Uterus: histology, neurovascular, ligaments Flashcards
what is The fundus and body of the uterus are composed of?
3 tissue layers:
peritoneum
myometrium
endometrium
what is the peritoneum? continuous with?
A double layered membrane, continuous with the abdominal peritoneum
what is the peritoneum of the uterus also known as?
the perinetrium
what is the myometrium?
The thick smooth muscle layer
what do cells of myometrium undergo during pregnancy? why?
hypertrophy and hyperplasia
in preparation to expel foetus at birth
what is the endometrium of the uterus?
An inner mucous membrane lining the uterus
how can the endometrium of the uterus be subdivided?
into 2 parts:
the stratum basalis
the stratum functionalis
what is Deep stratum basalis? (function)
Changes little throughout the menstrual cycle and is NOT shed at menstruation
what is Superficial stratum functionalis? (function)
Proliferates in response to oestrogens, and becomes secretory in response to progesterone
(endometrial lining)
when is the Superficial stratum functionalis shed?
during menstruation
what does Superficial stratum functionalis regenerate from after shedding during menstruation?
regenerates from cells in the stratum basalis layer
what provides support for the uterus?
The tone of the pelvic floor
what are the ligaments supporting the uterus?
Broad Ligament Round Ligament Ovarian Ligament Cardinal Ligament Uterosacral Ligament
what is the broad ligament?
a double layer of peritoneum
what does the broad ligament attach?
attaches the sides of the uterus to the pelvis
what does the broad ligament act as?
a mesentery for the uterus and contributes to maintaining it in position
what is the round ligament a remnant of?
the gubernaculum
where does the round ligament extend?
extending from the uterine horns to the labia majora via the inguinal canal
function of the round ligament?
maintain the anteverted position of the uterus
what does ovarian ligament join?
Joins the ovaries to the uterus
where is the Cardinal Ligament located?
Located at the base of the broad ligament
where does the cardinal ligament extend?
from the cervix to the lateral pelvic walls
what does the cardinal ligament contain?
the uterine artery and vein
function of the cardinal ligament?
providing support to the uterus
Uterosacral Ligament extends?
from the cervix to the sacrum
function of Uterosacral Ligament?
provides support to the uterus
blood supply to uterus?
uterine artery
venous drainage of the uterus?
via a plexus in the broad ligament that drains into the uterine veins
lymphatic drainage of the uterus?
iliac, sacral, aortic and inguinal lymph nodes
where do sympathetic fibres of the uterus arise from?
uterovaginal plexus
what is the uterovaginal plexus arise from?
anterior and intermediate parts of the inferior hypogastric plexus
where do parasympathetic fibres of the uterus derive from?
the pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4)
bladder the same - S2-4 keeps the S**t off the floor
what is the cervix innervated by?
the inferior nerve fibres of the uterovaginal plexus
where do the afferent fibres ascend through?
the inferior hypogastric plexus to enter the spinal cord via T10-T12 and L1 nerve fibres
