Other Female Anatomy Flashcards
Function of the uterine/Fallopian tubes?
Assist in the transfer of the ovum from the ovary to the uterus
Epithelium of the uterine tubes?
Ciliated columnar and peg cells which supply the ovum with nutrients
Why is there smooth muscle in the uterine tubes?
Contracts to assist with transportation of the ova and sperm
Sensitive to sex steroids - peristalsis greatest when there is high oestrogen
Vascular supply of the uterine tubes?
Uterine and ovarian arteries and veins
Lymphatic drainage of the uterine tubes?
Iliac, sacral and aortic lymph nodes
Innervation of the uterine tubes?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic via ovarian and uterine (pelvic) plexuses
Sensory afferent from T11-L1
What is salpingitis?
Inflammation of the Fallopian tubes, usually caused by infection
What can be complications of salpingitis?
Adhesions of mucosa which can partially/completely block the lumen
Ectopic pregnancy/infertility
What can be complications of salpingitis?
Adhesions of mucosa which can partially/completely block the lumen
Ectopic pregnancy/infertility
Two methods of ligation of the uterine tubes?
Open abdominal via suprapubic incision
Laparoscopic via small incision near umbilicus
How does the peritoneal cavity have a link to the outside world?
Via the osteum of the uterine tube. In women only
What are the two regions of the cervix and what is the epithelium of each?
Ectocervix - stratified squamous
Endocervix - mucus-secreting simple columnar
What marks the transition from ecto to endocervix?
The external os
Functions of the cervix?
Facilitate transport of sperm into uterine cavity by dilation of internal and external os
Maintain sterility of upper female repro tract
How is the sterile environment of the cervix upwards maintained?
Frequent shedding of the endometrium
Thick cervical mucus
Narrow external os
Vascular supply of the cervix?
Same as the uterus
Uterine artery
Venous plexus draining into uterine veins
What is cervicitis?
Chronic inflammation and infection of the cervix
What can cause cervicitis?
Chlamydia trachomatis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
How can cervicitis present?
Asymptomatic Pelvic pain Vaginal discharge Post-coital bleeding Dyspareunia
Complications of cervicitis?
PID
Potential blockage of mucus ducts and cyst formation can increase risk of infertility due to an inhostile environment to sperm
What is the most common cancer affecting the female repro tract?
Cervical cancer
What are the two classifications of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma - affects epithelial lining of ectocervix
Adenocarcinoma - cancer of glands within the lining of the cervix
Describe the vagina
Distensible muscular tube
9cm long
Extends upwards and backwards from vestibule of external genitalia to the cervix
Functions of the vagina?
Receives penis and ejaculate during sex
Assists ejaculate transport to the uterus
Expands to provide a channel for delivery of a baby
Canal for menstrual fluid and tissue to leave the body
What is around the vagina?
Anteriorly - bladder and urethra
Posteriorly - rectum and anus
Laterally - ureters and uterine artery
Histological layers of the vagina?
Stratified squamous lining
Elastic lamina propria
Fibromuscular layer
Adventitia
Function of the stratified squamous layer in the vagina?
Provides protection Secretes glycogen (stimulated by oestrogen) which is digested by Lactobacillus vaginalis to produce lactic acid to keep it at a pH of 4.5 to prevent infection
Structure of the elastic lamina propria in the vagina?
Dense connective tissue
Projects papillae into overlying epithelium
Larger veins located here
What makes up the vaginal mucosa?
Lamina propria and epithelium
Structure of the fibromuscular layer of the vagina?
Two layers of smooth muscle
- inner circular
- outer longitudinal
Function of the adventitia?
Provides additional strength
Binds it to surrounding structures
Vascular supply to the vagina?
Uterine and vaginal arteries - branches of the internal iliac
Vaginal venous plexus into internal iliac vein via uterine vein
Lymphatic drainage of the vagina?
Iliac and superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Lymphatic drainage of the vagina?
Iliac and superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Innervation of the vagina?
Autonomic derived from uterovaginal nerve plexus (derived from the inferior hypogastric plexus and pelvic splanchnic nerves.
Inferior fibres of the plexus supply the superior part of the vagina
Inferior part of the vagina supplied by pudendal nerve branch called the deep perineal nerve
What is a vaginal fistula a result of?
A long childbirth where C section is not available - disease of poverty
As fetus moves down vagina, cuts off blood supply to the vaginal causing necrosis
Causes an open communication between the vagina and any adjacent pelvic organs
What are the three main types of vagina fistulae?
Vesicovaginal - urine always enters the vagina
Urethrovaginal - urine only enters on urination
Rectovaginal - fecal matter can enter
What can predispose people to vaginal infection?
Low oestrogen eg during pregnancy
Diabetes
Reduction in lactobacilli caused by antibiotics which can disrupt natural vaginal flora
Overgrowth and infections eg candidiasis (thrush) and bacterial vaginosis
