2. Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What causes sharp pain at ovulation?
Follicle ruptures onto surface of ovary and breaches the parietal peritoneum, which is richly innervated by somatic nerves, causing pain.
Why can never having a baby be a risk factor for ovarian cancer?
No pregnancy means the woman has the maximum number of ovulations. The capsule of the ovary is traumatised, accumulating damage.
What symptoms may a patient with an ovarian cyst present with?
Pain due to stretching of peritoneum, torsion, bloating.
Why is it important to ensure that an ovarian cyst doesn’t rupture when removing it surgically?
So as not to spread cancer cells if it is actually malignant.
What part of the uterus expands upwards in pregnancy?
Fundus and superior body of the uterus.
How would the cervical os appear in a woman who has never had a vaginal birth, compared to a woman who has?
No vaginal birth - round.
Vaginal birth - slit/oval.
What is a cervical ectropeon? What causes it?
Cervix unfurls/prolapses a bit on itself. Under the influence of higher levels of oestrogen.
What is the commonest site for an ectopic pregnancy to occur?
Ampulla
What is the role of peg cells and ciliated cells in the Fallopian tube?
Peg cells - secrete factors to nourish egg on journey down from ovary.
Ciliated cells - waft egg along towards uterus.
What is the broad ligament?
Double fold of peritoneum connecting the uterus to the lateral pelvic floors.
What are the 3 subdivisions of the broad ligament?
Mesometrium.
Mesosalpinx.
Mesovarium.
What is the suspensory ligament of the ovary?
Ovarian vessels bulging into the peritoneum
What ligaments in the female are remnants of the gubernaculum?
Round ligament and ligament of ovary.
Does the ureter pass over or under the uterine artery in a female?
Ureter passes under the uterine artery.
Describe the normal position of the uterus
Antiflexed (axis of cervix to uterus <180 degrees) and antiverted (axis between cervical canal and vagina <180 degrees).
