Lecture 2 - Female repro system Flashcards
Functions of the ovary
To produce ova
Site of oogenesis
Where are gametes formed
In the germinal epithelium of the ovarian surface
Why do some females get sharp pain in the iliac fossa during ovulation?
On day 14
The mature ovum ruptures the peritoneum of the ovary
Parts of the uterus
Fundus - top
Body
Cervix - internal and external os
Myometrium - smooth muscle
Endometrium - simple columnar epithelium
Structure of the Fallopian tubes
Fimbrae - Increase SA to catch ovum in peritoneal cavity
Infundibulum
Ampulla
Isthmus
Contain cilia which enable transport of the ova to the uterus
Cervix
Part of the uterus that invaginates into the vagina
Produces cervical mucus which changes consistency and pH
Fibrous
Hormonal changes can occur due to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
Pouches
Vesicouterine pouch
Rectouterine pouch - Pouch of Douglas
Can be a site of fluid collection and infection
Endometriosis
Ectopic endometrial tissue dispensed to various sites along the peritoneal cavity and beyond
Can cause:
- dysmenorrhea
- infertility
Uterus in relation to the bladder
Superior and posterior
Cervix epithelial linings
Stratified squamous epithelium - outside
Simple columnar epithelium
Transformation zone
Point of transition
Higher chance of neoplasia and malignancy
Fornix
Space between the cervix and vagina
Uterus expansion
Accommodates for growing fetus
at 40 weeks - fundus is near transverse colon
- compresses rectum - constipation
- compresses bladder - urinary frequency
- gastric reflux
Ligament expansion can cause pain
Ectopic pregnancy
Inappropriate implantation of embryo into a site other than the upper uterus
Most commonly the ampulla of the fallopian tubes
Medical emergency as can cause haemorrhage
Why might an embryo implant in the fallopian tube
Narrow tubes
Blocked due to scarring and chronic infection
Why does haemorrhage occur in ectopic pregnancies
The decidual reaction does not occur in sites other than the uterus which prevents the embryo from implanting too far.
Why can uterine infections spread to the peritoneum?
The uterine tubes open up into the peritoneal cavity therefore acts as a conduit for infection spread
(Egg released into the peritoneal cavity for a moment before being picked up by fimbriae and into the fallopian tube)
Peritoneal ligaments
Broad ligament
Round ligament
Suspensory ligament
Ligament of ovary
Broad ligament
Peritoneal fold
Attaches to the uterus and to pelvic sidewalls
Round ligament
Remnant of the gubernaculum
Ovarian ligament
Remnant of the gubernaculum
Attaches the ovary to the uterus
Suspensory ligament
The neurovascular bundle (ovarian artery and vein) runs through the suspensory ligament
Tents peritoneum up
Three parts of the broad ligament
Mesometrium - connects to endometrium
Mesosalpinx - around fallopian tubes
Mesovarium - around ovary and ovarian ligament
What does the internal iliac artery and vein pass through
Broad ligament - acts as a mesentery
