Glossary of terms used in the Codes of Practice
| Aerobically | In the presence of oxygen |
| Antibody | Protective protein produced by the body in response to the presence of a virus or bacteria |
| Cervix | Neck of the uterus opening into the vagina |
| Clitoris | A body of tissue found just inside the vulva |
| EDTA blood | Blood sample which has been prevented from clotting by the addition of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) |
| Endometrium | Tissue that forms a lining inside the uterus |
| Genitalia | Genital (i.e. reproductive) organs |
| Guttural pouch | Two large sacs connected to the tube (eustachian) between the horse’s ear and throat |
| Heparinised blood | Blood sample which has been prevented from clotting by the addition of heparin |
| Immunofluorescence | A test that uses a specific antibody and a fluorescent compound to detect a specific organism |
| Jaundice | Condition in which a yellow colour can be seen in the mouth, eye and vagina |
| Microaerophilically | In the virtual absence of oxygen (10% of carbon dioxide) |
| Nasopharyngeal swab | Swab taken from the nose and throat |
| Oestrus/oestrous period | In heat or in season |
| Placenta | Membrane which surrounds the fetus in the uterus |
| Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) | A laboratory technique that produces multiple copies of the genetic material of a micro-organism contained within a clinical sample (e.g. swab). The technique amplifies the genetic material so that even tiny amounts can be detected, thereby permitting diagnoses of infections to be made. |
| Urethra | Tube through which urine is discharged from the bladder |
| Uterus | Womb |
| Venereal disease | A sexually transmitted disease |
| Vulva | External opening of the vagina |
