Describe The Anatomy Of The Female Reproductive System - Internal Vagina Flashcards
What is the definition of the vagina?
A canal from vestibule to the cervix, passing upwards and backwards into the pelvis along the line of the pelvic brim
What are the 3 functions of the vagina?
- Passage and escape of menstrual flow
- Recieved the penis and ejaculate during intercourse
- Provides exit of foetus during birth
Describe the location anatomically?
Anterior- bladder
Posterior- rectum
Superior- uterus
Inferior- external genitalia
What is the posterior fornix?
Largest because vagina is attached to uterus at a higher level behind.
What is the lateral fornices? What is the anterior fornix?
Lie either side of the cervix
In front of the cervix
What are the 3 layers of the vagina?
Lining: spun outs epithelium arranged in rugae.
Muscle layer: weaker inner circular fibres and strong outer longitudinal fibres
Pelvic fascia: connective tissue surrounding the vagina
Where is the uterus located?
Between the bladder and rectum.
Why is the uterus anteversion and anteflexion?
It’s anteversion because it leans forward. It’s anteflexion because it bends forwards upon itself.
What is the fundus?
Domed upper wall between the insertion of the uterine tubes
What is the cornuae?
The upper outer angles of the uterus where the uterine tubes join
What is the uterus body or corpus?
Makes up two thirds of the uterus.
What is the uterus cavity?
Within the body of the uterus, triangular in shape
What is the isthmus?
Situated at the junction of the body and cervix . 7mm long
What are the 3 layers of the uterus?
- Perimetrium
2.myometrium - muscle layer
3.endometrium
What is the perimentrium?
Layer of peritoneum draped over the uterus and uterine tubes
What is myometrium?
Inner layer: circular fibres around the Cornua and cervix
Middle layer: interlacing spiral fibres - upper part of the body
Outer layer: longitudinal fibres from the cervix anteriorly over the fundus to the cervix posteriorly
What is the endometrium?
Functional layer: thickens and sheds during mentrual cycle
Basal layer: from which functional layer regenerates every cycle
Where is the cervix located?
Lower parts sits within the vagina
Upper part sits above the vagina
Describe the cervical canal. What are the glands that secret muscus?
A canal made up of columnar epithelium. Racemose glands secrets mucus.
What is the uterus blood supply?
Uterine & ovarian arteries - branches of internal iliac artery
Venous drainage - corresponding veins
What is the uterus nerve supply?
11th, 12th thoracic and 1st lumbar nerve. Cervix by sacral nerves 2,3 and 4
What is the function of uterine tubes?
Propel the ovum towards the uterus.
Receives spermatozoa.
Provides site for fertilisation.
What is the position of uterine tubes?
Extends laterally from cornua of the uterus towards the side walls of the pelvis.
Arch over ovaries.
Held in place by attachment to the uterus and the peritoneum
What are the 4 parts to a uterine tube? Put it in the correct order in which they follow each other from beginning of uterine tube to the end of it.
- Interstitial portion
- Isthmus
- Ampulla
- Infundibulum with fimbriae
What is the structure of the uterine tube?
Longitudinal and circular muscle
Lined with ciliates columnar epithelium. These help move ovum from infundibulum towards uterus
What is the uterine tubes blood supply?
Ovarian and uterine arteries- branches of the internal iliac artery and corresponding veins
What is the uterine tube nerve supply?
Ovarian plexus and the parasympathetic system
What is the function of the ovaries? What is the position?
Produce oocytes
Produce hormones - oestrogen and progesterone
Attached to the uterine by ovarian ligament
What are the two components the ovary are comprised of?
Medulla and cortex
What is the medulla in relation to the ovaries?
Supporting framework of the ovaries.
made of fibrous tissue, ovarian blood vessels and the lymphatuc and nerve transport channel.
They enter the ovary by the mesovarium or hilum
What is the cortex in relation to the ovaries?
Functioning part of the ovary.
Contains ovarian follicles in different stages of development.
Surrounded by stroma ( unique connective tissue )
