Endometrium and Menstrual Cycle Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the basal layer of the endometrium?

Thickens during the proliferative phase

Plays a role in a woman's hormonal cycle

Peels off during menstruation

Gives rise to new endometrium after menstruation (correct)

Which ligament is primarily responsible for supporting the uterus and preventing uterine prolapse?

Anterior ligament

Broad ligament

Cardinal ligament (correct)

Uterosacral ligament

Which structure is the most distal portion of the fallopian tubes?

Infundibulum (correct)

Interstitial

Isthmus

Ampulla

What complication is associated with a septated uterus?

Increased risk of miscarriage (A) Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the glandular layer of the endometrium thicken?

Proliferative phase (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential outcome of overstretching the anterior ligament in the uterus?

Cystocele (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest portion of the fallopian tube where fertilization typically occurs?

Ampulla (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament connects the uterus to the sacrum?

Uterosacral ligament (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Doderlein’s bacillus in the vagina?

Maintains the normal flora and acidity of the vagina (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the uterus is responsible for contracting during childbirth?

Myometrium (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the fornices in relation to the cervical structure?

Pouch-like recesses surrounding the cervix (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the uterine ligaments?

To support the uterus in the pelvic cavity (B) Signup and view all the answers

The acidic pH range of the vagina is approximately:

4.0-5.0 (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the rugae in the vagina?

To allow for stretching during intercourse (B) Signup and view all the answers

What complication may occur with a septated uterus?

Potential difficulties with conception or miscarriage (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the vaginal orifice is true?

It is covered by the hymen in virgins. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the uterus during pregnancy?

It serves as an organ of implantation and provides protection for a growing fetus. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the uterus is the most vascular and is a normal implantation site?

Fundus (C) Signup and view all the answers

What structure connects the external cervical os to the uterus?

Cervical canal (B) Signup and view all the answers

During which stage does the isthmus of the uterus distend significantly?

Pregnancy (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the myometrium during childbirth?

Expels the fetus and contracts around blood vessels to prevent hemorrhage (B) Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature is primarily responsible for the uterine support provided to the uterus?

Perimetrium (D) Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the uterus typically reach its maximum size?

17 years (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the uterus is involved in expulsion during childbirth?

Myometrium (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endometrium

Innermost layer of the uterus that responds to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.
Composed of two layers:
- Glandular Layer: sheds during menstruation, thickens during the proliferative and secretory phases.
- Basal Layer: adjacent to the myometrium, regenerates new endometrium after menstruation and delivery.

Uterine Anomalies

Class V: Septated uterus (presence of uterine septum or partition).
Class VI: DES uterus, characterized by a "T-shaped" uterine cavity due to fetal exposure to diethylstilbestrol.

Uterine Ligaments

Broad Ligament: Supports sides of the uterus, maintains anteversion and anteflexion positions.
Cardinal Ligament: Main support for the uterus; damage may lead to uterine prolapse.
Uterosacral Ligament: Connects the uterus to the sacrum.
Anterior Ligament: Supports uterus in relation to bladder; overstretching can cause cystocele (bladder herniation).
Posterior Ligament: Forms the cul-de-sac of Douglas; damage may lead to rectocele (rectum herniation).

Fallopian Tubes

Two slender muscular tubes extending from upper corners of the uterine body; main site for fertilization of ova by sperm.
Parts include:
- Interstitial: smallest lumen, lies within uterine wall (1 cm).
- Isthmus: portion commonly cut during tubal ligation (2 cm).
- Ampulla: longest part (5 cm), exact site of fertilization (outer third).
- Infundibulum: most distal portion with fimbriae that help guide ova into tubes.

Uterus Divisions

Cervix: Lower portion of the uterus, includes:
- External Cervical Os: distal opening to the vagina.
- Cervical Canal: cavity within the cervix.
- Internal Cervical Os: opening to the uterus.
Fundus: Uppermost convex portion, palpated for uterine growth during pregnancy, and assesses labor contractions.
Isthmus: Constricted portion above the cervix, incised during cesarean section.
Corpus: Main body of the uterus, housing the fetus during pregnancy.
Cornua: Upper portions where the fallopian tubes attach.

Uterine Layers

Perimetrium: Outermost layer attached to broad ligaments; adds support.
Myometrium: Middle muscular layer; expels the fetus during birth and contracts around blood vessels to prevent hemorrhage.

Vaginal Structure

Vaginal Orifice: External vaginal opening, covered by hymen in virgins; flanking Bartholin's glands provide lubrication.
Grafenberg Spot: Sensitive area at the inner anterior aspect of the vagina.
Fourchette: Tissue fold formed by merging labia majora and minora below the vaginal opening.

Internal Structures

Vagina: Hollow, muscular canal measuring 3-4 inches, features rugae for stretching. Functions include menstruation passage, fetal passage, and organ of copulation.
Doderlein’s Bacillus: Maintains normal vaginal flora, creating an acidic pH (4-5) that inhibits pathogenic bacteria.
Fornices: Four recesses around the cervix formed by its projection into the vaginal canal.

Uterus Overview

Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ located in the pelvis, weighing 50-60 g in non-pregnant women.
Maintained in position by broad ligaments and receives abundant blood supply from uterine and ovarian arteries.

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Description

Explore the intricate structure and functions of the endometrium, the innermost layer of the uterus. This quiz covers its changes during the menstrual cycle, the differences between the glandular and basal layers, and various uterine anomalies. Test your knowledge on how hormonal responses affect uterine health and processes.