Female Anatomy

Question 1

What are the structural components of the uterus?

Answer 1

The uterus has a fundus, body, and cervix. Its walls include the peritoneum, myometrium, and endometrium, which consists of the basal and functional layers.

Question 2

What is the role of the fallopian tubes?

Answer 2

They transport the ovum from the ovary to the uterus, with fertilization usually occurring in the ampulla.

Question 3

What is the function of the cervix?

Answer 3

The cervix allows the passage of sperm into the uterine cavity and maintains sterility of the upper reproductive tract.

Question 4

What is the role of the ovarian ligament and suspensory ligament of the ovary?

Answer 4

The ovarian ligament anchors the ovary to the uterus, while the suspensory ligament contains ovarian blood vessels and nerves.

Question 5

Describe the histological structure of the uterus

Answer 5

• Perimetrium: Outer connective tissue.
• Myometrium: Thick smooth muscle layer for contractions.
• Endometrium: Inner mucosal layer, with the stratum basalis (permanent) and stratum functionalis (shed during menstruation).

Question 6

What are the parts of the fallopian tube and their functions?

Answer 6

• Fimbriae: Capture the ovum.
• Infundibulum: Funnel-shaped opening.
• Ampulla: Site of fertilization.
• Isthmus: Connects to the uterus.

Question 7

What is the importance of the myometrium during pregnancy and labour?

Answer 7

The myometrium undergoes hypertrophy during pregnancy and contracts powerfully during labour to expel the fetus.

Question 8

What is the general structure of the uterus, and what is its primary function?

Answer 8

The uterus is a thick-walled, muscular organ capable of expanding to accommodate a growing fetus. Its primary function is to house and nourish the fetus during pregnancy

Question 9

What are the three main parts of the uterus?

Answer 9

Fundus – the top part, above the entry points of the fallopian tubes.
Body – the central part, where implantation of the blastocyst occurs.
Cervix – the lower part, linking the uterus to the vagina

Question 10

How is the normal adult uterus positioned in the body?

Answer 10

Anteverted with respect to the vagina (tilted forward).
Anteflexed with respect to the cervix (bent forward). The uterus lies immediately posterosuperior to the bladder and anterior to the rectum

Question 11

What is the function of the broad ligament?

Answer 11

The broad ligament is a double layer of peritoneum that attaches the sides of the uterus to the pelvis. It acts as a mesentery for the uterus and helps keep it in position.

Question 12

What is the round ligament, and what is its role?

Answer 12

The round ligament is a remnant of the gubernaculum, extending from the uterine horns to the labia majora via the inguinal canal. It maintains the anteverted position of the uterus

Question 13

What is the cardinal ligament, and what does it contain?

Answer 13

The cardinal ligament is located at the base of the broad ligament and extends from the cervix to the lateral pelvic walls. It contains the uterine artery and vein, supporting the uterus.

Question 14

What is the function of the uterosacral ligament?

Answer 14

The uterosacral ligament extends from the cervix to the sacrum and provides support to the uterus

Question 15

How is the uterus supplied with blood?

Answer 15

The uterus is supplied with blood via the uterine artery. Venous drainage occurs through a plexus in the broad ligament, which drains into the uterine veins.

Question 16

What are the three layers of the uterus, and what is the function of each?

Answer 16

Peritoneum – A double-layered membrane continuous with the abdominal peritoneum.
Myometrium – A thick layer of smooth muscle that undergoes hypertrophy and hyperplasia during pregnancy to expel the fetus during birth.
Endometrium – The inner mucous membrane lining the uterus, which has two parts:
Stratum basalis – The deep layer that remains relatively unchanged throughout the menstrual cycle and is not shed during menstruation.
Stratum functionalis – The superficial layer that proliferates in response to oestrogens and becomes secretory under progesterone influence. This layer is shed during menstruation and regenerates from the stratum basalis.

Question 17

What is the general structure and location of the uterine tubes?

Answer 17

The uterine tubes, also known as fallopian tubes, are muscular J-shaped tubes that lie along the upper border of the broad ligament. They extend laterally from the uterus and open into the abdominal cavity near the ovaries.

Question 18

What are the main functions of the uterine tubes?

Answer 18

The uterine tubes assist in the transfer and transport of the ovum from the ovary to the uterus.

Question 19

How does the inner mucosa of the uterine tubes aid in ovum transport?

Answer 19

The inner mucosa of the uterine tubes is lined with ciliated columnar epithelial cells and peg cells (non-ciliated secretory cells). The cilia help waft the ovum towards the uterus, while the peg cells provide nutrients for the ovum.

Question 20

How does the smooth muscle layer of the uterine tubes contribute to ovum transport?

Answer 20

The smooth muscle layer contracts to assist in the transport of the ovum and sperm. Peristalsis (rhythmic contractions) is greatest when oestrogen levels are high, facilitating the movement of the ovum and sperm through the tubes

Question 21

Where does fertilization typically occur in the uterine tubes?

Answer 21

Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla, which is the widest section of the uterine tube.

Question 22

What are the primary functions of the ovaries?

Answer 22

To produce oocytes (eggs) in preparation for fertilization.
To produce the sex steroid hormones oestrogen and progesterone, in response to pituitary gonadotrophins (LH and FSH).

Question 23

What type of epithelium forms the surface of the ovary?

Answer 23

The surface of the ovary is formed by simple cuboidal epithelium, known as germinal epithelium.

Question 24

What lies beneath the germinal epithelium of the ovary?

Answer 24

Beneath the germinal epithelium is a dense connective tissue capsule.

Question 25

What does the cortex of the ovary contain?

Answer 25

The cortex of the ovary contains:

Connective tissue stroma, which supports the tissue.
Numerous ovarian follicles, each containing an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells

Question 26

What is the function of the medulla of the ovary?

Answer 26

The medulla of the ovary is formed by loose connective tissue and contains a rich neurovascular network. This network enters the ovary via the hilum and provides blood supply and nerve innervation to the organ.

Question 27

Where is the ectocervix located, and what type of epithelium lines it?

Answer 27

The ectocervix is the portion of the cervix that projects into the vagina. It is lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium, which provides protection against friction and abrasion.

Question 28

What is the external os, and what is its significance?

Answer 28

The external os is the opening in the ectocervix. It marks the transition from the ectocervix (the outer part of the cervix) to the endocervical canal (the inner part of the cervix)

Question 29

What is the function of the endocervical canal, and what type of epithelium lines it?

Answer 29

The endocervical canal is the inner, proximal part of the cervix that connects the cervix to the uterine cavity. It is lined by simple columnar epithelium, which secretes mucus that helps protect and lubricate the canal.

Question 30

Where does the endocervical canal end, and what is this point called?

Answer 30

The endocervical canal ends at a narrowing called the internal os, which marks the transition between the cervix and the uterine cavity.