Female Repro Anatomy Flashcards
What type of epithelium lines the surface of the ovaries?
Simple cuboidal epithelium (germinal epithelium)
Which part of the ovary contains neurovascular structures?
Medulla
Which part of the ovary contains ovarian follicles?
Cortex
What is a follicle?
An oocyte surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells
Which ligament connects the ovarian mesovarium to the pelvic wall?
Suspensory ligament of the ovary
Which ligament of the ovary contains its neurovascular structures?
Suspensory ligament of the ovary
Which ligament connects the ovary to the fundus of the uterus?
Ligament of the ovary
What is the round ligament?
Remnant of the gubernaculum
Continuation of the ligament of the ovary
Describe the innervation of the ovary
Sympathetic innervation: ovarian plexus
Parasympathetic innervation: uterine plexus
At what vertebral level do the ovarian arteries branch off the abdominal aorta?
L2
Where do the ovarian veins drain?
Left ovarian vein drains into the left renal vein
Right ovarian vein drains into the inferior vena cava
Where doe lymph from the ovaries drain?
Para-aortic lymph nodes
Which part of the fallopian tube is narrowest?
Isthmus
In which part of the fallopian tube does fertilisation usually occur?
Ampulla
List the four parts of the fallopian tube
Isthmus
Ampulla
Infundibulum
Fimbrae
Describe the histology of the fallopian tubes
Inner mucosa: celiated columnar epithelium, also contains peg cells
Smooth muscle layer
What are peg cells?
Non-celiated secretory cells in the mucosa of the fallopian tubes
What nerve roots supply sensory afferents to the fallopian tube?
T11-L1
Where does lymph from the fallopian tubes drain?
Iliac, sacral and aortic lymph nodes
What is the normal position of the uterus?
Anteflexed and anteverted
List the three histological layers of the uterus
Perimetrium
Myometrium (smooth muscle)
Endometrium (mucus membrane)
What are the two layers of the endometrium?
Deep: Stratum basalis
Superficial: Stratum functionalis
Which layer of the uterus proliferates in response to oestrogens and shed during menstruation?
Stratum functionalis of the endometrium
List four ligaments of the uterus
Broad ligament
Round ligament
Cardinal ligament
Uterosacral ligament
Describe the innervation of the uterus
Sympathetic: inferior hypogastric plexus
Parasympathetic: pelvic splanchnic nerves S2-S4
Sensory afferents: inferior hypogastric plexus T10-L1
What is the nerve root(s) of the inferior hypogastric plexus?
T10-L1
What is the main function of the cervix (other than connecting the uterus to the vagina)?
Maintains sterility of the upper female reproductive tract
What type of epithelium lines the cervical canal?
Simple columnar epithelium
What type of epithelium covers the ectocervix?
Stratified squamous non-keratinised epithelium
To which lymph nodes do the uterus and cervix drain?
Iliac, sacral, aortic and inguinal lymph nodes
What are the four histological layers of the vagina?
Stratified squamous epithelium
Lamina propria (elastic tissue)
Fibromuscular layer (inner circular muscle, outer longitudinal muscle)
Adventitia (fibrous outer layer)
Describe the innervation of the superior vagina
Autonomic innervation via the uterovaginal plexus, derived from the inferior hypogastric plexus and pelvic splanchnic nerves
Describe the innervation of the inferior vagina
Somatic innervation via the deep perineal nerve (branch of the pudendal nerve)
Where does lymph from the vagina drain to?
Iliac and superficial inguinal lymph nodes
List the structures which make up the vulva
Mons pubis Labia majora Labia minora Clitoris Vestibule Urethral orifice Vaginal orifice Bartholin's glands Fourchette
Where are Bartholin’s glands located and what is their function?
Located either side of the vaginal orifice
Secrete lubricating mucous during sexual arousal
List three functions of the vulva
Sensation during sexual intercourse
Assist in micturition; direct flow of urine
Helps protect the internal reproductive tract against infection
Describe the innervation of the vulva
Sensory
- anterior vulva innervated by ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerves
- posterior vulva innervated by pudendal nerve and posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh
Parasympathetic innervation to clitoris and vestibule via the cavernous nerves (part of the uterovaginal plexus)
Which arteries and veins supply the vulva?
Pudendal arteries and veins
Describe the role of the pudendal veins in sexual arousement
Pudendal veins become engorged, causing erectile tissue to swell
Where does lymph from the vulva drain?
Superficial inguinal lymph nodes
