Female Reproductive System Flashcards
External Genitalia (pudendum or vulva)
- Mons pubis
- Labia majora
- Labia minora
- Clitoris
- Bulbs of the vestibule
- Greater and lesser vestibular glands
Internal Genitalia
- Ovaries
- Uterine tubes
- Uterus
- Vagina
Mons Pubis
Rounded fatty eminence overlying the pubic symphysis
Labia Majora
Prominent outer folds of skin that contain subcutaneous fat and the termination of the round ligament of the uterus
- External aspect is covered with pigmented skin containing sebaceous glands, smooth internal aspect
Labia Minora
Inner folds of fat-free skin; has a core of spongy connective tissue containing erectile tissue and many small blood vessels, internal aspect contains many sensory endings
Clitoris
An erectile organ located where the labia minora meet anteriorly; consists of a root and a body
What is the root and body of the clitoris?
- 2 crura
- 2 corpora
- cavernosa
- glans
Vestibule
Space surrounded by the labia minora
The vestibule contains what openings?
- Urethra
- Vagina
- Greater and lesser vestibular glands
Bulbs of Vestibule
Paired masses of elongated erectile tissue situated along the sides of the vaginal orifice deep to bulbospongioosus; homologous with the bulb of the penis and corpus spongiosum
Vestibular Glands
Greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands on each side of the vestibule posterior to the vaginal orifice, glands open into the vestibule and secrete mucus during sexual arousal
What happens during sexual arousal?
Lesser vestibular glands open between the urethral and vaginal orifices and secrete mucus
Ischiocavernosus
Maintains erection of the clitoris by compressing outflow veins
Bulbospongiosus
“Sphincter” of the vagina, assists in the erection of the clitoris and bulb of the vestibule and compresses the greater vestibular gland
Superficial Transverse Perineal Muscle
Supports and fixes the perineal body and pelvic floor to support viscera
Vagina
Subperitoneal musculomembranous tube that extends from the cervix of the uterus to the vestibule of the vagina
Why is the Vagina Important?
It serves as a canal for menstrual fluid, forms the inferior part of the birth canal, and reproduction
Where does the vagina communicate with?
Superiorly with the cervical canal and inferiorly with the vestibule
Vaginal Fornix
Recess around the protruding cervix, has anterior/posterior and lateral parts
The superior part of the vagina derives from the?
The uterine arteries
The middle and inferior parts of the vagina derive from?
The vaginal and internal pudendal arteries
What forms plexuses’ alongside the vagina and within the vaginal mucosa?
Veins; will drain into the internal iliac veins via the uterine veins
Ovaries
Small organs held in place by ligaments and mesenteries
What is the shape of the ovaries? Where are they found?
Almond shaped, found near the attachment of the broad ligament to the lateral pelvic walls
The ovaries are suspended by these peritoneal folds:
- Mesovarium
- Suspensory ligament of the ovary
Attached to the uterus by the ligament of the ovary
Uterus
A hollow thick-walled muscular organ that receives, retains, and nourishes the fertilized egg
Adult uterus
Usually tipped anterosuperiorly relative to the axis of the vagina; the vagina can change position relative to the fullness of the bladder and rectum
Where does the non gravid uterus lay?
In the lesser pelvis, the body lies on the urinary bladder between the bladder and rectum
What is the structure of the uterus?
- Body
- Cervix
Body of Uterus
Includes the rounded funds, relatively constricted isthmus, and the uterine horns; freely movable
Cervix of Uterus
The cylindrical, narrow inferior part of the uterus
Uterine Wall contains:
- Perimetrium
- Myometrium
- Endometrium
Perimetrium
Outer serous coat that consists of peritoneum and CT
Myometrium
Middle muscular coat that has the main branches of blood vessels and nerves
- distends significantly during pregnancy
Endometrium
Inner mucous layer that adheres firmly to the myometrium and is involved in the menstrual cycle
- Blastocyst is implanted here
Fallopian Tubes
Extend laterally from the uterine horns and open into the peritoneal cavity near the ovaries
Where do the fallopian tubes lay?
Mesosalpinx in the free edge of the broad ligament; position varies
An ovulated oocyte is cast where? Why?
Casted into the peritoneal cavity because the uterine tubes have no contact with the ovaries
4 Parts of the Fallopian Tubes
- Infundibulum
- Ampulla
- Isthmus
- Uterine portion
Infundibulum
Funnel-shaped distal end that opens into the peritoneal cavity, fimbriae
Ampulla
Widest and longest part
Isthmus
Enters uterine horn
Uterine portion
Short intramural segment
Suspensory ligament of ovary
Covers the ovarian vessels
Round ligament of uterus
Anchors uterus to body wall (labia majora); from the guvernaculum
Broad Ligament of the Uterus
A double layer of peritoneum that extends from the sides of the uterus to the lateral walls and floor of the pelvis
Function of the Broad Ligament
Assists in keeping the uterus relatively centered in the pelvis and contains the ovaries, uterine tubes, and related structures, as wells as the vasculature that serves them
Mesovarium
The portion of the broad ligament suspending the ovary
Mesosalpinx
Suspends the uterine tube
Mesometrium
The major part of the broad ligament of the uterus
Mammary Glands
Modified sweat glands found in superficial body wall
Suspensory Ligaments of Breast
Thickenings of fascia that anchor breast to skin and separate glandular and fat lobules
Where do the Lobules Drain?
Drain into the lactiferous ducts that open on the nipple
Spatial relationships in the breast
Superficial to pectorals major, minor, + serrates anterior muscles
Retromammary Space
A potential space b/n breast and underlying deep pectoral fascia- allows some degree of movement of breast
Structures susceptible to injury
- Perineum
- Levator ani
- Pelvic fascia
- Pubococcygeus (torn during birth)
What may contribute to urinary stress incontinence?
Weakening of the elevator ani and the pelvic fascia from stretching or tearing, this can cause dribbling of urine
Hysterectomy
Excision of the uterus
Pudendal and Ilio-inguinal Nerve Blocks
Performed to relieve pain during childbirth
Where must injections be made for anesthesia?
Must be made where the pudendal nerve crosses the lateral aspect of the sacrospinous ligament, near its attachment to the ischial spine
