2. Anatomy & histology of the female reproductive system Flashcards
Where is the tunica albuginea located in the ovaries??
Forms part of the fibrous outer structure
What encloses the ovaries?
Parietal peritoneum
What are the follicles within the ovaries stimulated by?
Stimulated by FSH to produce a primary follicle, which will mature to release an ovum
What do ovarian cysts develop from?
From follicles within the ovaries
What are 2 complications of ovarian cysts?
Torsion, rupture.
Where do ovarian tumours most commonly arise from?
Epithelial component or from germ cells
Why do women get sharp pains during ovulation?
Mature follicle must rupture through the peritoneum covering, causes disruption of sensory nerves
Why do nuns tend to get ovarian cancer?
every time a follicle ruptures the capsule, Damage to the capsule, mitosis for repair gives chance for carcinogenesis. Nuns never get pregnant, ovulation never interrupted - pregnancy stops ovulation for a period of time
What structure allows passage of ovarian vessels and what are they?
suspensory ligament of the ovary allows passage of the ovarian artery and vein to the ovary
Where do the ovarian vessels originate and drain?
Same as testicular vessels. Arteries directly from the abdominal aorta, below renal arteries. Right ovarian vein drains into IVC, left drains into left renal vein
What is the top of the uterus called?
fundus
What are the 2 parts of the uterus?
body and cervix
how might a patient with an ovarian cyst present?
bloating
pain - could rupture or twist - can occlude blood vessel
dyspareunia
What are the 2 pouches?
Vesicouterine pouch, rectouterine pouch
What is the external and internal opening of the cervix called?
External and internal os
What type of epithelium lines the cervix and what does it produce?
Simple columnar, produces cervical mucus, which changes in consistency and pH depending on the menstrual cycle to help facilitate or prevent entry of sperm
What is the transitional zone close to the external os?
Zone where epithelium changes from simple columnar to vaginal epithelium (stratified squamous).
What is the clinical significance of the transitional zone?
Most risk of malignant changes`What are the vaginal fornices?
What are the vaginal fornices?
Arches created by the cervix projecting into the vaginal canal.
What is cervical ectropion?
Cervical ectropion (or cervical erosion) is a condition in which the central (endocervical) columnnar epithelium protrudes out through the external os of the cervix and onto the vaginal portion of cervix, undergoes squamous metaplasia, and transforms to stratified squamous epithelium. * (it's indistinguishable from cervical cancer, so further testing is required for differential diagnosis!!!!!)
What compression effects can expansion of the uterus during pregnancy cause?
Constipation, urinary frequency, gastro-oesophageal reflux, pain
What are the different parts of the fallopian tube?
Fibrae, infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus
What is the most common site of fertilisation?
Ampulla
What is the function of the fimbrae and what feature do they have to help?
Have large surface area to catch the ovum in the peritoneal cavity and channel it to the infundibulum