Final answer:
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, distinct from an abortion, vasectomy, or laparoscopy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical removal of the uterus is called a hysterectomy. This is not to be confused with an abortion, which is the termination of a pregnancy, nor with a vasectomy, which is male sterilization achieved by cutting or clamping the vas deferens. Another term mentioned is laparoscopy, which is a surgical diagnostic procedure that allows a surgeon to access the inside of the abdomen and pelvis without making large incisions. Laparoscopy can be used for various interventions, including the treatment of endometriosis, but it is not synonymous with the removal of the uterus.