Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What are the functions of the female reproductive system?
produces secondary oocytes and hormones
provides sites of fertilisation, implantation and development and the delivery of the foetus.
What are the functions of the uterus
- Pathway for sperm to reach the fallopian tubes
- To receive, retain, protect and nourish the fertilised ovum and developing embryo / fetus
- To expel the mature foetus at the end of pregnancy
What is the structure and position of the uterus?
- Hollow, muscular organ within the
pelvis - Pear shaped.
- Positioned anterior to the rectum
and posterior to the bladder in non pregnant females - It lies mostly within the pelvis cavity
- In non pregnant women it measures approximately 7.5cm in length and 5cm in diameter.
- It is nearly 2.5cm thick.
What are the divisions of the uterus?
• Fundus – top part
• Body / corpus – central part
• Cervix – lower part projecting into the vagina
The body of the uterus is divided into 3 layers, what are they?
- Endometrium – inner mucosal layer which undergoes the cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle and is shed during menstruation
- Myometrium – the thick muscular middle layer responsible for uterine contractions
during menstruation and childbirth - Serosa (perimetrium) – the outermost think peritoneal later covering the uterus
What is the position of the uterus?
It is held in place by ligaments – 2 of each
• Uterosacral ligaments from posterior cervix to sacrum
• Cardinal ligaments from side of cervix to ischial spines
• Pubocervical ligament
• From side of cervix to pubic symph
Whet is the blood supply to the uterus?
- Arterial blood passes into the internal iliac artery and then into the uterine arteries.
- The uterus has an extensive blood supply which is essential to support regrowth of the endometrium and implantation of the ovum and development of the placenta.
