Clinically Relevant Anatomy - Female reproductive system and Breasts Flashcards
Which female reproductive organs are located in the true pelvic cavity?
Above the levator ani muscle: Ovaries Uterine tubes Uterus Superior part of vagina
Which organs in the female reproductive system are located in the perineum?
Inferior part of vagina Perineal muscles Bartholin's glands Clitoris Labia
What is the primary organ of female reproduction?
Ovaries
Everything else is accessory
What is the pelvic floor muscle?
Levator ani
What is the peritoneum?
Very thin serous membrane layer
Completely covers the superior aspect of viscera
Drapes itself over the pelvic organs and forms little pouches
What is the most important peritoneal pouch?
Recto-uterine pouch/Pouch of Douglas
Most inferior part of the peritoneum in anatomic position - excess fluid collets here
What is the location of recto uterine pouch?
B/w rectum and posterior wall of uterus
Name another peritoneal pouch
Vesico-uterine pouch
What are para rectal pouches?
Technically the most inferior portion where fluid drains
How to drain fluid from pouch of douglas?
Via a needle passed through the posterior fornix of the vagina
Which are the only true intra-peritoneal organs of the pelvic cavity?
Uterine tubes
Completely covered by the peritoneum
Fimbriated end is open
Name the ligament formed from double layer of peritoneum
Broad ligament
Describe the borders of the broad ligament
Extends between the uterus and the lateral walls & floor of the pelvis
What is the function of broad ligament?
helps maintain the uterus in its correct midline position
What are the contents of the broad ligament
uterine tubes and (the proximal part of) the round ligament
Name the ligament that is an embryological remnant on the lateral aspect of the uterus
Round ligament/teres ligament
Describe the course of round ligament
From uterus, through anterior abdo wall and inguinal canal and down into labia in the perineum.
Which ligament contains the gubernaculum?
Round ligament
What are the 3 layers of the uterine body
perimetrium
myometrium
endometrium
Where does implantation occur?
Body of the uterus
Ectopic pregnancy if it implants anywhere else
What is the most common location of ectopic pregnancy?
Uterine tubes
What are the less common sites of ectopic pregnancy?
Ovary
Abdomen: due to connection b/w uterine tube and peritoneum
What are the 3 levels of support for the uterus
- uterosacral ligament: runs from cervix to sacrum (not uterus)
- Endopelvic Fascia
- Muscles of the pelvic floor
How does uterine prolapse occur?
Weaking of the levels of support of the uterus causes posterior movement of the uterus
What is the most common position of the uterus
Anteverted and Anteflexed
Define anteverted
Cervix tipped anteriorly relative to the axis of the vagina
Define anteflexed
Uterus tipped anteriorly relative to the axis of the cervix (the mass of the uterus lies over the bladder)
Normal variation of the position of uterus
Retroverted and retroflexed