Defining the Female Reproductive Tract

Question 1

What is the function of reproductive organs?

Answer 1

To produce, store and deliver germs cells.

For females it is to also sustain and support a developing foetus.

Question 2

Where are the ovaries located?

Answer 2

Within the lateral wall of the pelvis and inferior to the pelvic inlet.

Question 3

What is the function of the ovaries?

Answer 3

To produce eggs and release hormones

Question 4

What is the artery and vein supplies the ovaries?

Answer 4

Gonadal arteries/veins

Question 5

What is the nerve supply to the ovaries?

Answer 5

Ovarian plexus

Question 6

What can the ovaries be divided into?

Answer 6

Ovarian medulla and cortex

Question 7

What are the contents of the ovarian cortex?

Answer 7

• Ovarian follicles
• Smooth muscle cells
• Corpus luteum (secretes progesterone)
• Theca (secrete androgens and granulosa convert them to oestrogen

Question 8

What does the ovarian medulla contain?

Answer 8

• Blood vessels
• Lymph vessels
• Nerves

Question 9

The Fallopian tubes are a passageway from where to where?

Answer 9

From the ovaries to the uterus

Question 10

What are the three areas of the Fallopian tubes?

Answer 10

• Infundiblum (closer to ovaries)
• Ampulla
• Isthmus (closer to uterus)

Question 11

What are fimbrae?

Answer 11

Finger-like projections on the Fallopian tubes that are able to catch a released ovum.

Question 12

How are the fallopian tubes supplied with blood?

Answer 12

By branches of the uterine and ovarian arteries.

Question 13

What does the inner wall of the Fallopian tubes contain to help propel an ovum?

Answer 13

Cilia

Question 14

What is the innervation of the fallopian tubes?

Answer 14

Sympathetic via ovarian nerve

Parasympathetic via pelvic splanchnic nerve

Question 15

How is the uterus shaped?

Answer 15

Upper 2/3 is cone shaped

Lower 1/3 is cylindrical

Question 16

Where does a fertilised egg get implanted and then develop?

Answer 16

Uterus

Question 17

What are the three layers of the uterine wall?

Answer 17

• Perimetrium: Outer serous wall that covers the uterus
• Myometrium: Thick muscular layer that is responsible for parturition
• Endometrium: Inner mucous layer and its thickness changes throughout the menstrual cycle. It is also the site of implantation

Question 18

What is the nervous supply to the uterus?

Answer 18

Hypogastric plexus provides sympathetic supply

Pelvic splanchnic nerve provides parasympathetic supply

Somatic afferent fibres (S2-S4) allow for touch and pain (birth)

Question 19

What is the broad ligament?

Answer 19

Fold of the peritoneum that connects the sides of the uterus to the walls and floor of the pelvis.

Question 20

What is the suspensory ligament?

Answer 20

Fold of the peritoneum that extends out from the ovary to the wall of the pelvis.

Question 21

What is the cervix?

Answer 21

Cylindrical tube that is inferior to the uterus. It has a thick muscular layer that supports a developing foetus.

Question 22

What is the lumen of the cervix called?

Answer 22

Cervical canal

Question 23

What are the two constricted openings of the uterus?

Answer 23

• Internal which communicates with the uterus

- External which communicates with the vagina

Question 24

What is the vagina?

Answer 24

A musculomembranous tube that links the cervix with the vulva. It is 7-9cm long