Female internal genitalia

Question 1

The Cervix

Answer 1

• cylindrical lower portion of the uterus which projects into the vagina
• internal os opens into the uterus
• external os opens into vagina

Function - protect by forming a mucus plug
and to aid childbirth as it has the ability to dilate to allow the passage of the fetus, placenta and membranes from uterus into vagina

Question 2

The Uterus

Answer 2

• hollow pear shapes muscular organ located in pelvic cavity medial to the ovaries and superior to bladder
• fundus is area above and between the uterine tubes and the cervix is the lower part of the uterus

Question 3

Function of the Uterus

Answer 3

• prepare t receive, protect and nourish a developing embryo (weeks 1-8), and fetus weeks 9-birth
• to assist in the expulsion of the fetus, placenta and membranes at delivery
• to control blood loss from the placental site (by shutting the vessels that could leak blood)

Question 4

Endometrium

Answer 4

Functional (inner layer) - lines up thhe uterus, built up and shed each menstrual cycle. Influences by progesterone and oestrogen to promote growth of blood vessels. Vascular and provides nourishment to embryo
The basal layer - a permanent, thin vascular layer, good blood supply enabling functional layer to be formed
Implantation occurs here and the endometrium becomes part of the placenta

Question 5

Myometrium - smooth muscle layer

Answer 5

Consists of 3 layers of muscle which are thicker at the fungus and thinner at cervix.
1. inner circular layer
2, middle oblique layer
3. outer longitudinal layer

The layers are intermingled with blood and lymph vessels and nerve fibres

Question 6

Perimetrium/Epimetrium

Answer 6

• a fold of peritoneum that protects the uterus
• it creates an inelastic base upon which the myometrium develops tension to increase intrauterine pressure
• does not cover the uterus fully

Question 7

Blood and Nerve Supply

Answer 7

• blood supply to uterus and cervix is fro the uterine and ovarian artless, which branch off from iliac artery and aorta
• branches of the uterine armies penetrate deep into myometrium
• venous drainage is into the corresponding veins

Question 8

Ovaries - function

Answer 8

produce ova during fertile period.

Question 9

Ovaries - hormones

Answer 9

• stimulated by FSH from anterior PG, which in turn stimulaes the follicle cells to secrete oestrogen
• follicles develop monthly at approx day 5
• usually inly 1 mature follicle = Graafian Follicle
• moves to surface of ovary and released when stimulated by LH from APG
• LH causes follicle to become CL and secrete prog and oes
• CL secretes relaxin which inhibits contractions of myometrium and facilitates implantation
• secretion of FSH and LG stimulated by GnRH from hypothalamus

Question 10

Fallopian Tubes

Answer 10

Function - provides route for ova to travel from ovaries to uterus. provides passage for sperm to fertilise ova.
Blood Supply - uterine and ovarian arteries and vein

Question 11

Conditions affecting Fallopian tubes

Answer 11

• ectopic pregnancy
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• endometriosis
• infection
• salpingitis