Female Pelvic Anatomy Flashcards
1
Q
Ovaries
A
- Responsible for production of gametes and hormones (progesterone, oestrogen, inhibin and relaxin)
2
Q
Ovary Structure
A
- Cortex - surrounds medulla, made from a framework of connective tissue. Ovarian follicles covered by germinal epithelium.
- Tunica Albuginea, white capsule of dense connective tissue directly inside the germinal epithelium.
- Medulla - fibrous tissue, central in the ovary and contains blood and lymph vessels and nerves
- Ovarian follicles - Located in the cortex, consisting of oocytes in varying stages of development.
- Graafian Follicle - large and fluid filled and ready to rupture and release second oocyte.
- Corpus Luteum - remnant of mature follicle following ovulation. It produces progesterone, oestrogen, relaxin and inhibin. Degenerates into scar tissue.
3
Q
Ovarian Cycle
A
- Germ cells within the ovaries become oogonia.
- These divide to form germ cells and primary oocytes, surrounding themselves with follicles. Known as primordial follicles.
- Gonadotrophins, FSH and LH from pituitary gland stimulate primordial follicles and become primary follicles.
- Primary follicles consist of an oocyte surrounded by granulosa cells, located in cortex and secrete oestrogen as follicle grows.
- Develops into a secondary follicle, becomes a large fluid filled graafian follicle.
- The graafian follicle ruptures to free the secondary oocyte in the process of ovulation.
- This is called the ovum which is released into the uterine tubes and can go on to be fertilised during conception.
- Remnant follicle following ovulation is called the corpus luteum which releases progesterone, oestrogen, relaxin and inhibin.
- If there is fertilisation, the ovum attaches to the endometrium which is preparing for implantation.
4
Q
Ovarian Cycle 2
A
- Hormones continue to be secreted to aid embryonic development.
- If no fertilisation, there will be no implantation - hormone secretion changes and the endometrium is shed during menstruation.
- Corpus luteum degenerates into scar tissue.
5
Q
FSH
A
- Follicle stimulating hormone
- Produced by the anterior, initiates follicle growth
6
Q
Oestrogen
A
- Produced by follicle lining cells, stimulated follicles to mature
7
Q
LH
A
- Lutenising Hormone
- Produced by anterior pituitary, triggers ovulation
8
Q
Progesterone
A
- Produced by the corpus luteum
- Prepares endometrium for implantation
9
Q
HCG
A
- Human chorionic gonadotrophin
- Produced by the fertilised ovum
- Stimulates further oestrogen and progesterone production by corpus luteum to maintain pregnancy
10
Q
Blood Supply
A
- Arterial Supply - Ovarian arteries supply blood to ovaries from abdominal aorta
- Venous Drainage - In to a plexus of veins in the broad ligament, connects the side of the uterus to the lateral walls.
- Right ovarian Vein -> inf vena cava
- Left ovarian vein -> left renal vein
11
Q
Uterine Tubes/Fallopain Tubes
A
Divided into 4 areas:
- Infundibulum: funnel shaped opening close to the ovary but open to the pelvis
- Fimbriae: End of infundibulum - finger-like, ciliated projections, one of which attached to lateral end of the ovary. They capture the ovum from the surface of the ovary
- Ampulla: Widest, longest portion of the tubes. Fertilisation usually occurs here.
- Isthmus: Medial, short, narrow, thick walled section connecting the ampulla to the uterus.
12
Q
Ligaments
A
- Broad Ligaments: double fold of peritoneum, attach the uterus to the pelvic wall. They contain blood vessels and nerves as well as uterine tubes and ovaries.
- Round Ligaments: cord like ligaments attached to the uterus just below the uterine tube. They run laterally between folds of broad ligaments, lateral to the pelvic wall.
- Utero-Sacral ligaments: connect the uterus to the sacrum, originating from the posterior wall of the cervix and vagina. Run posteriorly either sie of the rectum to the sacrum.
- Cardinal Ligaments: from cervix and upper part of vagina to lateral pelvic walls
13
Q
The Uterus
A
- Thick walled muscular organ, capable for expansion.
- Connected distally to the vagina and laterally to the uterine tubes.
- Fundus - dome shaped portion, superior to the uterine tubes
- Body - central portion, tapers towards the inf end
- Cervix - inferior portion, opens into the vagina.
- Isthmus - constricted region between the body of the uterus and cervix.
14
Q
Body of the uterus
- Perimetrium
A
- simple squamous cells and areolar connective tissue
- Distributed differently on different surfaces of the uterus
- Anteriorly, it forms a pouch between the uterus and the bladder
- Posteriorly it forms a pouch between the uterus and the rectum
- Laterally - becomes a broad ligament, which at lateral ends attaches the uterus to the sides of the pelvis
15
Q
Body of the uterus
- Myometrium
A
- Middle layer of uterus
- 3 layers of smooth muscle
- thickest and the fundus and thinnest at the cervix
