Uterus And Uterine Tubes

Question 1

Describe the uterus

Answer 1

Muscular, pear shaped organ which sits in the lesser pelvis and is the site if implantation of the blastocyst and subsequent growth of the embryo

Question 2

Where does the body of the uterus lie?

Answer 2

Usually lies on the superior surface of the empty urinary bladder

Question 3

What is the structure of the uterus in a non-pregnant female?

Answer 3

7.5cm long, 5cm broad and 2cm thick

Question 4

What are the two main parts of the uterus?

Answer 4

The body and the cervix

Question 5

What are the two main divisions in the uterus?

Answer 5

Fundus and the isthmus

Question 6

Describe the fundus

Answer 6

The rounded roof of the uterus, superior to the entrance of the uterine tubes

Question 7

Describe the isthmus

Answer 7

The relatively narrow part, superior to the cervix

Question 8

Describe the cervix

Answer 8

The cylindrical canal that projects into the vagina

Question 9

What do the wall of the body of the uterus consist of?

Answer 9

3 layers - perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium

Question 10

Describe the perimetrium

Answer 10

The outer layer consists of a thin layer of connective tissue

Question 11

Describe the myometrium

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Describe the endometrium

Answer 12

Mucous lining of the uterus proliferates and degenerates in the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy the proliferated endometrium provides the site for Implantation of the blastocyst

Question 13

What is the stability of the uterus?

Answer 13

It is a dense structure in the middle do the pelvic cavity, however the uterus has no skeletal support. It relies on muscles

Question 14

What muscles does the uterus rely on?

Answer 14

Pelvic floor muscles, connective tissues like the uterosacral ligaments to maintain its position

Question 15

What are the uterine tubes called?

Answer 15

The fallopain tubes

Question 16

What do the uterine tubes connect to?

Answer 16

The uterus and the ovaries

Question 17

What lines the uterine tubes?

Answer 17

Cilia which aids movement of ova in the uterus

Question 18

What is found at the end of the uterine tubes?

Answer 18

Finger like fimbriae that waft released ova into the open end of the tube

Question 19

Where does fertilisation occur?

Answer 19

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 20

Is there a direct connection between the uterine tubes and ovaries

Answer 20

No, the uterus sits below the peritoneum and the uterine tubes pass through the tissue layer and open into the peritoneal cavity.

Question 21

Where does the direct passage from the peritoneal cavity go to?

Answer 21

Goes to the external environment at the opening of the vagina

Question 22

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

Answer 22

When implantation occurs in other places other than the uterus e.g. in the uterine tubes

Question 23

What happens if the implantation mechanism occurs in the uterine tubes?

Answer 23

Can erode the walls resulting in rupture and haemorrhage into the peritoneum

Question 24

Where else can ectopic pregnancies occur?

Answer 24

In the ovaries, the abdomen and the cervix