Reproductive System Anatomy

Study Notes

Perineal Body and Ischiorectal Fossa

The perineal body is a fibromuscular mass located between the anus and genitalia, serving as a muscle attachment point in the perineum.
The ischiorectal fossa is a wedge-shaped space beside the anal canal, filled with fat and connective tissue.
Contents of the ischiorectal fossa include the inferior rectal nerve, inferior rectal vessels, and fat.

Urogenital Region Muscles

Superficial muscles in the urogenital region: bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, and superficial transverse perineal muscles.
Deep muscles include the deep transverse perineal muscle and external urethral sphincter.
Alcock’s Canal is a passageway in the pelvis for the pudendal nerve and internal pudendal vessels.

Pelvic Floor and Urethra

The pelvic floor is formed by the levator ani muscles (pubococcygeus, puborectalis, iliococcygeus) and coccygeus muscle.
The male urethra consists of three parts: prostatic, membranous, and penile (spongy) urethra.

Ovarian Fossa and Prostate Lobes

Ovarian fossa boundaries: ureter and internal iliac vessels posteriorly; broad ligament of the uterus anteriorly.
The prostate has five lobes: anterior, posterior, lateral (right and left), and middle lobe.
The middle lobe of the prostate is more susceptible to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Internal Iliac Artery Branches

Branches of the posterior division of the internal iliac artery include superior gluteal artery, iliolumbar artery, and lateral sacral artery.
Branches of the anterior division include umbilical artery, obturator artery, and internal pudendal artery.
The middle rectal artery branches from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery.

Superficial Perineal Pouch

Muscles present in the superficial perineal pouch: bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, and superficial transverse perineal muscle.
Nerves in the pouch include the perineal nerve, dorsal nerve of the penis/clitoris, and inferior rectal nerve.
The pudendal nerve supplies muscles such as bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, and external anal sphincter.

Pelvic Brim Structures and Trigone

Structures crossing the pelvic brim are the ureter, common iliac arteries, and ductus deferens (in males).
The trigone is a triangular area in the bladder between the openings of two ureters and the urethra.
The uterus receives blood supply from the uterine artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery.

Anatomical Position of Uterus and Lymphatics

The normal position of the uterus is described as anteverted and anteflexed.
The scrotum's lymphatic drainage occurs through superficial inguinal lymph nodes.
Testis layers: tunica vaginalis, tunica albuginea, and tunica vasculosa.

Pelvic Walls and Blood Supply

Muscles of the pelvic walls and floor include levator ani, coccygeus, and piriformis.
Blood supply to the urinary bladder comes from the superior and inferior vesical arteries.
The vas deferens is supplied by the artery to the ductus deferens, a branch of the superior vesical artery.

Uterine Support and Lymphatics

The uterus is supported by ligaments: broad ligament, round ligament, uterosacral ligament, and cardinal ligament.
Lymphatic drainage of the uterus includes internal iliac, external iliac, para-aortic, and superficial inguinal lymph nodes.
The dentate line (pectinate line) in the anal canal separates the upper two-thirds from the lower third, distinguishing visceral from somatic nerve supply.

Description

Explore the intricate anatomy of the reproductive system with this quiz. Key topics include the perineal body, ischiorectal fossa, and their roles and structures. Test your knowledge on these essential components of human anatomy.