S2) The Woman Flashcards
Identify the following structures in the female reproductive system:
Describe the clinical basis for a sharp pain at ovulation
- Mittelschmerz pain is pelvic/lower abdominal pain felt during ovulation
- Exact cause is unknown
Why do nuns tend to get ovarian cancer?
They have the maximum number of follicular ruptures, thus get repeated healing/scarring which predisposes them to cancer
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are large fluid filled lesions on the ovary
How might a patient with an ovarian cyst present?
- Lower abdominal pain (stretching of perineum, rupture / torsion of ovary)
- Bloating
- Back pain
Identify the following structures on the uterus:
- Uterine tube
- Fundus
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Body
What sort of structure is the cervix?
Fibrous or muscular?
Fibrous structure
Distinguish between the external Os of a cervix that has had a baby passed through and one that hasn’t
Why do pregnant women experience the following symptoms:
- Acid reflux
- Constipation
- Polyuria
- Acid reflux: uterus pushes on stomach from below
- Constipation: uterus pushes backwards onto large intestine
- Polyuria: uterus pushes downwards onto bladder
In terms of fertilisation, what is the clinical significance of the uterine tubes?
Site of fertilisation
What is notable about the ampulla region of the fallopian tube?
Most common site for ectopic pregnancies
What is the most important investigation in women of reproductive age with abdominal pain?
Pregnancy test
Identify the peritoneal ligaments
- Broad ligament
- Round ligament
- Ovarian ligament
- Suspensory ligament of the ovary
Describe the structure of the broad ligament
Broad ligament – peritoneal fold
Describe the structure of the suspensory ligament of the ovary
Suspensory ligament of the ovary – neurovascular pathway bulging into peritoneum
Describe the origins of the round ligament and the ligament of ovary
Round ligament and ligament of ovary – remnants of the gubernaculum
What is the mesovarium?
Mesovarium is the portion of the broad ligament of the uterus that suspends the ovaries
What is the mesosalpinx?
Mesosalpinx is the portion of the broad ligament that stretches from the ovary to the level of the uterine tube