Female Reproductive System Flashcards
ovaries
female gonads (secrete female sex hormones); paired structures flank the uterus
internal genitalia
located in pelvic cavity; includes ovaries and duct system (uterine tubes, uterus, vagina)
ovarian ligament
anchors ovary medially to uterus
suspensory ligament
anchors ovary laterally to pelvic wall
mesovarium
suspends ovary
broad ligament
suspensory ligament and mesovarium are part of this; supports uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina
blood supply for ovaries
ovarian arteries and ovarian branch of the uterine arteries
tunica albuginea
surrounds each ovary
ovarian follicles
tiny saclike structures embedded in cortex
immature egg
oocyte; found in ovarian follicles
tube system includes
uterine tubes, uterus, vagina
regions of the uterine tube
infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus
infundibulum
funnel-shaped opening into the peritoneal cavity; margin contains ciliated projections called fimbriae that drape over ovary
ampulla
forms half of uterine tube length; is site where fertilization usually occurs
isthmus
narrow medial third that empties into superolateral region of uterus
ectopic pregnancy
oocyte is fertilized in peritoneal cavity or distal uterine tube and begins developing there
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
spread of infection from reproductive tract to peritoneal cavity
uterus function
receive, retain, adn nourish fertilized ovum
position of uterus
anteverted: inclined forward (normal position); retroverted: inclined backward
uterus cervical canal
comminicates with vagina via external os and uterine body via internal os
cervical glands
secrete mucus that blocks sperm entry except during midcycle
vesicouterine pouch
sac of peritoneum around uterus; between bladder and uterus
rectouterine pouch
sac of peritoneum around uterus; between rectum and uterus
prolapse of the uterus
unsupported uterus may sink inferiorly, until tip of cervix protrudes through the external vaginal opening