Lecture 36: FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM 1 Flashcards
What are the functions of the female reproductive system?
- produce oocytes (female gametes)
- transport ova and spermatozoa to the appropriate site for fertilization
- provides a site for the developing embryo and fetes to grow (protection and nourishment)
- delivery of fetus
What is the perineum?
The region inferior to the pelvic floor and between upper region of the thighs
What is in the urogenital triangle?
External genitalia (vulva)
What is in the anal triangle?
Anus
What makes up the vulva?
The mons pubis and labia
What is the mons pubis?
In front of the pubic symphysis
What is the labia?
2 lip-like structures
What are the components of the labia?
Major (labia majora) and minor (labia minor)
What is the labia majora?
Larger and more lateral
What is the labia minor?
Smaller and more medial
What is the space between the labia?
Vestibule (associated with the vagina)
What is deep in the labia?
Vestibular glands which lubricate the vaginal orifice
What does the labia minora do?
Spreads around the vagina and the urethral (meatus) openings
What is the clitoris?
A complex erectile organ
What makes up the clitoris?
glans, body, crura (x2) and bulbs (x2)
What is the clitoris developmentally homologous to?
The penis
Does the urethra pass through the clitoris?
No, it has a separate opening
What are the components of the female reproductive tract?
ovary, uterine tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina
What are the parts of the uterine tube?
Infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus
What is the most lateral portion of the uterine tubes?
Infundibulum
What is the infundibulum?
Funnel shaped with finger like projections called fimbriae
What is the mid-portion of the uterine tubes?
Ampulla
What is the ampulla?
Dilated area where fertilisation occurs (normally)
What is the most medial portion of the uterine tube?
Isthmus
What does isthmus mean?
Narrow passage
Where is the uterus?
Posterior and overlaying the bladder
What is the uterus made up of?
The body (including the fundus) and the cervix
What are the layers of the uterus?
perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium
What is the outer layer of the uterus?
Perimetrium
What is the perimetrium?
Connective tissue
What is the middle layer of the uterus?
Myometrium
What is the myometrium?
Smooth muscle
What is the inner layer of the uterus?
Endometrium
What is the endometrium?
Columnar epithelium, uterine glands and arteries
What are the layers of the endometrium?
Functional and basal
What is the layer that grows and sheds during the menstrual cycle?
Endometrium
What does the cervical canal provide?
A passage between the uterine cavity and vagina
What is in the cervix?
Internal os, cervical canal and external os
What are the spaces between the vagina and cervix?
Anterior and posterior formix
What does the cervix produce?
Mucus
What does the cervix regulate?
Sperm transport
What is the vagina?
A fibromuscular, distensible (rugae) female copulatory organ
What does the vagina function as?
Part of the birth canal
What does the vagina lie between?
The urinary bladder and rectum
Where does the vagina extend from?
The perineum to the cervix
What is the blood supply of female reproductive system made of?
Direct branches off the abdominal aorta and internal iliac arteries (often connect)
What is the blood supply of the ovaries?
Ovarian arteries (from abdominal aorta)
What is the blood supply of the uterus?
uterine artery, arcuate arteries, radial artery, straight artery, spiral (coiled) artery (from internal iliac artery)
What is the blood supply of the vagina?
Vaginal artery
What are the ovaries?
Paired structures found lateral and posterior to the uterus in the lateral portion of the true pelvic cavity
What is the ovary made up of?
The outer cortex (follicles) and inner medulla (connective tissue, blood/lymphatic vessels, nerves)
What are the ovaries the site of?
Oogenesis and hormone production such as estradiol
Where do oocytes develop?
Within the follicles of the ovaries
what is the broad ligament?
Where the two layers of the peritoneum meet
What does the peritoneum do?
Folds and presses over structures to create other ligaments
What are the ligaments the broad ligament makes?
Mesometrium, mesosalpinx and mesovarium
What does the mesometrium do?
Connects to the uterus
What does the mesosalpinx do?
Connects to the uterine tube
What does the mesovarium do?
Connects to the ovary
What are other ligaments of the female reproductive system?
Ovarian ligament, suspensory ligament, round ligament
What is the vesicouterine pouch?
Continuous fold of broad ligament (visceral peritoneum) over bladder (space between bladder and uterus)
What is the rectouterine pouch?
Continuous fold of broad ligament (visceral peritoneum) over posteriorly located rectum (space between rectum and uterus)
What is the function of the breasts?
Nourish infants - milk (lactation)
What do the mammary glands lie on?
The pectoralis muscle
What stimulates the development of breast tissue?
Estradiol and progesterone
What makes up the structure of mammary glands?
lobes > lobules > alveoli > lactiferous ducts > lactiferous sinuses that open at nipple pores
How many lobes per mammary gland?
15-20 separated by fibrous and adipose tissue
What supports the mammary glands?
Suspensory ligaments (from skin to pectoralis)
