Normal Anatomy of the Female Pelvis Flashcards
What are the four functions of the reproductive system?
○ To produce eggs and sperm cells
○ To transport and sustain these cells
○ To nurture developing offspring
To produce hormones
Describe the anatomy of the ovaries
Ovaries are the primary reproductive organ of the female
○ They lie either side of the uterus, in the lateral wall of the pelvic cavity
○ Endocrine cells in the ovary surround the developing egg and are called follicle cells
What is the cul-de-sac?
Cul-de-sac = POD
○ Most posterior and inferior reflection of the peritoneal cavity
○ Potential space
○ Frequently the initial site for intraperitoneal fluid collection
Can be a normal finding
Are the fallopian tubes easy to visualise?
Non-distended Fallopian tubes are difficult to visualise due to the small intraluminal size and serpiginous course
○ Visualisation can be facilitated by intraperitoneal fluid in POD and by placing the patient in reverse Trendelenburg
Fimbriated ends can sometimes be appreciated near the ovary
Describe the ovarian location in related to the uterus.
○ Usually posterolateral
○ In a retroverted uterus, ovaries tend to be lateral and superior near the fundus
○ When enlarged, ovaries can be superior and lateral
After hysterectomy, ovaries tend to be medial and directly superior to vaginal cuff
What happens to the ovaries during the menstrual cycle?
During early proliferative phase, follicles are stimulated by FSH and LH and increase in size up to day 8 or 9 in the cycle
- One follicle becomes dominant and increases in size up to 2-2.5cm, others become atretic
○ Follicular cyst develops if one of the non-dominant follicles is not reabsorbed
After ovulation, CL develops. Involutes before menstruation
Size and aspect relates to age and phase of follicular development
○ Average 4.2cc, upper limit 8cc
What happens to the ovaries after menopause?
After menopause, ovaries atrophie and follicles disappear over subsequent years
