Female Reproductive Organs Flashcards
Describe the location of the ovary and some of its features
- Suspended by mesentery (mesovarium),
- Supported by the suspensory ligament of the ovary and ovarian ligament.
- Lies in the ovarian fossa with obturator nerve laterally (referred pain through medial thigh),
- Site of oogenesis and endocrine gland
What are the anatomical relations of the ovary
Superiorly - External iliac vessels,
Inferiorly - Obturator nerve,
- Anteriorly - broad ligament,
- Posteriorly is the ureter and internal iliac vessels
Describe features of the uterine tubes
- 10cm long that begins lateral to the ovaries and attaches to the body of the uterus at the uterine cornua. It is enclosed within mesosalpinx. Function is to convey ovum from ovary to uterine cavity (peristaltic movement and cilia)
Name the different sections of the uterine tubes
- Infundibulum with fimbriae,
- Ampulla,
- Isthmus,
- Intra-mural
Describe the functions and parts of the uterus
- Function is for development of embryo and expulsion of foetus during childbirth.
- It has 3 parts; body, isthmus and cervix
Describe the feature of the body of the uterus
- Fundus sits superior to orifices of uterine tubes.
- The cavity is the site of implantation of a normal pregnancy.
- Wall has three layers; perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium
Describe the relationships of the uterus
- Lies in the midline between bladder and rectum,
- Uterine artery crosses over ureter,
- Covered in peritoneum
- Separated from surrounding structures by vesicouterine pouch and the rectouterine pouch
Describe features of the cervix
- Mostly fibrous with a small amount of elastin.
- Inferior aspect is dome-shaped and bulges into the vagina, forming fornices.
- Endocervix (endocervical canal) lines by columnar epithelium,
- Ectocervix (extends into vagina) lined by non-keratinising, stratified squamous epithelium.
- Transformation zone - area where there is transition from columnar to stratified squamous epithelium
Describe the angles of the uterus
axis of cervix = 90 degrees (anteversion),
Adult uterus bent forward on itself = 170 degrees (anteflexion)
What is retroflexion?
If the angle of the uterus is over 180 degrees. it can cause backache and difficulty conceiving.
Describe features and functions of the vagina
- 7-9cm long fibromuscular tube that extends from cervix to vestibule.
- The internal end is enlarged,
- Contains lactobacilli (important for maintaining acidity),
- Functions include; for insertion of the penis and receives ejaculate, canal for menstrual fluid and part of birth canal.
What is the vagina anatomical relations?
Anterior is the bladder and urethra, posterior is the rectum, lateral is the ureter passing laterally to lateral fornix, levator ani and pelvic fasica.
What is the function of the peritoneum of the pelvis?
Draps over pelvic viscera forming pouches (vesicouterine and rectouterine). It creates folds and ligaments between viscera and pelvic wall.
What is the function of the broad ligament? Name the three parts
It keeps the uterus in position but allows movement. It encloses the uterine tube in the superior margin, the suspensory ligament of the ovary and the round ligament of the uterus. It consists of 3 parts; Mesometrium, mesosalpinx and mesovarium.
Describe features of the round ligament of the uterus
- It is from the cornua of uterus to labia majora.
- Remnant of the lower part of gubernaculum.
Describe features of the round ligament of the ovary
From cornua of uterus to ovary.
- Remnants of upper part of gubernaculum
What is the suspensory ligament of the ovary?
Ovarian vessels covered in peritoneum.
What are the muscles and ligaments that support the uterus?
- Uterus supported by pelvic muscles (especally levator ani)
- COnsensations of fascia extend from cervix to pelvic wall; Pubocervical ligament anteriorly, transverse cervical (cardinal) ligament laterally and uterosacral ligament posteriorly