pregnancy and used to calculate the estimated due date of the baby. Conception usually takes places about two weeks after the last menstrual period, and delivery following 280 days after the last menstrual period. Only about five percent of babies are born on their estimated due date so the term serves as a measure of the progress of the baby.

Lochia

The vaginal discharge that follows delivery. Initially it is comprised of blood, endometrial decidua and fetal lanugo, vernix and meconium, and some placental tissue. Its red tinge earns it the name lochia rubra.

After about three days blood diminishes and is replaced by placental serous material and lymph. Thinner and darker in color, it is called lochia fusca.

During the second week after delivery the fluid is filled with white blood cells and bacteria along with other material that causes a change to a yellowish color, called lochia purulenta or flava.

After the second week the quantity of material and flow is greatly diminished and it takes on a thicker consistency and grayish color. Lochia alba usually ceases after about six weeks.

Longitudinal Lie

A term used to describe the position of the fetus in the uterus prior to labor. When in a longitudinal lie the spine of the fetus will be parallel to the mother's spine. Often abbreviated to long l.

Long L

Abbreviation of longitudinal lie, a term used to describe the position of the fetus in the uterus prior to labor. When in a longitudinal lie the spine of the fetus will be parallel to the mother's spine.

Low Birthweight

A term used to describe any baby that weighs less than 5.5 lbs (2,500g) at birth regardless of gestational age. Many low birthweight infants have no problems and develop normally, however some are at risk of hypoxia during labor and hypoglycemia after birth resulting in growth retardation during childhood. This is especially true if the condition results from placental insufficiency, maternal malnutrition or drug addition.

L/S Ratio

The result of a test to determine the maturity of the baby's lungs by measuring the ratio of lecithin to spingomyelin in the amniotic fluid.

Lupus

Short for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), it is a disorder that primarily affects women of childbearing age.

It is thought to be caused by viral infection or dysfunction of the immune system. The result is that the patient's own antibodies attack their own tissues, with arthritis being a common initial manifestation.

The disease may often be controlled with corticosteroid medication administered systemically.

Luteotropin

A hormone responsible for milk production. It is produced by the anterior pituitary and works in concert with estrogen, progesterone, thyroxine, insulin, growth hormone, glucocorticoids to initiate and maintain milk production.

Unknown in males, luteotropin synthesis and release from the pituitary is mediated by the central nervous system in response to suckling by the baby. When suckling, or its mechanical equivalent such as expressing, ceases, the secretion of luteotropin slows ending milk production. Also known as prolactin (PRL), lactogenic hormone or lactogen.

Lyme Disease

An inflamatory disease that affects the joints believed to be transmitted by ticks. Large joints are commonly involved with local heat and swelling, preceded by chills, fever and headache.

Symptoms are recurrent appearing at intervals of one to several weeks and lasting approximately one week. The disease declines in severity over a two to three year period with no significant joint damage.

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