Female Anatomy Flashcards
Why do nuns often get ovarian cancer?
Many more ovulations than the average woman leads to more cell regeneration and therefore an increased risk of ovarian cancer
Where are ectopic pregnancies most commonly located?
Ampulla of the Fallopian tubes, as this is where fertilisation commonly takes place
Why does the stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina contain vacuoles filled with glycogen?
Provides nutrition for native flora such as lactobacillus that regulate pH and have a protective effect against infections
How might a retroverted or retroflexed uterus manifest?
Dysfunction of the round ligament eg after pregnancy. Ligament stretches and can no longer pull uterus towards the anterior wall of the pelvic cavity
Give three functions of the pelvic floor
Support pelvic organs and prevent prolapse
Maintain urinary and faecal continence
Facilitate childbirth
By What three mechanisms does the pelvic floor provide support?
Suspension
Attachment
Fusion
What two bones do pelvic floor muscles attach to and therefore act as a sling between?
Coccyx and pubic bone
Which ligaments are important for providing suspension to the pelvic organs?
Cardinal ligaments - hold the cervix and upper vagina in place
Uterosacral ligaments - hold the cervix and upper vagina laterally
Round ligament - maintains antiverted uterus
What fascial structures provide attachment of the pelvic floor to the pelvic organs?
Argus tendinosus fascia pelvis (white line)
Endopelvic fascia
What relevance does the endopelvic fascia have to urinary continence?
Urethra lies anterior and superior to it and therefore is compressed by it when intraabdominal pressure is raised
What is the importance of the perineal body?
It is a major site of insertion for the levator ani muscles
Name the three levator ani muscles
Puborectalis
Pubococcygeus
Iliococcygeus
Name the perineal muscles that lie superficial to the levator ani muscles
Transverse perineal muscles (superficial and deep)
Bulbospongiosus
What is the blood supply and nerves supply to the pelvic floor?
Internal and external pudendal arteries and corresponding veins
Pudendal nerve
What lymphatic drainage covers the pelvic floor?
Inguinal lymph nodes
What is vaginismus?
Tension in the pelvic muscles
What three types of prolapse cover all anterior compartment prolapses?
Cystocele, urethrocoele, cystourethrocoele
What are the types of middle compartment prolapse?
Uterine prolapse
Whole uterus - procidentia
Post hysterectomy uterine prolapse - vault prolapse
What are the types of posterior compartment prolapses?
Rectocele (rectum)
Enterocele (loops of bowel)
What would an episiotomy reduce the risk of?
What else would reduce the risk?
Perineal trauma and 3rd and 4th degree tears
Encouraging the mother not to push as the babies head is crowning
