Female Anatomy Flashcards
(46 cards)
What does the gubernaculum do?
Connects inferior pole of ovary to the labioscrotal folds
Describe the descent of the ovaries.
- Develop in the mesonephric ridge
- Descend through abdomen
- Stop in pelvis (due to uterus)
What does the gubernaculum become?
Round ligament
Describe the ovaries
- Almond shaped and sized gonads in which oocytes develop
- Endocrine gland that produces reproductive hormones
What are the ovaries suspended by?
Mesovarium
What tethers the ovary to the uterus?
Ovarian ligament
What does the ovarian ligament do?
Tethers ovary to uterus
Describe the structure of the uterus.
- Thick wall, muscular organ
- Fundus, body, cervix, uterine tubes
What lies anteriorly to the uterus?
utero-vesical pouch
What lies posterior to uterus?
Recto-uterine pouch a.k.a. Pouch of Douglas
What changes occur to the myometrium?
SMC undergo considerable hypertrophy and hyperplasia during pregnancy in prep to expel fetus at birth
Describe the structure of the endometrium (uterus).
- Tubular glands that extend from surface to connective tissue
- Can be split into stratum functionalis and stratum basalis
What is the function of stratum functionalis?
Cyclical growth, degeneration, shedding of tissues
What is the function of stratum basilis?
Regeneration of upper endometrium
What happens in the proliferation phase?
Growth and proliferation of endometrium stimulated by oestrogen secreted from folliculargenesis
What happens in the secretory phase?
Secretion of glycogen by endometrial glands stimulated by progesterone secreted from corpus luteum
What happens in the menstrual phase?
Failure to implant and withdrawal of hormonal support… Menstruation
What are the ligaments of the uterus?
- Broad ligament
- Round ligament
What is the broad ligament comprised of?
- Mesometrium
- Mesosalpinx
- Mesovarium
Describe the distribution and function of the broad ligament.
- Extends from the sides of the uterus to the lateral walls and floor of pelvis.
- Assists in keeping uterus in position
What is the round ligament?
The embryological remnant of the gubernaculum
Throughout which structure does the round ligament travel?
Inguinal canal
What are the attachments of the round ligament?
Labia majora and ovary
Describe the structure of the uterine tubes
Thin muscular tube that is narrow medially and opens into the abdominal cavity