Gynecologic Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
What are the components of the pelvic bones?
Two hip bones (innominate bones): pubis, ischium, ilium. Sacrum and coccyx form the posterior pelvis. Four pelvic types: gynecoid, android, anthropoid, platypelloid.
What provides pelvic support?
Muscles and connective tissue of the pelvic floor, vaginal wall, and endopelvic connective tissue. Key components: Levator ani, coccygeus muscles, perineal membrane, and fascia forming a supportive sling.
What is the vulva?
Externally visible outer genitalia, including: Mons pubis, labia majora/minora, clitoris, urinary meatus, vaginal opening.
What is unique about the clitoris?
Female homologue of the male penis, formed from the genital tubercle. Contains two paired erectile chambers and numerous nerve endings, providing sensitivity.
What are Skene’s and Bartholin’s glands?
Skene’s glands: Open into the vulva and release mucus.
Bartholin’s glands: Secrete clear/whitish mucus during sexual arousal.
What are the ovaries and their functions?
Almond-shaped paired organs that produce ova and sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Divided into cortex, medulla, and hilum; supplied by ovarian arteries.
What are the fallopian tubes, and how do they function?
Narrow muscular tubes divided into four segments: pars interstitialis, isthmus, ampulla, infundibulum. Cilia in the mucosal lining help transport ova toward the uterus.
What are the regions and layers of the uterus?
Regions: Fundus, body, cervix.
Wall layers: Endometrium (inner), myometrium (muscle), and serosa (outer).
What is the structure of the vagina?
Thin-walled tube with layers: mucosa, muscle, and adventitia. Rich vascular supply provides lubrication and supports expansion during intercourse/childbirth.
What are the phases of the ovarian cycle?
Follicular phase: Day 1–14, follicle development.
Ovulation: Ovum released after peak luteinizing hormone.
Luteal phase: Corpus luteum forms, functioning for 8 days before regression.
What are the phases of the endometrial cycle?
Proliferative phase: Regrowth of endometrium (days 4/5–14).
Secretory phase: Prepares for implantation (days 15–28).
Menstrual phase: Shedding of the endometrium (3–5 days).
What cyclic changes occur in reproductive organs?
Cervix: Mucus and firmness changes.
Fallopian tubes: Mobility alterations.
Vagina: Changes in pH and secretions.
What role does the hypothalamus and pituitary gland play in gynecology?
Hypothalamus: Controls pituitary via releasing/inhibiting hormones.
Pituitary: Synthesizes seven hormones regulating reproductive functions.
What are the four pelvic types?
Gynecoid: Classic female pelvis, rounded shape, best suited for childbirth.
Android: Heart-shaped, more common in males; may cause difficulty during labor.
Anthropoid: Oval shape, narrow inlet, and outlet; may allow for delivery but with challenges.
Platypelloid: Flat and wide, rare, often associated with delivery complications.
What is the hormonal feedback system in gynecology?
GnRH: Released by the hypothalamus; stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH.
FSH: Promotes follicular growth in the ovary.
LH: Triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
Estrogen: Produced by growing follicles; promotes endometrial proliferation.
Progesterone: Secreted by the corpus luteum; stabilizes the endometrium for implantation.
Inhibin: Suppresses FSH to regulate the cycle.
