The Female Reproductive System Flashcards
The female reproductive organs include the…
uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and ovaries.
What three structures constitute the birth canal?
vagina
cervix
uterus
what are the three layers of the uterus?
from outermost to innermost
perimetrium
myometrium
endometrium
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 C section is performed, which part of the uterus is openes to deliver the baby?
lower segment
The normal position of the uterus is ‘anteflexed’ and ‘anteverted’.
What could happen if the position of the uterus is very retroverted and retroflexed, particularly in early pregnancy?
prolapse of uterus into vagina
At any surgical management of miscarriage why might it be important to know prior instrumentation of the uterine cavity whether the uterus is anteverted ir retroverted?
to prevent organ injury and correctly place the instrument into the uterus
What are the fornices of the vagina? How many are they?
Vaginal fornix is a recess around the protruding cervix, there are four:
1. anterior fornix
2. posterior fornix (reservoir of semen after intravaginal ejaculation)
3. left and right lateral fornix
Through which vaginal fornix can you access the rectouterine pouch? What is the clinical significance of this?
The posterior fornix: the rectouterine pouch is commonly involved in ascites, tumours, endometriosis, pus collection etc. It is also used in ESKF placing dialysis catheters there.
The uterus and cervix are firmly anchored in position in the pelvis by a number of ligamentous attachments.
Identify and establish the attachments and origins of the following ligaments in this model:
which ligament (part of pelvic fascia, which is one of the main supports of the uterus) is called the cardinal ligament of the uterus?
lateral cervical ligament or Mackenrodt’s ligament
Apart from pelvic fascia, what other structure in the pelvis is also an important support of the uterus?
pelvic floor muscles (pelvic diaphragm)
In the pelvis the cervix is a _____ _________ , supported by strong ligaments to prevent movement. The uterus is supported, but has ability to move, especially when increasing in size during pregnancy.
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.
The uterine tubes are divided into 4 parts, name these.
- infundibulum
- ampulla
- isthmus
- intramural or uterine part
which 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 of f. egg in fallopian tube
An ectopic pregnancy is an uncommon, but important clinical diagnosis to be aware of an requires urgent surgery due to the risk of blood loss
what might a cornual ectopic pregnancy be?
Implantation of f. egg in the cavity of a rudimentary horn of the uterus
what are the two ligaments associated with the ovary called?
1) ligament of ovary - from uterus to ovary
2) suspensory ligament of ovary - ovary to lateral pelvic wall
The blood supply to the gonads and genitalia is via two major branches from the aorta…
the ovarian (gonadal) and internal iliac arteries
at what vertebral level do the ovarian arteries originate?
L2-3
As the ovarian artery descends it passes within the ____ to supply the ovaries via the ____. Note that this vessel freely anastomoses with the ____..
As it descends the artery passes within the suspensory ligament to supply the ovaries via the broad ligament.
Note that this vessel freely anastomoses with the uterine artery.
intwo which vessels do the left and right ovarian veins drain into?
left > left renal vein
right > IVC
