Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main function of the uterus?
What is the main function of the uterus?
Where is the normal position of the uterus located?
Where is the normal position of the uterus located?
What part of the uterus is responsible for nurturing the embryo/fetus until birth?
What part of the uterus is responsible for nurturing the embryo/fetus until birth?
Which part of the female reproductive system is made up of mons pubis, labia majora, and labia minora?
Which part of the female reproductive system is made up of mons pubis, labia majora, and labia minora?
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What is the shape of the cervix?
What is the shape of the cervix?
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Where is the uterus located in relation to other organs?
Where is the uterus located in relation to other organs?
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What is the main component of the cervix?
What is the main component of the cervix?
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What contributes significantly to vaginal discharge?
What contributes significantly to vaginal discharge?
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What is the main function of the broad ligament in the female reproductive system?
What is the main function of the broad ligament in the female reproductive system?
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What happens to the superficial stratum functionalis in response to progesterone?
What happens to the superficial stratum functionalis in response to progesterone?
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Which hormone makes cervical mucus thick, preventing sperm penetration?
Which hormone makes cervical mucus thick, preventing sperm penetration?
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Which layer of the uterus is mostly made up of smooth muscle?
Which layer of the uterus is mostly made up of smooth muscle?
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What is the function of the ligaments attached to the uterus?
What is the function of the ligaments attached to the uterus?
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Where is the round ligament attached in the female reproductive system?
Where is the round ligament attached in the female reproductive system?
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Where does fertilization usually occur in the female reproductive system?
Where does fertilization usually occur in the female reproductive system?
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Which ligament attaches the lateral side of the vagina and cervix to the lateral pelvic wall?
Which ligament attaches the lateral side of the vagina and cervix to the lateral pelvic wall?
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What is the anatomical structure responsible for capturing the ovum from the surface of the ovary?
What is the anatomical structure responsible for capturing the ovum from the surface of the ovary?
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Which arteries supply blood to the uterus in the female reproductive system?
Which arteries supply blood to the uterus in the female reproductive system?
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What is the function of the mons pubis?
What is the function of the mons pubis?
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What is the homologous structure to the male scrotum?
What is the homologous structure to the male scrotum?
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Which of the following is NOT an opening into the vestibule?
Which of the following is NOT an opening into the vestibule?
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Which structure is homologous to the ventral shaft of the penis?
Which structure is homologous to the ventral shaft of the penis?
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Which of the following statements about the clitoris is NOT true?
Which of the following statements about the clitoris is NOT true?
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Which of the following structures is covered by pubic hair?
Which of the following structures is covered by pubic hair?
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What is the primary function of the isthmus of the uterine tubes?
What is the primary function of the isthmus of the uterine tubes?
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What is the key structural feature of the uterine tube that assists with the transportation of ova and sperm?
What is the key structural feature of the uterine tube that assists with the transportation of ova and sperm?
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What is the main function of the ovaries?
What is the main function of the ovaries?
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Which structural component of the ovary is composed of connective tissue and numerous ovarian follicles?
Which structural component of the ovary is composed of connective tissue and numerous ovarian follicles?
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How do the right and left ovarian veins differ in their drainage patterns?
How do the right and left ovarian veins differ in their drainage patterns?
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What is the typical size of the ovary?
What is the typical size of the ovary?
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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
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Description
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.
