21 Questions
Which part of the uterine tube is funnel-shaped and has fingerlike projections called fimbriae?
Infundibulum
Where does fertilization typically occur in the uterine tube?
Ampulla
What is the function of the uterine tubes?
Transport secondary oocytes and fertilized ova from the ovaries to the uterus
Which ligament supports and holds the uterus in position?
Broad ligament
What is the expanded region medial to the infundibulum in the uterine tube called?
Ampulla
What is the position called when the uterus is normally angled anterosuperiorly across the superior surface of the urinary bladder?
Anteverted
Which ligament connects the cervix and superior vagina to the pelvic wall?
Transverse cervical ligament
Which layer of the uterine wall is composed of smooth muscle capable of hypertrophy and hyperplasia during pregnancy?
Myometrium
What is the function of the uterus in relation to implantation?
Site of implantation
In which ligament can weakness lead to prolapse, where the uterus protrudes through the vagina?
Uterosacral ligament
Which layer of the endometrium changes thickness during the uterine cycle and is shed if fertilization and implantation don’t occur?
Functional layer
What is the space between the uterus and the urinary bladder called?
Vesicouterine pouch
Which ligament attaches the lateral ovary to the pelvic wall?
Suspensory ligament
What is the primary sex organ in females?
Ovaries
Which layer of the ovary contains ovarian follicles?
Cortex
What is the innermost layer of granulosa cells surrounding an oocyte called in an antral follicle?
Corona radiata
Which stage of follicle development secretes estrogen and progesterone?
Corpus luteum
What is the function of corpus albicans in the ovary?
A white, connective tissue scar reabsorbed by the body
'Oogenesis' refers to what process in the ovaries?
Formation of gametes in the ovaries
What anchors the ovary to the lateral uterus?
Ovarian ligament
What is the connective tissue capsule deep to the germinal epithelium called?
Tunica albuginea
Study Notes
Reproductive Cells
- The larger cell is the ovum (mature egg), while the smaller cell is the second polar body.
- The nuclei of the sperm cell and the ovum unite to form a diploid zygote.
Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes/Oviducts)
- There are two uterine tubes, each about 10 cm (4 in) long, located between the folds of the broad ligaments of the uterus.
- The tubes transport secondary oocytes and fertilized ova from the ovaries to the uterus.
- Regions of the uterine tube include:
- Infundibulum: funnel-shaped lateral margin with fingerlike projections called fimbriae.
- Ampulla: expanded region where fertilization typically occurs.
- Isthmus: narrow region just medial to the ampulla.
- Uterine part: medial to the isthmus, continuous with the uterus.
Uterus (Womb)
- The uterus is a pear-shaped, thick-walled, muscular organ within the pelvic cavity.
- It has a lumen that is continuous with the uterine tubes and the vagina.
- The uterus is normally angled anterosuperiorly across the superior surface of the urinary bladder.
- Uterine functions include:
- Site of implantation.
- Supports and protects the developing embryo/fetus.
- Ejects the fetus during labor.
Support of the Uterus
- The uterus is supported by:
- Muscles of the pelvic floor (pelvic diaphragm).
- Round ligaments that extend from the lateral uterus to the labia majora.
- Transverse cervical ligaments (cardinal ligaments) that attach the cervix and superior vagina to the pelvic wall.
- Uterosacral ligaments (sacrocervical ligaments) that connect the inferior portion of the uterus to the sacrum.
Uterine Tubes and Uterus Wall
- The uterine wall has three layers:
- Perimetrium: outermost layer composed of serosa.
- Myometrium: thick, middle layer composed of smooth muscle.
- Endometrium: mucosa of simple columnar epithelium and underlying lamina propria with uterine glands.
Vagina
- The vagina is a tubular, 10-cm (4-in.)-long fibro-muscular canal lined with mucous membrane.
- The primary sex organs of the female are the ovaries.
- The accessory sex organs include:
- Uterine tubes.
- Uterus.
- Vagina.
- Clitoris.
- Mammary glands.
Ovaries
- The ovaries are paired, oval organs slightly larger than an almond.
- They are anchored within the pelvic cavity by cords and sheets of connective tissue.
- Each ovary is supplied by an ovarian artery and ovarian vein.
Ovarian Follicles
- The ovary contains thousands of ovarian follicles.
- A follicle consists of an oocyte surrounded by follicle cells.
- Stages of follicle development include:
- Primordial follicle.
- Primary follicle.
- Secondary follicle.
- Antral (vesicular) follicle.
- Mature follicle.
- Corpus luteum.
- Corpus albicans.
Oogenesis
- Oogenesis is the formation of gametes in the ovaries.
Learn about the anatomical relationship between the uterine tubes, ovaries, and uterus. Understand the position and functions of the uterus within the pelvic cavity.
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