Pelvic Walls, Floor and Contents (Female)

Question 1

What are the functions of the female organs?

Answer 1

Vulva - defend internal vagina from infection, provides sensation during sex and directs urine

Vagina - Sexual intercourse, channel for childbirth and where menstrual fluid passes

Cervix - Passage of sperm into uterine cavity and maintains sterility of upper female reproductive tract

Uterus - Maintenance and transportation of gametes, accomodates fetus

Fallopian tube - Transfer and transport of ovum from ovary to uterus

Ovaries - produce oocytes and produce sex steroid hormones oestrogen and progesterone in response to LH & FSH

Question 2

How is the Uterus supported?

Answer 2

Superior segment - Broad & round ligaments

Middle segment - Cardinal, pubocervical and uterosacral ligaments

Inferior segment - Levator Ani muscle, perineal body and perineum membrane (Pelvic floor)

Question 3

How are the ovaries connected to the uterus?

Answer 3

The ovaries are connected to the uterus by the ovarian ligament

Question 4

What is the perineum and what are its boundaries?

Answer 4

An anatomical region in the pelvis

1) Located between thighs
2) Seperated from pelvic cavity superiorly by the pelvic floor

Borders:

Anterior - pubic symphysis

Posterior - tip of coccyx

Laterally - inferior pubic rami and sacrotuberous ligament

Roof - pelvic floor

Base - skin & fascia

3) The perineum can be split by a line drawn transversely between both ischial tuberosities, creating an anterior urogenital triangle and a posterior anal triangle

Question 5

What is the broad ligaments and with which reproductive organs is it associated?

Answer 5

Broad sheet of peritoneum

Associated with:

Ovaries

Fallopian Tubes

Uterus

Question 6

From where in the pelvis does the broad ligament originate?

Answer 6

Lateral walls of both sides of pelvis

Question 7

What are the peritoneal folds found within the female pelvis?

Answer 7

Vesicouterine pouch - Pouch formed by fold of peritoneum between bladder and uterus

Rectouterine pouch - Pouch formed by fold of peritoneum between the rectum and uterus

Question 8

Between which 2 pelvic organs is the angle of anteflexion formed?

Answer 8

Uterus and cervix

Question 9

Between which 2 pelvic organs is the angle of antiversion formed?

Answer 9

Cervix and vagina

Question 10

What are the internal and external os?

Answer 10

External os - Marks the transition from ectocervix to endocervix

Internal os - Marks the transition from endocervic to uterine cavity

Question 11

What are the anterior and posterior fornix?

Answer 11

Posterior fornix - Recess behind cervix, next to rectouterine pouch

Anterior fornix - Recess anterior to cervix, next to vesicouterine pouch

Question 12

From which embryological structure is the round ligament of uterus a remnant of?

Answer 12

Ovarian Gubernaculum

Question 13

What is the aterial supply to the uterus?

Answer 13

Uterine artery

Question 14

The uterine artery is a branch of which major artery in the pelvis?

Answer 14

Internal Iliac artery

Question 15

What is the aterial supply to the ovary?

Answer 15

Ovarian artery

Question 16

From which major artery is the ovarian artery a branch of?

Answer 16

Abdominal aorta

Question 17

Does the uterine artery pass under or over the ureters? How do you remember this?

Answer 17

Uterine artery passes OVER the ureters - water under the bridge

Question 18

What are the functions of the placenta?

Answer 18

1 - Synthesis of glycogen

2 - Transport of gases and nutrients

3 - Production of hCG hormone

Question 19

What are the 3 main components of the umbilical cord?

Answer 19

1 - Whartons Jelly

2 - 2 arteries

3 - 1 vein