FEMALE ANATOMY Flashcards
Name the parts of the female reproductive system in the pelvic cavity
- ovaries
- uterine tubes
- uterus
- superior part of vagina
Name the parts of the female reproductive system in the perineum (ie, inferior to levator ani)
- inferior part of vagina
- perineal muscles
- Bartholin’s glands
- clitoris
- labia
What role does the parietal peritoneum have in the anatomy of the reproductive system?
the floor of the peritoneal cavity = the roof of the pelvic organs
This forms the 2 pouches: vesico-uterine and recto-uterine (pouch of Douglas)
Clinical significance of pouch of douglas
It is the most inferior part of the peritoneal cavity so excess (abnormal) fluid tends to collect there
How is the pouch of Douglas drained?
pass a needle through the posterior fornix of the vagina
What is the broad ligament of the uterus?
a double layer of peritoneum between the uterus and lateral walls + floor of pelvis
Where is the round ligament of the uterus found and how is it formed?
an embryological remnant that attaches to the lateral aspect of the uterus
What are the 3 histological layers of the body of the uterus?
- perimetrium
- myometrium
- endometrium
What are the three layers of support which hold the uterus in anatomical position?
- strong ligaments (eg uterosacral ligaments)
- endopelvic fascia
- muscles of the pelvic floor (eg. levator ani)
What is the course of the round ligament?
passes through the deep inguinal ring to attach to the superficial tissue of the female perineum
What position is the uterus most commonly in?
Anteverted (cervix tipped anteriorly) and Anteflexed (uterus tipped anteriorly)
In anteverted and anteflex position, where does the mass of the uterus lie?
over the bladder
What is the normal variant of uterine position?
Retroverted (cervix tipped posteriorly) and Retroflexed (uterus tipped posteriorly)
Which area is sampled in a smear examination?
The squamo-columnar junction
Parts of uterine tubes
Infundibulum (funnel)
Ampulla
Isthmus
Where does fertilisation occur?
ampulla
Where do the fimbrial end of the uterine tube open?
peritoneal cavity
Describe the vagina
muscular tube with walls in contact except where cervix holds them apart forming a fornix
Describe the journey of the ovum
ovary picked up by fimbriae of uterine tube
4 part of fornices of vagina
anterior, posterior and 2 lateral
Where do the ovaries develop?
posterior abdominal wall then move on to lateral wall
What can be palpated on vaginal digital examination?
ischial spines uterus position (bimanual) adnexae (tubes, ovaries)
What forms the roof of the perineum?
pelvic diaphragm (mostly levator ani)
What is levator ani?
a skeletal muscle that provides support to pelvic organs
How does the levator ani muscle support the pelvic organs?
tonic contraction and further contraction reflexively when there is increased intra-abdominal pressure
What nerve supplies levator ani?
S2,3,4 sacral plexus
What is the perineal body?
bundle of collagenous and elastic tissue into which the perineal muscles attach
just deep to skin
pelvic floor strength that can be disrupted during labour
What is Bartholin’s gland?
L and R of vaginal opening
secrete mucous
Where does the bed of the breast extend from?
ribs 2-6, lateral border of sternum to mid-axillary line
- tail of Spence extends into the axilla.
Which muscles do the breasts cover?
pectoralis major and serratus anterior
Where is the retromammary space?
between the fascia and breast
How do the breasts attach to skin?
suspensory ligaments?
Where does lymph drain from the breast?
> 75% to ipsilateral axillary nodes then supraclavicular nodes
lower, inner breast –> abdominal nodes
What are the levels of axillary nodes?
1: inferior and lateral to pec minor
2: deep to pec minor
3: superior and medial to pec minor
Which arteries supply the breast?
internal thoracic
axillary
quadrants of breast
upper outer, upper inner, lower outer, lower inner
contents of axilla
brachial plexus branches, axillary artery, axillary vein, axillary lymph nodes
