Anatomy And Physiology Flashcards
What is the vulva
External female repro organs
Vulva components (MLLCVP)
Mons Pubis. Labia Majora Labia Minora. Clitoris. Vestibule. Perineum
Fund of labia minora
protect the labia minora, urinary orifice and vaginal introitus
Describe the Labia minora
Lateral ant part is pig,enter Internal part is sim to vag mucosa Pink, moist and vascularised
What’s the clit
Erectile organ. highly vascular, highly sensitive tempe, touch, and pressure
Describe vestibule
Oval shape containing Vaginal opening lower mid Urethral orifice above vag opening Brarthonli glands
PERINEUM Loc and func
Most post part Supports pelvic structures w/ muscles and fibrous tissue
Internal femal struc Vag UFO
Vagina Uterus Fallopian tubes Ovaries
what is the broad ligament
broad ligament is a flat sheet of peritoneum, holds the U,F&O. extends from the lateral pelvic walls on both sides, and folds over the internal female genitalia, covering their surface anteriorly and posteriorly. 3 subdivisions mesometrium= surrounds uterus and proximal part of the round ligament of the uterus. largest Mesovarium= attaches to the hilum of the ovary, enclosing its neurovascular supply. It does not, however, cover the surface of the ovary itself. Mesosalpinx= superiorly to the mesovarium, enclosing the fallopian tubes.
ligaments of the ovary
Ovarian Ligament -attached to inferior ovary -connects ovary to the side of the uterus.
- w/in the broad lig
Suspensory Ligament of Ovary -outward from ovary to the lateral abdominal wall.
- function of this ligament is to contain the ovarian vessels and nerves (ovarian artery, ovarian vein, ovarian nerve plexus and lymphatic vessels).
Ligaments Associated with the aspects of the Uterus
Superior aspect – supported by the broad ligament and the round ligaments.
Middle aspect – supported by the cardinal, pubocervical and uterosacral ligaments.
Inferior aspect - supported by the structures in the pelvic floor – the levator ani, perineal membrane and perineal body.
what is the Round Ligament
- remnant of the embryonic gubernaculum that aids gonadal descent and passage through the inguinal canal.
- originates at the uterine horns (point the fallopian tubes enter the uterus), and attaches to the labia majora, passing through the inguinal canal.
- source of pain during pregnancy, due to the increased force placed on the ligament by the expanding uterus.
what are the Cardinal Ligaments
aka transverse cervical, or Mackenrodt’s ligaments
- located at the inferior border of the broad ligament
- arise from the side of the cervix and the lateral fornix of the vagina
- house the uterine artery and uterine veins.
- provide an extensive attachment on the lateral pelvic wall at the level of the ischial spines
When a hysterectomy is being performed due to a malignancy, the cardinal ligaments are often removed as they are common reservoir of cancerous cells.
what are the pubocervical & uterosacral ligaments
Pubocervical Ligaments
bilateral structures, which attach the cervix to the posterior surface of the pubic symphysis.
They function to support the uterus within the pelvic cavity.
Uterosacral Ligaments
aka recto-uterine ligaments or sacrocervical ligaments
bilateral fibrous bands, which attach the cervix to the sacrum.
This supports the uterus and holds it in place.
Fallopian tubes
bilateral tubes from the corn of the uterus to the ovary
Length 8 to 14 cm average 10 cm
4 parts.
isthmus: part that joins the uterine cavity
ampulla: site of fertilization
infundibulum : widest part
fimbriae: finger like projections guide 2o oocyte to from ovaries to fallopian tube
3 basic funtions of fallopian tubes
- Transport (ovum pickup, ovum transport, sperm transport):
- Transport of fertilized and unfertilized ovum to the uterus.
- Fluid environment for early embryonic development.
High concentrations of estrogen that occur around the time of ovulation induce contractions of the smooth muscle along the length of the uterine tube. These contractions occur every 4 to 8 seconds, and the result is a coordinated movement that sweeps the surface of the ovary and the pelvic cavity. Current flowing toward the uterus is generated by coordinated beating of the cilia that line the outside and lumen of the length of the uterine tube. These cilia beat more strongly in response to the high estrogen concentrations that occur around the time of ovulation. As a result of these mechanisms, the oocyte–granulosa cell complex is pulled into the interior of the tube. Once inside, the muscular contractions and beating cilia move the oocyte slowly toward the uterus. When fertilization does occur, sperm typically meet the egg while it is still moving through the ampulla.
disease significance
open-ended structure of the uterine tubes
if bacteria or other contagions enter through the vagina and move through the uterus, into the tubes, and then into the pelvic cavity. If this is left unchecked, a bacterial infection (sepsis) could quickly become life-threatening. The spread of an infection in this manner is of special concern when unskilled practitioners perform abortions in non-sterile conditions. Sepsis is also associated with sexually transmitted bacterial infections, especially gonorrhea and chlamydia. These increase a woman’s risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infection of the uterine tubes or other reproductive organs. Even when resolved, PID can leave scar tissue in the tubes, leading to infertility.