Anatomy of the Female Pelvis Flashcards
What is the vulva, and what does the term mean?
The vulva refers to the female external genitalia. The term means “covering” in Latin
What are the main components of the vulva?
- Mons pubis
- Labia (Labia majora and labia minora)
- Vestibule
- Vestibular bulb
- Greater vestibular glands
- Clitoris
What is the etymology and meaning of “Mons Pubis”?
Answer: “Mons pubis” translates to “mountain on the pubis” in Latin.
Where is the mons pubis located, and what does it consist of?
The mons pubis is a rounded fatty pad located over the pubic symphysis, which becomes covered with hair after puberty.
What is the etymology and meaning of “Labia Majora”?
“Labia majora” means “bigger lips” in Latin.
What are the defining features of the labia majora?
They are long, hair-covered skin folds filled with fatty tissue.
They extend from the mons pubis to the perineum.
The labia majora form the lateral boundaries of the vulva.
What structure is the labia majora homologous to in males?
The scrotum; both derive from the labioscrotal swelling during embryonic development.
Do the labia majora join posteriorly?
No, the labia majora do not join posteriorly.
What is the etymology and meaning of “Labia Minora”?
“Labia minora” translates to “smaller lips” in Latin.
What are the key characteristics of the labia minora?
They are hairless cutaneous folds.
Devoid of fat and typically lie within the labia majora.
What is the vestibule in the context of female anatomy?
The vestibule is a recess or entrance hall enclosed by the labia minora
What key structures are housed within the vestibule?
External urethral orifice (anteriorly).
Vaginal orifice (posterior to the urethral orifice).
What is the fourchette, and where is it located?
The fourchette, also known as the frenulum of the labia, is a ridge at the posterior point of the vestibule, formed by the joining of the right and left labia minora.
What are the greater vestibular glands and where are they located?
They are paired, pea-sized glands located lateral to the vaginal orifice, deep to the posterior part of each labium minorum
What is the primary function of the greater vestibular glands?
They secrete lubricating mucus into the vaginal orifice during sexual arousal, facilitating entry of the penis.
Where do the greater vestibular glands open?
Answer: They have openings near the vaginal orifice for mucus secretion.
What is the etymology of “clitoris,” and where is it situated?
“Clitoris” means “hill” and is located just anterior to the vestibule.
Describe the structure and function of the clitoris.
- The clitoris is composed of erectile tissue and is highly sensitive to touch.
- It swells with blood during sexual stimulation.
- It is a homologue of the penis but does not contain the urethra.
What is the glans clitoris, and what covers it?
The glans clitoris is the only visible part of the clitoris and is hooded by the prepuce of the clitoris.
What are the main parts of the clitoris?
The clitoris consists of:
- Root (attached part): Formed by the proximal parts of corpora cavernosa.
- Body (free part): Formed by the unattached parts of corpora cavernosa.
How is the body of the clitoris connected to the pubic symphysis?
The body of the clitoris is attached to the pubic symphysis via the suspensory ligament.
What are the main erectile tissues in the clitoris?
The main erectile tissues are:
Corpora cavernosa
Bulbs of the vestibule: Located on each side of the vestibule, deep to the bulbospongiosus muscle.
What function do the erectile tissues of the clitoris serve?
The corpora cavernosa and bulbs of the vestibule engorge with blood during sexual stimulation, forming the basis of the female sexual response.
Is there a corpus spongiosum in the clitoris?
Answer: No, there is no corpus spongiosum in the clitoris.
What are the ovaries?
The ovaries are paired almond-shaped endocrine glands.
Where are the ovaries located?
The ovaries are located on the lateral sides of the uterus, against the bony lateral wall of the true pelvis, adjacent to the iliac vessels.
What is the anatomical classification of the ovaries?
The ovaries are classified as retroperitoneal organs.
How are the ovaries suspended within the pelvic cavity?
The ovaries are suspended by various mesenteries and ligaments, including:
Mesovarium (the mesentery of the ovary)
Suspensory ligament of the ovary
Ligament of the ovary (connects the ovary to the uterus)
What is the primary function of the ovaries?
The primary function of the ovaries is to secrete steroid sex hormones, including estrogens and androgens.
What are the uterine tubes also known as?
The uterine tubes are also known as oviducts.
What is the anatomical course of the uterine tubes?
The uterine tubes begin laterally near an ovary and end medially into the superior part of the uterus.
What are the primary functions of the uterine tubes?
The uterine tubes function to:
Receive the ovulated oocyte
Serve as the site for fertilization
What are the main parts of each uterine tube?
The main parts of each uterine tube include:
Infundibulum
Ampulla
Isthmus
Fimbriae (finger-like projections at the end of the infundibulum)
What role do the fimbriae play in the function of the uterine tubes?
The fimbriae help to capture the ovulated oocyte from the ovary and guide it into the uterine tube.
What are the uterine tubes also known as?
The uterine tubes are also known as oviducts.
What is the anatomical course of the uterine tubes?
The uterine tubes begin laterally near an ovary and end medially into the superior part of the uterus.
What are the primary functions of the uterine tubes?
The uterine tubes function to:
Receive the ovulated oocyte
Serve as the site for fertilization.
What are the main parts of each uterine tube?
The main parts of each uterine tube include:
Infundibulum
Ampulla
Isthmus
Fimbriae (finger-like projections at the end of the infundibulum)
What role do the fimbriae play in the function of the uterine tubes?
The fimbriae help to capture the ovulated oocyte from the ovary and guide it into the uterine tube.
What are fimbriae, and what is their function?
Fimbriae are ciliated finger-like projections that surround the infundibulum of the uterine tubes
Their function is to help capture the ovulated oocyte from the ovary and guide it into the uterine tube.
What is the infundibulum, and what is its role?
The infundibulum is the lateral region of the uterine tube that opens into the peritoneal cavity. It serves as the entry point for the oocyte after ovulation.
Describe the ampulla and its significance in the uterine tubes.
The ampulla is the expanded portion of the uterine tube medial to the infundibulum. It forms approximately half the length of the uterine tube and is the primary site of fertilization.
What does the isthmus refer to in the context of the uterine tubes?
The isthmus is the medial third of the uterine tube, characterized as a narrow passage that connects the ampulla to the uterus.
What is the mesosalpinx, and what is its function?
The mesosalpinx is a part of the broad ligament that supports each uterine tube. It serves to stabilize the uterine tubes in the pelvic cavity