Repro 5.1 female anatomy Flashcards

1
Q

What are the main components of the female reproductive tract?

A
  • ovaries
  • uterus
  • uterine tubes
  • cervix
  • vagina
  • external genitalia (labia majora/minora, clitoris, etc)
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2
Q

where do the ovaries develop originally?

A

the mesonephric ridge (urogenital ridge)

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3
Q

Where are the ovaries situated?

A

Within the pelvis, not descended outside the body like the testes.

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4
Q

What are the main funtions of the ovaries?

A
  • to produce oocytes

- to produce sex steroids progesterone and oestrogen.

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5
Q

What are the 2 main anatomical components of the ovary?

A

medulla

cortex

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6
Q

Whats the function of the cortex?

A

Made of connective tissue stroma and many primordial follicles.

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7
Q

What’s the function/make up of the medulla?

A

Made of supporting stroma and rich vasculature.

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8
Q

How does neurvasculature enter the ovaries?

A

Via the mesovarium.

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9
Q

What is the mesovarium?

A

a fold of peritoneum which is continuous with the outer surface of the ovaries.

IT connects the ovaries to the posterior uterine wall.

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10
Q

What is the epithelial layer of the surface of the ovaries?

A

simple cuboidal epithelium, also known as germinal epithelium.

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11
Q

What are ovarian cysts?

A

Fluid filled masses on the surface of the ovary, commonly from follicles.

Can grow up to 2.5cm.

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12
Q

What are some complications of ovarian cysts and how would you deal with them?

A

bleeding, pain

would surgically remove them

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13
Q

How is PCOS characterised?

whats the criteria?

A

10+ ovarian cysts

hormonal dysfunction

(often associated infertility)

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14
Q

What are the common cells involved in ovarian tumours?

A
  • epithelial cells (ovarian adenocarcinoma)

- germ cells (teratoma- usually benign)

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15
Q

What are the 2 ligaments associated with the ovaries?

A

-suspensory ligament of the ovary- attaches it from the mesovarium to the pelvic wall.

Ligament of the ovary- from the ovary to the fundus of the uterus. (continues as the round ligament of the uterus)

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16
Q

Where do the ovaries recieve their blood from?

A

ovarian artery (direct branch from the abdominal aorta)

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17
Q

What’s the venous drainage of the ovaries?

A

-left and right ovarian veins.

left drains into the left renal vein, right drains striaght into the IVC

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18
Q

Where does the lymph from the ovaries drain?

A

Para-aortic lymph nodes.

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19
Q

from where do the ovaries receive their nervous supply:
a) sympathetic

b) parasympathetic

A

a) ovarian plexus

b) pelvic plexus.

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20
Q

What is the location of the uterine ducts?

A

run within the upper border of the broad ligament.

extend from the lateral uterus and open into the abdominal cavity near tot he ovaries.

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21
Q

What’s the main function of the uterine tubes?

A

to transport the ovum from the ovaries to the uterus.

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22
Q

What factors aid the uterine tube in moving the ovum?

A
  • cillia on the inner mucosa
  • peg cells (non-ciliated secretory cells) to provide the ovum with nutrients,
  • smooth msucle layer undergoes peristalsis.
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23
Q

What are the 4 sections of the uterine tube>

A

Fimbria (finger like projections)

infundibulum (funnel shaped)

ampulla (widest section, where fertilisation usually occurs)

isthmus (connection to uterine cavity)

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24
Q

Where do the uterine tubes receive their blood supply from?

A

uterine and ovarian arteries.

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25
Q

What is the venous drainage of the uterine tubes?

A

uterine and ovarian veins

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26
Q

What is the lymphatic drainage of the uterine tubes?

A
  • sacral
  • iliac
  • para-aortic lymph nodes
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27
Q

What’s the innervation of the uterine tubes?

A

sympathetic- from the ovarian plexus

parasympathetic- from the pelvic plexus

Sensory fibres from T11-L1.

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28
Q

What’s the name given to inflammation of the uterine tubes?

A

Salpingitis.

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29
Q

What’s the common cause of salpingitis?

A

Bacterial infections, eg ghonorrhoea

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30
Q

What are the complications associated with salpingitis?

A

adhesions of the mucosa which can cause blockages of the lumen. This can cause infertility or an ectopic pregnancy.

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31
Q

How can a partially obstructed uterine tube lead to an ectopic pregnancy?

A

The sperm can pass the occlusion to fertilise the egg, but the fertilised egg cannot pass, so will stay and try to grow wihtin the uterine tubes.

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32
Q

Why are ectopic pregnancys classed as a medical emergency?

A

the tissue of the uterine tube isn’t made for implantation, so can rupture leading to haemorrhage.

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33
Q

What is ligation of the uterine tubes?

A

Cutting of them, used to sterilise someone so they can not longer get pregnant.

The oocyte cannot pass to the uterus.

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34
Q

What are the 2 methods of ligation?

A
  • open abdominal (via a suprapubic incision)

- laparoscopic (using a small incision near the umbillicus and a laparoscope).

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35
Q

What are the 2 connections of the uterus?

A

laterally-uterine tubes

distally- vagina

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36
Q

What are the 3 parts of the uterus?

A
  • fundus (located above the opening of the uterine tubes)
  • body
  • cervix
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37
Q

Describe the anatomical position of the uterus in the average adult

A
  • anterverted with respect tot he vagina

- anteflexed wtih respect to the cervix.

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38
Q

Where does the uterus lie with respect to the bladder?

A

Posteriosuperiorly.

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39
Q

What are the common abnormal positions of the uterus?

A
  • excessively anteflexed
  • anterflexed and retroverted
  • retrofelxed and retroverted.
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40
Q

What problems can an abnormally positioned uterus cause?

A

Normally doesn’t cause any problems

a retroverted uterus lies directly above the vagina so is more likely to prolapse when there is increased abdominal pressure.

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41
Q

What are the 3 histological layers of the uterus?

A
  • peritoneum (known as perimetrium)
  • myometrium (smooth muscle layer, undergoes hyperplasia and hypertrophy to help expell the foetus at birth)
  • endometrium-further subdivided.
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42
Q

What are the 2 distinctive layers fo the endometrium?

A

(deep) stratum basalis

(sueprfiical) statum functionalis

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43
Q

Which layer of the uterus is shed during menstruation?

A

The startum functionalis.

Also responds to the oestrogens to proliferate, and becomes secretory in response to the progesterones.

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44
Q

What are the main ligaments of the uterus?

A
  • broad ligament
  • round ligament
  • ovarian ligament
  • cardinal ligament
  • uterosacral ligament
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45
Q

Describe features of the broad ligament.

A

attaches the sides of the uterus to the pelvis.

Double layer of peritoneum which acts as the mesentery of the uterus.

46
Q

Describe the round ligament of the uterus.

A

Remenant of the gubernaculum, and an extension of the ovarian ligament.
Connects the uterine horns to the labia majora (via inguinal canal)

Maintains anteverted position of the uterus.

47
Q

What does the cardinal ligament of the uterus do?

A

attached the lateral cervix to the lateral pelvic walls.

48
Q

What does the cardinal ligament of the uterus contain and where is it found?

A

Uterine artery and vein.

Found in the base of the broad ligament.

49
Q

what does the uterosacral ligament do?

A

Connects the cervix to the sacrum.

50
Q

What is the blood supply to the uterus?

A

Uterine artery

51
Q

What is the venous return of the uterus?

A

a venous plexus found wihthin the broad ligament, which drains into the uterine ligament.

52
Q

What’s the lymphatic drainage of the uterus?

A
  • illiac
  • sacral
  • aortic
  • inguinal lymph nodes
53
Q

What is a hysterectomy?

A

Surgical removal of the uterus.

54
Q

When is a hysterectomy performed?

A

Usually following a uterine or cervical cancer.

Sometimes as a last resort for menstrual dysfunction.

55
Q

What is endometriosis?

A

Ectopic uterine tissue. (usually ovaries or ligaments)

still responsive to hormones so often forms cysts.

Can lead to irregular bleeding, and/or fertility.

56
Q

What are fibroids?

A

benign growths of the endometrium.

OEstrogen dependant (grow in response to pregnancy/contraceptive pill, regress after menopause)

57
Q

What can be some symptoms of fibroids?

A

menorrhagia
pelvic pain
infertility

58
Q

What is the name given to malignancy of the endometium?

A

endometrial carcinoma

59
Q

Where is endometrial cancer most often found?

A

in the transfromation zone between the collumnar epithelium of the endocervix and the stratified squamous epithelium of the ectocervix.

60
Q

What are the 2 portions of the cervix?

A

Endocervix

Ectocervix

61
Q

What is the ectocervix?

What’s its lining

A

The portion that projects into the vagina,
It’s opening is the external os
it is lined by stratified squmoaus non keratinised epithelia.

62
Q

What is the portion of the cervix between the endocervix and the ectocervix called?

A

Endocervical canal.

63
Q

What is the lining of the endocervical canal?

A

simple collumnar epithelium.

It is mucus secreting.

64
Q

What is the point at which the uterus becomes the endocervix called?

A

Internal os.

65
Q

What are the functions of the cervix?

A
  • to help the passage of sperm by dilation of the external and internal os.
  • to help keep the upper female reproductive tract sterile. (aided by frequent shedding of the endometrium)
66
Q

What’s the arterial supply of the cervix?

A

Uterine artery

67
Q

What’s the venous drainage of the cervix?

A

Via a uterine plexus within the broad ligament which drains into the uterine vein.

68
Q

What is the lymphatic drainage of the cervix?

A

iliac
sacral
aortis
inguinal lymph nodes

69
Q

What is cervicits?

What are the common causes?

A

Chronic inflammation of the cervix,

Commonly caused by neisseria ghornorrhoea, and Chlamydia trachomatis.

70
Q

What are some symptoms of cervicitis?

A

usually asymptomatic

pevic pain,
vaginal discharge
postcoital bleeding
pain during sex

71
Q

What is the medical name given to pain during sex?

A

dysparuenia.

72
Q

What are the main complications of cericitis?

A

PID.

Infertility (due to increased hostility for sperm, blockage of mucus ducts etc)

73
Q

What is the main known cause of cervical cancer?

A

Human papilloma virus. (HPV)

74
Q

What are the 2 types of cervical cancer you can get?

A

squmaous cell carcinoma (ectocervix)

cervical adenocarcinoma (endocervix)

75
Q

How long is the vagina?

A

~9cm

76
Q

What are the functions of the vagina?

A

intercourse
delivery channel for newborns
exit for menstrual fluid and tissue

77
Q

What are the anatomical relations of the vagina?

A

-anteiorly- bladder and urethra
-laterally- ureter and uterine artery
posterior- rectum and anus

78
Q

Give examples of vaginal fistulae.

A
  • rectovaginal fistulae
  • vesicovaginal fistulae
  • urethrovaginal fistuale
79
Q

What are some complications of vaginal fistulae?

A
  • bacterial from the rectum and anus could lead to infections
  • urine can enter vagina
80
Q

What’s the usual cause of vaginal fistuale and why?

A

Long traumatic child birth.

Foetus cuts of blood supply to the vaginal wall and necrosis occurs. Can lead to open communication with nearby structures.

81
Q

What are the layers of the vagina?

A
  • epithelia (stratified squamous)
  • lamina propria
  • fibromuscular layer (2 SM layers, inner circular, outer longitudinal)
  • adventitia
82
Q

The epithelium of the vagina responds to which hormone?

What is the relevance of the response?

A

Oestrogen, responds by producing glycogen.

This is nutrients for the lactobacillus microbiota, which convert glycogen to lactate, and produce the acidic pH of the vagina.

83
Q

What is the normal pH of the vagina?

Why is this relevant?

A

around 4.5

prevents colonisation by other bacteria.

84
Q

what can lead to vaginal infections?

A

Depletion of lactobacilli by antibiotics,

low oestrogen levels, eg diabetes, during pregnancy

85
Q

What are common vaginal infections?

A

Candida albicans–> Trush,

bacterial vaginosis

86
Q

What is the arterial supply to the vagina?

A

Uterine and vaginal arteries (branches of the internal iliac artery)

87
Q

What is the venous return of the vagina?

A

vaginal venous plexus, which drains into the uterine vein then the internal iliac vein.

88
Q

What is the lymphatic drainage of the vagina?

A

iliac and superficial inguinal nodes.

89
Q

Whats the difference in innervation of the superior and inferior vagina?

A

Superior- via the inferior fibres of the uterovaginal plexus

inferior- via the pudendal nerve.

90
Q

What is the name given to the external genital organs of the female?

A

Vulva

91
Q

What is the function of the vulva?

A
  • sensation during intercourse
  • assist micturition (direction)
  • defend internal female against infections
92
Q

What components make up the vulva?

A
  • labia majora
  • labia minora
  • clitoris
  • mons pubis
  • bartholins glands
  • vestibule
93
Q

What is the vestibule?

A

The area between and surrounding the labia.

The vaginal oriface and urethral opening open here.

94
Q

What is the function of bartholins glands and where are they located?

A

either side of the vaginal orriface, they secrete lubricating mucus for sexual intercourse.

95
Q

What’s the embryological origin of the labia minora?

A

genital folds

96
Q

What’s the embryological origin of the clitoris?

A

genital tubercle

97
Q

What’s the emrbyological origin of the labia majora?

A

labioscrotal swellings.

98
Q

What tissue is the clitoris made of?

A

Corpora cavernosa erectile tissue- it engorges with blood when stimulated.

99
Q

What is some pathology affecting Bartholins glands?

A

bartholinitis (infection resulting in inflammation)

Bartholins cysts (when they get blocked but theres no infection)

100
Q

What is the arterial and venous blood supply of the vulva?

A

Pudendal arteries and pudendal veins (which engorge with blood during sexual stimulation)

101
Q

What is the lymphatic drainage of the vulva?

A

Superficial inguinal nodes

102
Q

What 2 types of innervation does the vulva recieve?

A

Sensory

parasympathetic

103
Q

Describe the sensory innervation of the vulva.

A

anteriorly- via the illioinguinal nerve and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve.

Posteriorly- by the pudendal nerve and the posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh.

104
Q

What are the subdivisions of the borad ligament?

A

Mesometrium
mesosalpinx
mesovarium

105
Q

Describe features of the mesometrium.

A

A subdivison of the broad ligament.
Covers the external iliac vessels.
Encloses proximal part of the round ligament of the uterus.

106
Q

Describe features of the mesovarium?

A

It doesnt actually cover the surface of the ovaries themselves, but attaches to the hilum of them instead and encloses the neurovascular supply.

107
Q

What ligaments are located within the broad ligament?

A
  • ovariean ligament
  • round ligament of the uterus
  • suspensory ligament of ovary
108
Q

What is the anatomical relationships of the suspensory ligament of the ovary?

A
  • connects ovary to lateral abdominal wall.

- contains the ovarian artery, vein, nerve plexus and lymphatic vessel)

109
Q

What 3 ligaments support the cervix?

A
  • cardinal ligaments
  • pubocervical ligament
  • uterosacral ligament
110
Q

What structures support the inferior uterus?

A

The pelvic floor muscles.

111
Q

Where do the pubocervical ligaments attach?

A

The anterior cervix to the posterior pubic symphesis