Female Reproductive System & Breast Anatomy Overview

Study Notes

Female Reproductive System Overview

The female reproductive system encompasses internal and external organs
The internal organs include ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
The external structures comprise the vulva.

Breast Anatomy

Location: Pectoral region, base extending from the 2nd to 6th ribs laterally to midaxillary line
Structure: Nipples, areola, tubercles, axillary tail, and suspensory ligaments
Tissue types: Glandular (lobules and ducts), connective, and fatty tissue.

Breast Blood Supply

Perforating branches of internal thoracic artery and intercostal arteries
Axillary artery with lateral thoracic and thoracoacromial branches
Circular areolar plexus, axillary and internal thoracic veins
Afferent mammary and external jugular veins

Breast Lymphatic Drainage

Drainage based on quadrants, including axillary and parasternal nodes
Lymph flow also drains to infra- and supraclavicular areas
Some of the lymph also drains superiorly to the supradiaphragmatic areas.

Clinical Significance of the Breast

Conditions like breast abscess (mastitis), cysts, and tumors.
Abnormalities like micromastia (hypoplasia) and macromastia (abnormal enlargement)
Gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue)
Breast Cancer: Location, symptoms, stages, and associated risk factors

Ovaries: Gross Anatomy

Located posterior and inferior to the uterine tubes, weighing 5-8 grams.
They have lateral and medial surfaces
Possess upper and lower poles with anterior and posterior borders

Uterine Tubes: Gross Anatomy

Tubal intramural portion
Tubal isthmic portion
Tubal ampullary portion
Fimbriated infundibulum

Uterus: Gross Anatomy

Hollow, thick-walled, muscular reproductive organ
Located in the true pelvis
Consists of the body, fundus, and cervix

Uterus: Position

Commonly positioned anteverted and anteflexed—angle of anteflexion approximately 125 degrees and angle of anteversion about 90 degrees
Insertion of IUCD (intra-uterine contraceptive device) plays a significant role in positioning considerations.

Uterus: Parts

Fundus: superior part
Body: main part
Cervix: lower part which extends into the vagina.

Uterus: Body (Parts)

Two surfaces: anterior and posterior
Two lateral borders
Ostium: proximal/ distal opening of fallopian tube
Isthmus: cervical end—inferior and posterior part of uterus

Uterus: Body (Additional Details)

Two surfaces (anterior and posterior) and two lateral borders (rounded and convex)
Associated ligament (broad ligament) connects to the lateral pelvic walls
Pouch of Douglas (recto-uterine pouch), space for fluid accumulation

Uterus: Blood Supply

Main arteries supplying the uterus are the uterine arteries, branching from the internal iliac arteries.
Uterine venous plexus is an important part of the drainage system
Drainage of blood vessels returns to the internal iliac veins

Vagina: Gross Anatomy

Part of the female reproductive tract
Superior, posterior and lateral positions to the cervix
Narrow canal-like structure (3–5 inches).
Has a potential space between the opposing walls of the vagina

Vaginal Fornices

At the vault of the vagina, the fornix is divided into posterior, anterior parts and two lateral fornices.
The posterior fornix is associated with the rectouterine pouch (cul-de-sac)

Vaginal Artery

Part of the blood supply to the upper third of the vagina, originates from the uterine artery.
Branching from internal iliac artery, vessels supply the upper part.

Vagina Lymphatic Drainage

Drainage patterns differ based on the section of the vagina (superior, middle, and lower).
Superior lymph drains to internal and external iliac nodes, middle to internal iliac nodes, and lower parts to superficial inguinal, common iliac and sacral lymph nodes.

Vulva: Anatomy

External female genitalia.
Structures include the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, vestibule, Bartholin's glands, and hymen.

Vulva: Blood Supply

Internal pudendal arteries
Internal pudendal veins

Vulva: Lymphatic Drainage

Initially, lymphatic drainage to superficial inguinal lymph nodes,.

Vulva: Innervation

External and internal portions of the vulva have sensory and parasympathetic nervous, coming from the
Various nerves, including ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, perineal branches of pudendal nerve, and posterior cutaneous nerves

Greater Vestibular Glands

Bartholin's glands; homologous to the bulbourethral glands in males
Located in the superficial perineal pouch
Secrete lubricating fluid

Bartholin's Glands: Function

Secrete mucus, aiding lubrication during sexual activity.
Obstruction of the openings may cause Bartholin's cysts.

Clinical Significance

Ectopic Pregnancy
Locations where ectopic pregnancies commonly occur (tubal, interstitial, infundibular).
Prolapse
Degree of uterovaginal prolapse (first, second, and third degree), associated features.

Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of the female reproductive system, including both internal and external structures. Additionally, it delves into the anatomy, blood supply, and lymphatic drainage of the breast, providing a comprehensive overview for health science students.

Female Reproductive System & Breast Anatomy Overview

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Questions and Answers

The ______ is also called the birth canal.

The cervix is sometimes called the ______ of the uterus.

The anterior part of the cervix is related to the ______ pouch.

The ______ is a potential space.

The blood supply to the vulva is mainly provided by the ______ arteries.

The breast is located in the ______ region.

The breast extends from the ______ to the midaxillary line.

The breast is a ______ gland of the skin.

The breast contains ______ and ducts.

The ______ artery supplies blood to the breast.

The ______ nodes are a major site of lymphatic drainage for the breast.

The ______ is a condition where male breast tissue enlarges.

The ovaries are located in the ______ fossa.