Reproduction 2 - Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What are some of the female reproductive organs?
- Uterus
- Fallopian tubes
- Vagina
- Ovaries
Is the duct system of the female reproductive tract short or long?
The duct system for the transference of gametes is short, and leads from the ovaries to the uterus, where implantation and development of the zygote occurs.
Where does implantation and development of the zygote occur?
The Uterus
What are the 3 structures of the birth canal?
Cervix
Vagina
Vulva
What are the 3 layers of the uterus?
Perimetrium – outer serous coat, made of peritoneum supported by thin layer of connective tissue
Myometrium – middle muscular coat of smooth muscle which gradually becomes distended during pregnanct, main branches of blood vessels and nerves are located here
Endometrium – inner mucous coat
In what layer of the uterus are the main blood vessels and nerves located?
Myometrium
As pregnancy advances, how can the uterus be split physiologically?
As pregnancy advances the uterus physiologically has an ‘upper’ segment and a ‘lower segment’
What area of the uterine body does the lower segment develop from?
Isthmus
When a caesarean delivery is done which part of the uterus is opened to deliver the baby?
Lower Segment
What area develops into the lower segment of the uterus during pregnancy?
The area between the cervix and uterus develops into the lower segment
What kind of incision is used for caesarean section?
When a caesarean section is required the uterus is opened at the lower segment with a transverse incision for delivery of the baby (Pfannenstiel)
Describe the normal position of the uterus?
The normal position of the uterus is ‘anteflexed’ and ‘anteverted’
What is the opposite of anteverted and anteflexed?
Retroverted and retroflexed
What could happen if the position of the uterus is very retroverted and retroflexed, particularly in early pregnancy? Think of the position of the other organs…
Bladder or rectum problems
At any surgical management of miscarriage why might it be important to know prior to instrumentation of the uterine cavity whether the uterus is anteverted or retroverted?
Could perforate the uterus
What peritoneal spaces are around the vagina?
rectouterine and uterovesical peritoneal spaces
What are the fornices of the vagina?
Definition – recess around the protruding cervix
1) Anterior – fundus of urinary bladder and urethra
2) Lateral – levator ani, visceral pelvic fascia and ureters
3) Posterior – anal canal, rectum and recto-uterine pouch
How many fornices of the vagina are they?
3
What forms the following fornices of the vagina:
- anterior
- lateral
- posterior
1) Anterior – fundus of urinary bladder and urethra
2) Lateral – levator ani, visceral pelvic fascia and ureters
3) Posterior – anal canal, rectum and recto-uterine pouch
Through which vaginal fornix you can access the rectouterine pouch? What is the clinical significance of this?
Posterior fornix
What are the ligamentous attachments that anchors the uterus and cervix in position?
- Ligament of ovary
- Suspensory ligament of ovary
- Round ligament of uterus
- Broad ligament
Which ligament (part of the pelvic fascia, which is one of the main supports of the uterus) is called the cardinal ligament of the uterus?
Broad ligament of uterus
Apart from pelvic fascia, what other structure in the pelvis is also an important support of the uterus?
Muscles of pelvic floor (perineal muscles)
What is the difference between the cervix and the uterus in terms of movement?
In the pelvis the cervix is a fixed structure, supported by strong ligaments to prevent movement. The uterus is supported, but has ability to move, especially when increasing in size during pregnancy.
What are the 4 parts of the uterine tubes?
1) Infundibulum
2) Ampulla
3) Isthmus
4) Intramural or uterine part
What part of the uterine tube is the longest and widest?
Ampulla
Fertilisation occurs in which part of the uterine tube?
Ampulla
What is meant by tubal (ectopic) pregnancy?
Implantation occurs in mucosa of uterine tube (most commonly ampulla) due to blastocyst failing to reach the uterus
What might a cornual ectopic pregnancy be?
Implantation occurs in the cavity of a rudimentary horn of the uterus
Where are the ovaries located?
The ovaries are located in the lateral walls of the pelvis, supported by 2 ligaments.
What happens to the ovaries after menopause?
After menopause they become atrophied and fibrous
What are the two ligaments associated with the ovary?
- From uterus to ovary
- Ligament of ovary
- Ovary to lateral pelvic wall
- Suspensory ligament
What does the ligament of ovary connect?
Uterus to ovary
What does the suspensory ligament connect?
Ovary to lateral pelvic wall
What are the 2 major branches from the aorta that supplies blood to gonads and genitalia?
the ovarian (gonadal) and internal iliac arteries.