Uterus Flashcards
what type of organ is the uterus?
secondary sex organ
what are secondary sex organs?
components of the reproductive tract that mature during puberty under the influence of sex hormones produced from primary sex organs
what are primary sex organs?
the ovaries in females and the testes in males
what is the uterus responsible for?
for the maintenance and transportation of gametes
what is the uterus?
a thick-walled muscular organ capable of expansion to accommodate a growing foetus
what is the uterus connected distally to?
vagina
what is the uterus connected laterally to?
uterine tubes
what are the different parts of the uterus?
3 parts:
fundus
body
cervix
what is the fundus of the uterus? (location)
Top of the uterus, above the entry point of the uterine tubes
function of body of uterus?
Usual site for implantation of the blastocyst (inner embryoblast and outer trophoblast)
what is the cervix?
Lower part of uterus
what is significant about the cervix?
structurally and functionally different to the rest of the uterus
what does the cervix link?
uterus to vagina
The exact anatomical location of the uterus varies with what?
the degree of distension of the bladder
In the normal adult uterus, how can the uterus be described in respect to the vagina?
anteverted with respect to the vagina
In the normal adult uterus, how can the uterus be described in respect to the cervix?
anteflexed with respect to the cervix
what is anteverted?
Rotated forward, towards the anterior surface of the body
what is anteflexed?
Flexed, towards the anterior surface of the body
where does the uterus lie in relation to the bladder?
posterosuperior to the bladder
where does the uterus lie in relation to the rectum?
anterior to the rectum
what are the 3 types of abnormal positioning of the uterus?
excessively anteflexed
anteflexed and retroverted
retroflexed and retroverted
where is a retroverted uterus positioned?
directly above the vagina
what is likely to happen in a retroverted uterus when there is an increase in abdominal pressure?
the uterus is more likely to prolapse into the vagina
uterine prolapse is particularly prevalent in who?
patients with a histology of pelvic floor damage
