Uterus And Uterine Tubes Flashcards
Describe the uterus
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
Where does the body of the uterus lie?
Usually lies on the superior surface of the empty urinary bladder
What is the structure of the uterus in a non-pregnant female?
7.5cm long, 5cm broad and 2cm thick
What are the two main parts of the uterus?
The body and the cervix
What are the two main divisions in the uterus?
Fundus and the isthmus
Describe the fundus
The rounded roof of the uterus, superior to the entrance of the uterine tubes
Describe the isthmus
The relatively narrow part, superior to the cervix
Describe the cervix
The cylindrical canal that projects into the vagina
What do the wall of the body of the uterus consist of?
3 layers - perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium
Describe the perimetrium
The outer layer consists of a thin layer of connective tissue
Describe the myometrium
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
Describe the endometrium
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
What is the stability of the uterus?
It is a dense structure in the middle do the pelvic cavity, however the uterus has no skeletal support. It relies on muscles
What muscles does the uterus rely on?
Pelvic floor muscles, connective tissues like the uterosacral ligaments to maintain its position
What are the uterine tubes called?
The fallopain tubes
What do the uterine tubes connect to?
The uterus and the ovaries
What lines the uterine tubes?
Cilia which aids movement of ova in the uterus
What is found at the end of the uterine tubes?
Finger like fimbriae that waft released ova into the open end of the tube
Where does fertilisation occur?
In the uterine tubes and a small amount of cell division takes place during the journey from the tubes to implantation in the uterus
Is there a direct connection between the uterine tubes and ovaries
No, the uterus sits below the peritoneum and the uterine tubes pass through the tissue layer and open into the peritoneal cavity.
Where does the direct passage from the peritoneal cavity go to?
Goes to the external environment at the opening of the vagina
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
When implantation occurs in other places other than the uterus e.g. in the uterine tubes
What happens if the implantation mechanism occurs in the uterine tubes?
Can erode the walls resulting in rupture and haemorrhage into the peritoneum
Where else can ectopic pregnancies occur?
In the ovaries, the abdomen and the cervix
