Anatomy - Female Reproductive System Flashcards
where is the female reproductive system found?
within the pelvic cavity and perineum
what parts of the female reproductive system are found in the pelvic cavity?
ovaries
uterine tubes
uterus
superior part of the vagina
what parts of the female reproductive system are found in the perineum?
inferior part of vagina perineal muscles bartholin's glands clitoris labia
what is the primary organ of female reproduction?
ovary
where is the pelvic cavity?
above the pelvic floor
where is the perineum?
below the pelvic floor
what forms roof over the pelvic cavity?
the inferior part of the parietal peritoneum
drapes over the pelvic organs
what pouches are formed when the peritoneum drapes over the pelvic organs in a female?
vesicle-uterine
recto-uterine
where is the vesico-uterine pouch located?
between the bladder and the uterus
where is the recto-uterine pouch found?
between the uterus and the rectum
what is another name for the recto-uterine pouch?
the pouch of Douglas
what is the clinical significance of the retco-uterine pouch?
excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity collects here in females
as it is the most inferior part
how can fluid in the pouch of Douglas be drained?
culdocentesis
passing a needle through the posterior fornix of the vagina into the pouch
what is the broad ligament of the uterus?
a double layer of peritoneum
where is the broad ligament located?
extends between the uterus and the lateral walls + floor of the pelvis
what is the role of the broad ligament of the uterus?
helps maintain the uterus in its correct midline position
what is contained within the broad ligament of the uterus?
uterine tubes
proximal part of the round ligament
what is the round ligament of the uterus?
an embryological remnant
of the gubernaculum
where does the round ligament of the uterus attach?
lateral aspect of the uterus
superficial tissue of the female perineum
what does the round ligament of the uterus pas through?
the deep inguinal ring
where is the proximal part of the round ligament of the uterus located?
within the broad ligament
what are the three layers of the body of the uterus?
perimetrium
myometrium
endometrium
where does implantation of a zygote occur?
in the body of the uterus
what is it called when a zygote implants anywhere outside of the body of the uterus?
ectopic pregnancy
what is the thin outer layer of the body of the uterus called?
perimetrium
what is the thick middle muscular layer of the body of the uterus called?
myometrium
what layer of the body of the uterus contracts during menstrual cramping and labour?
myometrium
what is the inner layer of the body of the uterus called?
endometrium
what layer of the body of the uterus is shed during menstruation?
endometrium
what are the three levels of support that hold the uterus in position?
strong ligaments
endopelvic fascia
muscles of the pelvic floor
what can weakness of the uterine supports lead to?
uterine prolapse
what is uterine prolapse?
movement of the uterus interiorly
what is the most common position of the uterus?
anteverted and ante flexed
what does it mean that the uterus is anteverted?
the cervix is tipped anteriorly relative to the axis of the vagina
what does it mean that the uterus is ante flexed?
the uterus is tipped anteriorly relative to the axis of the cervix
where does the mass of the uterus lie?
over the bladder
this gives the uterus passive support
what is a normal variation of the position of the uterus?
retroverted and retroflexed
what does it mean when the uterus is retroverted?
cervix tipped posteriorly relative to the axis of the vagina
what does it mean when the uterus is retroflexed?
uterus tipped posteriorly relative to the axis of the cervix
what part of the cervix must be sampled in cervical screening?
the squamo-columnar junction
where is the brush inserted into during cervical screening?
the external cervical os
where does fertilisation occur?
in the ampulla of the uterine tubes
what is a bilateral salpingo-oophrxectomy?
removal of both uterine tubes and ovaries
what is a unilateral salpingectomy?
removal of one of the uterine tubes
where do the ends of the uterine tubes open into?
the peritoneal tract
what investigation can be done to visualise the uterine tubes?
hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
what do the ovaries secrete?
oestrogen
progesterone
where do the ovaries develop?
on the posterior abdominal wall
where do the ovaries move to after development and how?
onto the lateral wall of the pelvis
assisted by the round ligament of the uterus
what is the vagina?
a muscular tube
describe the normal position of the walls of the vagina
usually in contact
except superiorly where the cervix holds them apart
what is the area where the vaginal walls are held apart by the cervix called?
the fornix
what are the four parts of the fornix?
anterior
posterior
lateral x2
how can the position of the uterus be palpated?
by bimanual palpation
what are the adnexae?
the uterine tubes and the ovaries
how are the adnexae palpated?
place examining fingers into the lateral fornix
press deeply with other hand in the iliac fossa
what can be detected by palpated the adnexae?
large masses or tenderness affecting these structures
how can the ischial spines be palpated?
examining finger in the lateral fornix
feel in the 4 and 8 o clock positions
what is palpation of the ischial spines useful for?
determine position of the foetus during labour
administering pudendal nerve blocks
what is the perineum?
the shallow space between the pelvic diaphragm and the skin
what forms the roof of the perineum?
the pelvic floor
what are the two parts of the perineum?
superficial and deep pouches
describe the structure of the perineum
diamond shape
between the pubic symphysis, ischial spines and coccyx
what is the anterior part of the perineum called?
the urogenital triangle
what is the posterior part of the perineum called?
the anal triangle
what type of muscle is levator ani?
skeletal
what nerve supplies the perineal muscles?
pudendal
what is the perineal body?
a bundle of collagenous and elastic tissue into which the perineal muscles attach
what is the perineal body important for?
pelvic floor strength
what is another name for bartholin’s glands?
greater vestibular glands
where are bartholin’s glands located?
at the posterior ends of the erectile tissue in females
what is the role of bartholin’s glands?
secrete a lubricating fluid
what can happen to bartholin’s glands as a result of infection?
can become very enlarged
where does the bed of the breast extend from?
ribs 2-6
lateral border of the sternum to mid axillary line
what is the space between the fascia and the breast called?
retromammary space
how are the breasts attached to the skin?
via suspensory ligaments
what are the four quadrants of the breasts?
upper outer
upper inner
lower inner
lower outer
where does most lymph from the breast drain?
ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes
then to supraclavicular nodes
where can lymph from inner breast quadrants drain?
parasternal lymph nodes
where can lymph from lower inner breast quadrants drain?
abdominal lymph nodes
lymph from what other body parts drain to the axillary lymph nodes?
upper limbs
what is axillary node clearance?
removal of the axillary nodes
where are the level I axillary nodes located?
inferior and lateral to pectorals minor
where are the level II axillary nodes located?
deep to pectoralis minor
where are the level III axillary nodes located?
superior and medial to pectoralis minor
what is the main arterial supply to the breasts?
internal thoracic artery
what is the arterial supply to the lateral aspect of the breasts?
thoracic and thoracoacromial arteries
lateral mammary branches of the intercostal arteries
what is the venous drainage of the breasts?
axillary vein
some to internal thoracic vein
