Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What happens to the ovary during development?
It descends in the pelvis
What does the descent of the ovary have implications for?
Venous and lymphatic drainage of the ovaries
Where do the gonads develop?
Within the mesonephric ridge, on the posterior abdominal wall
What is the inferior pole of the ovary attached to?
The gubernaculum
What is the inferior attachment of the gubernaculum?
Labia majora
What causes the descent of the ovary?
The relative shortening of the gubernaculum, which drags the ovary through the abdomen
Where does the ovary stop its descent?
In the pelvis
What is the arterial supply to the ovary?
Via direct branches of the abdominal aorta
What is the venous drainage of the ovary?
- The right ovarian vein into the inferior vena cava
- The left ovarian vein into the left renal vein
What are the parts of the uterus?
- Fundus
- Body
- Uterine tubes
- Cervix
Draw a labelled diagram of the uterus
What happens to the fundus as pregnancy proceeds?
It becomes palpable
What is the clinical importance of the fundus of the uterus?
It is an important clinical measurement in pregnancy
What is the function of the uterine tubes?
Duct system for the gamete
What does the cervix contain?
The endocervical canal
What is the endocervical canal?
A channel that runs through the cervix
What are the peritoneal pouches of the uterus?
- The uterovesical pouch anteriorly
- The rectouterine pounch posteriorly
Where is the uterovesical pouch?
Between the urinary bladder and uterus
What is the rectouterine pouch also known as?
The pouch of Douglas
Where is the rectouterine pouch?
Between the rectum and the uterus
How can the rectouterine pouch be accessed?
Through the posterior fornix of the vagina
What is the peritoneal pouch in a male?
The rectovesical pouch
Where is the rectovesical pouch found?
Between the bladder and the rectum
What does the uterus develop from?
The paramesonephric duct
What are the paramesonephric ducts?
A pair of ducts that are open cranially and caudally, and connect to the urogenital sinus
Why do the paramesonephric ducts need to be open?
To allow for the collection of gametes after ovulation
When do paramesonephric ducts persist in development?
In the absence of MIH, and therefore in the absense of testes
What happens to the paramesonephric ducts in female development?
They grow into the abdominal cavity, dragging the peritoneal membrane with it, then fuse in the midline
What does fusion of the paramesonephric ducts in the midline create?
A broad transverse fold draped by peritoneum, the broad ligament
What is the purpose of the broad ligament?
It is like a mesentery, in that it is a sheet of pertioneum that allows structures to enter and leave, including vasculature
What is the round ligament of the uterus embryologically derived from?
The gubernaculum
What is the round ligament of the uterus attached to?
The ovary and labium majus
Where does the round ligament of the uterus travel?
Through the inguinal canal