Blood Supply and Support of the Female Reproductive System

Blood Supply to the Ovary

• The ovarian artery, supplying blood to the ovary, directly arises from the aorta.

Uterine Artery and Ureter

• The uterine artery crosses superiorly over the ureter at the level of the cardinal ligament.

Uterine Support

• The uterosacral ligament provides significant passive support to the uterus, anchoring it to the sacrum.

Broad Ligament and its Structures

• The broad ligament of the uterus encloses the suspensory ligament of the ovary, which connects the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall.

Ovarian Fossa

• The ovarian fossa is bounded anteriorly by the external iliac artery.

Endometrium and Menstruation

• The functional layer of the endometrium is shed during menstruation.

Uterine Tubes and the Broad Ligament

• The mesosalpinx, a part of the broad ligament, supports the uterine tubes.

Ovarian Ligament

• The ovarian ligament connects the ovary to the uterus.

Cervical Blood Supply

• The vaginal artery, a branch of the uterine artery, supplies blood to the cervix.

Landmark for Surgical Procedures

• The rectum lies posterior to the ovary and serves as a landmark during surgical procedures.

Round Ligament and its Path

• The round ligament of the uterus passes through the inguinal canal and terminates in the labia majora.

Uterine Position

• The round ligament helps keep the uterus anteverted and anteflexed.

Uterine Artery Origin

• The uterine artery is a branch of the internal iliac artery.

Mesovarium Function

• The mesovarium, part of the broad ligament, attaches the ovary to the broad ligament.

Uterosacral Ligament Attachment

• The uterosacral ligament attaches the uterus to the sacrum.

Cervical Support

• The cardinal ligament helps maintain the position of the cervix within the pelvic cavity.

Infundibulum of the Fallopian Tube

• The infundibulum of the fallopian tube is characterized by the presence of fimbriae, finger-like projections that aid in capturing the oocyte.

Ovarian Ligament Connections

• The ovarian ligament connects the ovary to the uterus.

Cervix Openings

• The cervix contains two distinct openings: the internal os and the external os.

Rectouterine Pouch

• The rectouterine pouch, also known as Douglas's pouch, is a peritoneal pouch situated between the uterus and rectum.

Uterine Layer Active During Childbirth

• The myometrium is the most active layer of the uterus during childbirth.

Ovarian Artery Path

• The ovarian arteries reach the ovary by passing through the suspensory ligament of the ovary.

Uterine Venous Drainage

• The uterine venous plexus primarily drains into the internal iliac vein.

Female Perineum Posterior Border

• The coccyx forms the posterior border of the female perineum.

Cervix Anterior Covering

• The bladder covers the anterior surface of the cervix.

Ovarian Artery and Pelvic Vessels

• The ovarian artery, which supplies blood to the ovary, is a direct branch of the Aorta.
• The uterine artery crosses the ureter superiorly at the level of the Cardinal ligament.

Uterine Supports

• The Uterosacral ligament, which attaches the uterus to the sacrum, provides the most significant passive support to the uterus.
• The Suspensory ligament of the ovary, enclosed within the broad ligament, connects the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall.
• The Round ligament of the uterus passes through the inguinal canal and terminates in the labia majora, helping maintain the uterus in an anteverted and anteflexed position.

Structures of the Female Pelvis

• The ovarian fossa is bounded anteriorly by the external iliac artery.
• The Rectum lies posterior to the ovary, serving as a landmark during surgical procedures.
• The Cardinal ligament helps maintain the position of the cervix within the pelvic cavity.

Anatomy of the Uterus

• The Functional layer of the endometrium is shed during menstruation.
• The Myometrium is the muscular layer of the uterus, most active during childbirth.
• The Uterosacral ligament attaches the uterus to the sacrum.
• The cervix contains two distinct openings known as the internal and external os.
• The Rectouterine pouch, also known as the pouch of Douglas, lies between the uterus and the rectum.

Anatomy of the Fallopian Tubes

• The mesosalpinx, which is part of the broad ligament, supports the uterine tubes.
• The infundibulum of the fallopian tube is characterized by the presence of fimbriae, which help in capturing the oocyte.

Ligaments and Connections

• The ovarian ligament connects the ovary to the uterus.
• The suspensory ligament of the ovary allows the ovarian arteries to reach the ovary.
• The mesovarium is part of the broad ligament and attaches the ovary to the broad ligament.

Uterine Artery and Venous Drainage

• The uterine artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery, supplies blood to the uterus and cervix.
• The vaginal artery, a branch of the uterine artery, supplies the cervix.
• The uterine venous plexus primarily drains into the internal iliac vein.

Perineum

• The coccyx borders the perineum in females posteriorly.
• The bladder covers the cervix of the uterus anteriorly.

This quiz explores the blood supply and anatomical support structures of the ovary, uterus, and related organs. Topics include the ovarian and uterine arteries, ligaments, and menstrual physiology. Test your knowledge on the critical components that maintain female reproductive health.