30 Questions
What is the main function of the uterus?
Implants fertilized egg during pregnancy
Where is the normal position of the uterus located?
Between the base of the bladder and the rectum
What part of the uterus is responsible for nurturing the embryo/fetus until birth?
Fundus
Which part of the female reproductive system is made up of mons pubis, labia majora, and labia minora?
Vulva
What is the shape of the cervix?
Triangular
Where is the uterus located in relation to other organs?
On top of the bladder
What is the main component of the cervix?
Fibrous connective tissue
What contributes significantly to vaginal discharge?
Alkaline mucus with a pH of 7.8
What is the main function of the broad ligament in the female reproductive system?
Provides major support to the uterus
What happens to the superficial stratum functionalis in response to progesterone?
It becomes secretory
Which hormone makes cervical mucus thick, preventing sperm penetration?
Progesterone
Which layer of the uterus is mostly made up of smooth muscle?
Myometrium
What is the function of the ligaments attached to the uterus?
Providing support to the uterus
Where is the round ligament attached in the female reproductive system?
To the lateral pelvic sidewalls
Where does fertilization usually occur in the female reproductive system?
Ampulla
Which ligament attaches the lateral side of the vagina and cervix to the lateral pelvic wall?
Cardinal/transverse ligament
What is the anatomical structure responsible for capturing the ovum from the surface of the ovary?
Fimbriae
Which arteries supply blood to the uterus in the female reproductive system?
Uterine arteries
What is the function of the mons pubis?
It acts as a cushion during coitus.
What is the homologous structure to the male scrotum?
Labia majora
Which of the following is NOT an opening into the vestibule?
Openings of the fallopian tubes
Which structure is homologous to the ventral shaft of the penis?
Labia minora
Which of the following statements about the clitoris is NOT true?
It is attached to the pubic symphysis by the suspensory ligament.
Which of the following structures is covered by pubic hair?
Mons pubis
What is the primary function of the isthmus of the uterine tubes?
To facilitate fertilization in the ampulla
What is the key structural feature of the uterine tube that assists with the transportation of ova and sperm?
Ciliated columnar epithelial cells
What is the main function of the ovaries?
To store and release ova for fertilization
Which structural component of the ovary is composed of connective tissue and numerous ovarian follicles?
Cortex
How do the right and left ovarian veins differ in their drainage patterns?
The right ovarian vein drains into the inferior vena cava, while the left ovarian vein drains into the left renal vein.
What is the typical size of the ovary?
3 cm length, 2 cm breadth, 1 cm thick
Study Notes
Cervix
- Composed mainly of fibrous connective tissue and smooth muscle fibers (10-15%)
- Has a transformation zone where columnar cells constantly change into squamous cells, a site prone to irritation by hormones and infections
- Also the site of dysplasia and invasive carcinoma
- Dilates in labor to allow birth
Secretions of the Cervix
- Secrete alkaline mucus with a pH of 7.8
- Contribute significantly to vaginal discharge
- Facilitate uterine lubrication and microbial clearance
- Progesterone makes cervical mucus thick, preventing sperm penetration
Uterus
- Composed of three layers: perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium
- Perimetrium: outer serous layer
- Myometrium: middle and thickest layer, mainly smooth muscle
- Endometrium: inner layer, made up of glandular cells that produce secretions
- Endometrium further subdivided into two parts: superficial stratum functionalis and deep stratum basalis
Ligaments of the Uterus
- Attached to the uterus for support
- Broad ligament: double-layer fold of the peritoneum, attaches the lateral portions of the uterus to the lateral pelvic sidewalls
- Round ligament: attaches the uterus to the labia majora
- Cardinal/transverse ligament: attaches the lateral side of the vagina and cervix to the lateral pelvic wall
- Pubo-cervical ligament: connects the side of the cervix to the pubic symphysis
- Uterosacral ligament: anteriorly attached to the cervix and posteriorly attached to sacral vertebrae
Blood Supply and Venous Drainage of the Uterus
- Uterine arteries from internal iliac artery
- Uterine veins from internal iliac vein, forming superior and inferior venous plexus
Fallopian Tubes
- Paired structures, approximately 10cm long
- Composed of four parts: fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus
- Fimbriae: finger-like, ciliated projections that capture the ovum from the surface of the ovary
- Infundibulum: funnel-shaped opening near the ovary
- Ampulla: widest section of the uterine tubes, where fertilization usually occurs
- Isthmus: narrow section of the uterine tubes, connecting the ampulla to the uterine cavity
Labia
- Labia majora: two prominent longitudinal cutaneous folds, originating from the mons pubis and terminating in the perineum
- Labia minora: two small folds, situated between the labia majora, devoid of fat and hair follicles
- Labia minora divide anteriorly to enclose the clitoris, forming a prepuce, and fuse to form the fourchette posteriorly
Clitoris
- A small, cylindrical erectile body, approximately 2.5 cm in length, situated in the most anterior part of the vulva
- Homologous to the penis in males
- Attached to the under surface of the pubic symphysis by the suspensory ligament
Vestibule
- The space bounded anteriorly by the clitoris, posteriorly by the fourchette, and laterally by the labia minora
- Openings into the vestibule include the urethral opening, vaginal orifice, and hymen
Ovaries
- Paired sex glands or gonads in females, oval in shape, and pinkish-grey in color
- Each gland is approximately 3cm in length, 2cm in breadth, and 1cm in thickness
- Functions: germ cell maturation, storage and release of ovum, and production of sex steroid hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)
- Histological components: surface, cortex, and medulla
Test your knowledge on the various ligaments that support the uterus, including the broad ligament, round ligament, cardinal/transverse ligament, and pubo-cervical ligament. Learn about the attachments and functions of these important structures.
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