Defining the Female Reproductive Tract Flashcards
What is the function of reproductive organs?
To produce, store and deliver germs cells.
For females it is to also sustain and support a developing foetus.
Where are the ovaries located?
Within the lateral wall of the pelvis and inferior to the pelvic inlet.
What is the function of the ovaries?
To produce eggs and release hormones
What is the artery and vein supplies the ovaries?
Gonadal arteries/veins
What is the nerve supply to the ovaries?
Ovarian plexus
What can the ovaries be divided into?
Ovarian medulla and cortex
What are the contents of the ovarian cortex?
- Ovarian follicles
- Smooth muscle cells
- Corpus luteum (secretes progesterone)
- Theca (secrete androgens and granulosa convert them to oestrogen
What does the ovarian medulla contain?
- Blood vessels
- Lymph vessels
- Nerves
The Fallopian tubes are a passageway from where to where?
From the ovaries to the uterus
What are the three areas of the Fallopian tubes?
- Infundiblum (closer to ovaries)
- Ampulla
- Isthmus (closer to uterus)
What are fimbrae?
Finger-like projections on the Fallopian tubes that are able to catch a released ovum.
How are the fallopian tubes supplied with blood?
By branches of the uterine and ovarian arteries.
What does the inner wall of the Fallopian tubes contain to help propel an ovum?
Cilia
What is the innervation of the fallopian tubes?
Sympathetic via ovarian nerve
Parasympathetic via pelvic splanchnic nerve
How is the uterus shaped?
Upper 2/3 is cone shaped
Lower 1/3 is cylindrical
Where does a fertilised egg get implanted and then develop?
Uterus
What are the three layers of the uterine wall?
- 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
What is the nervous supply to the uterus?
Hypogastric plexus provides sympathetic supply
Pelvic splanchnic nerve provides parasympathetic supply
Somatic afferent fibres (S2-S4) allow for touch and pain (birth)
What is the broad ligament?
Fold of the peritoneum that connects the sides of the uterus to the walls and floor of the pelvis.
What is the suspensory ligament?
Fold of the peritoneum that extends out from the ovary to the wall of the pelvis.
What is the cervix?
Cylindrical tube that is inferior to the uterus. It has a thick muscular layer that supports a developing foetus.
What is the lumen of the cervix called?
Cervical canal
What are the two constricted openings of the uterus?
- Internal which communicates with the uterus
- External which communicates with the vagina
What is the vagina?
A musculomembranous tube that links the cervix with the vulva. It is 7-9cm long
