What term describes implantation outside the uterus?

What term describes implantation outside the uterus?

• A. Intrauterine
• B. Ectopic
• C. Ovarian
• D. Transcervical

Answer: (B)

Implantation outside the uterus is called ectopic. The word means out of place, and in pregnancy it refers to a fertilized egg attaching somewhere other than the uterine cavity. The most common site is the fallopian tube, but it can occur in other locations like the ovary or abdominal cavity. Intrauterine means inside the uterus, ovarian points to the ovary, and transcervical refers to the cervix—none of these describe implantation outside the uterus. Noting this term helps recognize why such pregnancies require careful evaluation and management due to potential complications.

Implantation outside the uterus is called ectopic. The word means out of place, and in pregnancy it refers to a fertilized egg attaching somewhere other than the uterine cavity. The most common site is the fallopian tube, but it can occur in other locations like the ovary or abdominal cavity. Intrauterine means inside the uterus, ovarian points to the ovary, and transcervical refers to the cervix—none of these describe implantation outside the uterus. Noting this term helps recognize why such pregnancies require careful evaluation and management due to potential complications.