Pelvic Walls, Floor and Contents - Female Flashcards
The external genital organs of the female are collectively known as the
vulva
What are the functions of the vulva?
Sensory tissue during sexual intercourse
Assist in micturition by directing flow of urine
Defend internal female reproductive tract from infection
What are the components of the vulva?
Mons pubis Labia majora Labia minora Vestibule Bartholin's glands Clitoris
What is the blood supply to the external female genitalia?
Paired pudendal arteries (internal branch contributes most)
What is the venous drainage of the external female genitalia?
Pudendal veins
What is the lymphatic drainage of the external female genitalia?
Superficial inguinal lymph nodes
What in the innervation of the external female genitalia?
Anterior portion - ilioinguinal nerve and genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
Posterior portion - pudendal nerve and posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh
Clitoris and vestibule also receive innervation from cavernous nerves
What is the vagina?
Distensible muscular tube which extends upwards and backwards from vestibule of external genitalia to the cervix
What are the biological functions of the vagina?
Receive penis and ejaculate in sexual intercourse and assist in transport to the uterus
Expand during childbirth to provide a channel for the baby
Serves as a canal for menstrual fluid and tissue to leave the body
What are the anterior, posterior and lateral relations of the vagina?
Anterior - bladder and urethra
Posterior - rectum and anus
Lateral - ureter and uterine artery
What are the layers of the vagina?
From internal to external;
Stratified squamous epithelium lining
Elastic lamina propria
Fibromuscular layer
Adventitia
What is the function of the stratified squamous epithelium lining of the vagina?
Provides protection, lubricated by cervical mucosa
What is the lamina propria of the vagina?
Dense connective tissue layer which projects papillae into the overlying epithelium, larger veins located here
What are the layers of the fibromuscular layer of the vagina?
2 layers of smooth muscle - inner circular and outer longitudinal layer
What is the function of the adventitia of the vagina?
Fibrous layer which provides additional strength to the vagina and binds it to surrounding structures
What is the blood supply of the vagina?
Uterina and vaginal arteries
What is the venous drainage of the vagina?
Vaginal venous plexus which drains into internal iliac veins via uterine veins
What is the lymphatic drainage of the vagina?
Iliac and superficial inguinal lymph nodes
What is the innervation of the vagina?
Uterovaginal nerve plexus
Deep perineal nerve
What is the cervix?
Lower portion of the uterus which connects vagina with main body of uterus
What are the components of the cervix?
Ectocervix
Internal and external os
Endocervix
What are the functions of the cervix?
Facilitates passage of sperm into uterine cavity via dilation of the external and internal os
Maintains sterility of upper female reproductive tract
How is the sterile environment of the upper female reproductive tract maintained?
By frequent shedding of the endometrium, thick cervical mucous and narrow external os
What is the uterus?
Thick walled muscular organ capable of expansion to accommodate a growing foetus
What are the main parts of the uterus?
Fundus
Body
Cervix
What changes the exact location of the uterus?
Degree of distension of the bladder
What position is the normal uterus in?
Anteverted with respect to the vagina and anteflexed with respect to the cervix
Where is the uterus in relation to the rectum and bladder?
Uterus lies immediately posterosuperior to the bladder and anterior to the rectum
What are the layers of the fundus and body of the uterus?
Perimetrium
Myometrium
Endometrium
What part of the endometrium proliferates in response to oestrogen and becomes secretary in response to progesterone?
Superficial stratus functionalis