The Female Reproductive System 2

Question 1

What is the uterus?

Answer 1

A muscular, pear shaped organ which sits in the lesser pelvis and is the site of implantation of the blastocyst and subsequent growth of the embryo.

Question 2

Where does the body of the uterus usually lie?

Answer 2

On the superior surface of the empty urinary bladder.

Question 3

What is the structure of the uterus?

Answer 3

It is normally anteverted, tipped anteriorly relative to the vagina, and anteflexed, the body of the uterus is flexed anteriorly relative to the cervix.

Question 4

What are the dimensions of the uterus?

Answer 4

7.5cm long, 5cm broad, 2cm thick. But enlarges considerably during pregnancy.

Question 5

What 2 parts can the uterus be divided into?

Answer 5

The body and the cervix.

Question 6

How much of the uterus is the body and what are the two divisions of the body?

Answer 6

It’s the upper 2/3 of the uterus and has two divisions: fundus, which is the rounded roof of the uterus, superior to the entrance of the uterine tubes.
The isthmus which is the relatively narrow part superior to the cervix,

Question 7

What is the cervix?

Answer 7

The cylindrical canal that projects into the vagina.

Question 8

What three layers does the wall of the body consist of?

Answer 8

Perimetrium
Myometrium
Endometrium

Question 9

What is the perimetrium?

Answer 9

The outer layer consisting of a thin layer of connective tissue.

Question 10

What is the myometrium?

Answer 10

The middle of the layer of the wall consists of smooth muscles that provide contractile strength required during labour and menstruation. It contains the main branches of blood vessels and nerves.

Question 11

What is the endometrium?

Answer 11

The mucous lining of the uterus proliferates and degenerates in the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy the proliferated endometrium provides the site for the implantation of the blastocyst.

Question 12

Does the uterus have skeletal support?

Answer 12

No, it relies on muscle such as the pelvic floor muscles, and connective tissues, like the uterosacral ligaments, to maintain its position.

Question 13

What do the uterine tubes do?

Answer 13

They connect the uterus to the ovaries.

Question 14

How do the tubes extend from the uterus?

Answer 14

They extend laterally from the uterus, ending in finger-like fimbrae that waft released ova into the open end of the tube.

Question 15

What aids the movement of ova into the uterus?

Answer 15

Cilia that line the tubes.

Question 16

What usually occurs in the uterine tubes?

Answer 16

Fertilisation usually occurs in the uterine tubes, and a small amount of cell division takes place during the journey from the tubes to implantation in the uterus.

Question 17

Is there a direct connection between the uterine tubes and the ovaries?

Answer 17

No, the uterus sits below the peritoneum and the uterine tubes pass through this tissue layer and open into the peritoneal cavity, a small distance from the ovaries.

Question 18

Is there a direct passage from the peritoneal cavity to the external environment at the opening of the vagina?

Answer 18

Yes.