155, 157, 158. Anatomy of the female reproductive system

Question 1

What shape are the gonads and what size are they in the young?

Answer 1

Almond; 3cm

Question 2

For the OVARIES, name the:

a) arterial supply
b) venous drainage
c) lymphatic drainage

Answer 2

a) Ovarian artery - from aorta at level of renal artery
b) Ovarian vein - drains into IVC on right, and into left renal vein on the left
c) Aortic lymph nodes - at level of renal vessels

Question 3

List the 3 main ligaments with relation to the ovaries

Answer 3

Broad ligament - ovaries attach to it’s posterior wall “mesovarium” (drapes over uterus and uterine tubes)

Ovarian ligament - attaches ovary to uterus

Suspensory ligament - carries ovarian artery and vein
- attaches from lateral wall of pelvis to ovary

Question 4

Name the two peritoneal reflections

Answer 4

Rectouterine pouch

Uterovesical pouch

Question 5

How long are the uterine tubes and what is their anatomical relation to the ovaries?

Answer 5

approx 13cm long

Do NOT attach to ovaries

Question 6

Name the parts of the uterine tube and what is significant about each area

Answer 6

Infundibulum - funnel shaped opening into peritoneal cavity, fringed by finger-like FIMBRIAE

Ampulla - middle section - where fertilisation occurs

Isthmus - narrowest part of uterine tube, connected to uterine wall

Question 7

Describe the shape and size of the uterus

Answer 7

Inverted pear shape
Flattened from front to back
Where foetus grows
7-8cm long, 5cm wide, 2.5cm thick in resting state (may vary in aged)

Question 8

Name the different parts of the uterus (4)

Answer 8

1. Body
2. Cervix “neck” with external and internal os
3. Fundus - rounded part which projects above uterine tubes
4. Isthmus - narrowing between body and cervix

Question 9

Define the terms in relation to the uterus’ positioning:

a) antiflexion

b) antiversion

Answer 9

a) Body of uterus is bent forwards on the cervix

b) Whole uterus is bent forward at a right angle to the vagina

Question 10

What % of females show retroflexion and retroversion?

Answer 10

20%

Question 11

For the UTERUS, what is the:

a) blood supply
b) venous drainage
c) lymphatic drainage

Answer 11

a) Uterine artery - a branch of the internal iliac artery
b) Uterine vein - drains into internal iliac vein
c) Para-aortic lymph nodes - drains body
Internal iliac nodes - drains cervix

Question 12

What is the clinical significance of the female duct system opening to the peritoneal cavity?

Answer 12

Females have more risk of infections spreading in and up from the exterior female gamete is spread to peritoneal cavity