Female reproductive system Flashcards
components of vulva
mons pubis - fat layer in front of pubic symphysis
labia majora - larger, more lateral
labia minora - smaller and more medial
vestibule = between labia
clitoris
structure of clitoris
complex erectile organ
Glans, body, crura (x2), bulbs (x2)
Bulbs of vestibule are part of erectile tissue in clitoris of females
Developmentally homologous to the penis
Urethra does not pass through the clitoris, has separate opening
functions of female reproductive tract
Allows transport of sperm and ova to the site of fertilization
Provides a site for the developing embryo and fetus to grow – protection, nourishment
Delivery of fetus
structures in female reproductive tract
Ovary
Uterine tubes
Uterus (top end = fundus, rest = body)
Cervix
Vagina
structure of uterus
Anteverted - leans forward over urinary bladder
3 major components: fundus, body and cervix
Uterine wall has 3 layers: perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium
function of uterus
Movement of sperm, implantation of blastocyte
Retain and nourish embryo and fetus through pregnancy
Allow parturition (childbirth)
structure of uterine wall
Perimetrium - outer layer (connective tissue)
Myometrium - middle layer (smooth muscle)
Endometrium - inner layer (columnar epithelium, uterine glands and arteries). Layer that grows and sheds during menstrual cycle
3 parts of uterine tube
- infundibulum - most lateral, has fimbriae (fingerlike projections)
- ampulla - midportion, where fertilisation occurs
- isthmus - most medial
3 parts of cervix
external os
cervical canal
internal os
structure of vagina
Lies between the urinary bladder & rectum
Extends from the perineum to the cervix
fibromuscular, distensible female copulatory organ
blood supply to uterus
abdominal aorta –> common iliac –> uterine artery
blood supply to vagina
abdominal aorta –> vaginal artery
blood supply to ovaries
abdominal aorta –> ovarian arteries
types of arteries in uterus
Spiral arteries are coiled, for deep blood supply
Straight arteries don’t go as deep
Arcuate artery goes around uterus
structure of ovaries
Lateral and posterior side of the uterus in the lateral portion of the true pelvic cavity.
Outer cortex (follicles) and inner medulla (connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics)
function of ovaries
Site of oogenesis
Hormone production
4 ligaments
- broad ligament
- ovarian ligament - between uterus and ovaries
- suspensory ligament
- round ligament - laterally from uterine tubes
subdivisions of broad ligament
Mesometrium = over uterus
Mesosalpinx = over tube
Mesovarium = over ovary