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What structure is responsible for picking up the ovum during ovulation?
Which part of the ovary is primarily responsible for hormone production?
What is the primary function of the ciliary movements within the uterine tubes?
Which ligament is NOT mentioned as a support structure for the uterus?
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What anatomical feature surrounds the ostium of the infundibulum?
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What is the primary function of the vagina?
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Which division of the uterus is defined as the area between the corpus and the cervix?
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What is the length of the cervix in centimeters?
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How many divisions does the uterus have?
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What anatomical feature helps facilitate sperm entry into the uterus?
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Which layer of the uterus is referred to as the mucosa?
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What is the average weight of the uterus in grams?
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What is the normal position of the uterus described as?
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What is the layer of the endometrium that is shed during menstruation?
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Which type of smooth muscle fiber in the myometrium is primarily responsible for expelling the fetus during birth?
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Which structure is the outermost layer of the uterus?
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What is the role of circular fibers in the myometrium?
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What is the average length of the fallopian tube?
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Which part of the fallopian tube is the widest and most tortuous?
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What is one function of the uterus during pregnancy?
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How do the middle layer figure-8 fibers in the myometrium function after childbirth?
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Which structure serves as the anterior border of the external reproductive organs?
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What are the functions of the Bartholin glands?
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Where is the hymen located in relation to the vestibule?
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Which of the following statements regarding the labia majora is correct?
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Which is true about the labia minora?
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The vestibule is defined as which area of the female genital anatomy?
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Which of the following correctly describes the clitoris?
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Which structure represents the most posterior part of the external female reproductive organs?
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Study Notes
External Female Structures
- The external female reproductive organs are collectively called the vulva.
- The vulva includes:
- Mons pubis
- Labia majora
- Labia minora
- Clitoris
- Vestibule
- Perineum
Mons Pubis
- A pad of subcutaneous fatty tissue over the symphysis pubis.
- Forms the anterior border of the external reproductive organs.
- Covered by skin and hair.
Clitoris
- Erectile cavernous structure below the symphysis pubis.
- Formed of a small gland.
- Highly sensitive to temperature, touch, and pressure sensation.
Labia Majora
- Outer two skin folds raised by underlying fat.
- Extend from the mons pubis to the perineum.
- Outer skin is covered by hairs while the inner medial surface is smooth, hairless, and contains sebaceous and sweat glands.
Labia Minora
- Two thin folds of modified skin situated medial to the labia majora.
- Inner surfaces resemble vaginal mucosa, being pink and moist.
- Rich in vascularity.
Hymen
- Membrane situated about 2 cm from the vestibule that demarcates the external from the internal genital organs.
- Partially closes the vaginal orifice.
- Types of hymen include bi-perforate, imperforate, deflorated, and cribriform.
Bartholin Glands
- Two small glands deep in the labia majora that secrete mucus during sexual excitement.
- The duct is 2 cm long and opens between the hymen and the labium minus.
Vestibule
- Area between the inner aspects of the labia minora and the fourchette.
- Structures that open in the vestibule:
- Urethral meatus
- Bartholin glands ducts
- Vagina introitus
Perineum
- Most posterior part of the external female reproductive organs.
- Extends from the fourchette anteriorly to the anus posteriorly.
- Composed of fibrous and muscular tissues that support pelvic structures.
Internal Female Structures
- Include:
- Vagina
- Uterus
- Fallopian tubes
- Ovaries
Vagina
- Elastic fibro-muscular tube and membranous tissue about 8 to 10 cm long.
- Lies between the bladder anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly.
- Lining has multiple folds (rugae) and a muscle layer.
- Folds allow the vagina to stretch considerably during childbirth.
- Acidic environment (pH 4.5) protects against infection.
- Functions:
- Discharge of menstrual flow
- Female organ of coitus
- Passage of the fetus from the uterus
Uterus
- Pear-shaped hollow muscular organ.
- Measures approximately 7.5 x 5.0 x 2.5 cm.
- Weighs about 50-60 grams.
- Normal position is anteverted (rotated forward) and slightly anteflexed (flexed forward).
- Can grow up to six times its normal size during pregnancy.
Divisions of the Uterus
- Three divisions:
- Corpus uteri:
- Length is about 5 cm.
- Body lies above the internal os.
- Cornu is the area of insertion of the fallopian tubes.
- Fundus lies above the insertion of the tubes.
- Isthmus:
- Between the corpus of the uterus and cervix.
- 4-5 mm in length, located between the anatomical internal os above and the histological internal os below.
- Expands during pregnancy, forming the lower uterine segment (10 cm) during the last trimester.
- Cervix:
- Lowermost portion of the uterus (neck).
- Measures 2.5-3.0 cm.
- Upper part is marked by the internal os, and the lower cervix is marked by the external os.
- Cervical canal connects the uterus to the vagina.
- Allows sperm to enter the uterus and travel to the fallopian tubes.
- External os is round in nulliparas and slit shaped in multiparas.
- Corpus uteri:
Histology of the Uterus
- Three layers:
- Endometrium (mucosa)
- Myometrium (musculosa)
- Peritoneal covering or perimetrium
Endometrium
- Inner layer of the uterus.
- Responsive to cyclic variations of estrogen and progesterone during the female reproductive cycle.
- Three layers:
- Compact layer
- Basal layer
- Functional or sponge layer (shed during menstruation and after childbirth)
Myometrium
- Middle layer of thick muscle.
- Most muscle fibers are concentrated in the upper uterus, diminishing progressively towards the cervix.
- Three types of smooth muscle fiber:
- Longitudinal fibers (outer layer): expel fetus during birth.
- Middle layer figure-8 fibers: compress blood vessels to limit blood loss after birth.
- Inner layer circular fibers: constrict at fallopian tube entry and surround internal os, preventing reflux of menstrual blood into fallopian tubes and promoting implantation of the fertilized ovum.
Perimetrium
- Outer peritoneal layer of serous membrane that covers most of the uterus.
- Continuous with the broad ligaments on either side of the uterus.
Function of the Uterus
- Menstruation: sloughing off of the endometrium.
- Pregnancy: support and growth of the fetus.
- Labor and birth: uterine muscles contract and cervix dilates to expel the fetus.
Fallopian Tube
- Two tortuous tubes extending from the cornu of the uterus to the ovary.
- Run in the upper free border of the broad ligament.
- Length is 8-14 cm, averaging 10 cm.
- Four parts:
- Interstitial part (1-2 cm): runs into uterine cavity, passing through the myometrium between the fundus and body of the uterus.
- Isthmus (2 cm): straight, narrow, thick-walled portion lateral to the uterus.
- Ampulla (5 cm): widest, tortuous, thin-walled outer part (fertilization occurs here).
- Infundibulum (2 cm): funnel-shaped outer end, opens into the peritoneal cavity via the tubal ostium.
- The ostium is surrounded by fimbriae, with one long fimbria directed towards the ovary (fimbria ovarica).
Tubal Functions
- Ovum pick up: fimbrial end picks up the ovum at the time of ovulation.
- Transport of the ova: peristaltic and ciliary movements move the ova through the tubal lumen.
- Production of secretions: lining cells produce secretions that capacitate sperm and nourish the ova during their journey.
Ovary
- Solid oval structure, measuring approximately 1.5 cm thick, 2.5 cm wide, and 3.5 cm long.
- Each ovary weighs about 4-8 grams.
- Located on either side of the uterus, below and behind the uterine tubes.
- Not covered by peritoneum.
Histology of the Ovary
- Three parts:
- Medulla: central core surrounded by the cortex, continuous with the hilum, formed of connective tissue.
- Cortex: outer active part that produces hormones and oocytes.
- Hilum: site of attachment of the mesovarium, carrying blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics entering and leaving the ovary.
Functions of the Ovary
- Secretion of estrogen and progesterone.
- Production of ova.
Uterine and Cervical Ligaments
- Broad ligament
- Round ligament
- Ovarian ligament
Support Structures
- Bony pelvis supports and protects the lower abdominal and internal reproductive organs.
- Muscles, joints, and ligaments provide added support for the internal organs against gravity and increases in intra-abdominal pressure.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the external female reproductive organs collectively known as the vulva. This quiz covers essential components such as the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and other important structures. Assess your understanding of their anatomy and functions.
