Uterus Flashcards

1
Q

Uterus

A

Uterus lies between cervix & oviducts, and is organ of pregnancy
Roles include:
- Sperm transport, prostaglandin production, supporting pre-implantation embryo development, maternal side of placenta, expulsion of fetus/placenta at birth

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2
Q

Uterine structure

A

The bicornuate uterus consists of central body and two horns – horn development is species dependent
Uteri with horns have an internal and external bifurcation (split)

Humans/primates = no horns, referred to as simplex uterus

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3
Q

Internal uterine structures

A

In ruminants (ewe, cow), the internal surface of uterus (the endometrium) has small, non-glandular protrusion called caruncles

The sow and mare instead have endometrial folds

Both caruncles & endometrial folds are point of attachment for placenta.

Caruncles grow in size during pregnancy – an important clue for rectal palpation

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4
Q

Uterus - cow

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5
Q

Uterus – sheep

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6
Q

Uterus - horse

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7
Q

Uterus – pig (sow)

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8
Q

Uterus – dog (bitch)

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9
Q

Uterine – Cat (queen)

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10
Q

Uterine tissue layers

A
Perimetrium
-	Outer (serosal) layer, continuous with peritoneum
-	External to serosal layer is mesentry of uterus (part of broad ligament)
Myometrium
-	Muscular layer
-	Outer longitudinal & inner circular
Endometrium (functional tissue)
-	Mucosa & submucosa layers
-	Secretory & functional tissue
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11
Q

Myometrium

A

Middle layer of stratum vasculare contains large blood vessels
Contraction of myometrium has 2 effects
- Increased motility (movement of fluid down into cervix from uterus) – wavelike contraction
- Creation of uterine tone (rigidity – can be assessed via rectal palpation) – sustained partial contraction

Uterine tone & motility are highly influenced by reproductive hormones

  • i.e. during pregnancy need low tone
  • i.e. contraction of myometrium move foetus into vagina during birth
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12
Q

Endometrium (functional layer)

A

Mucosal epithelium covers endometrial surface and forms spiralled uterine glands in the submucosa.

Glands secrete histotroph, a fluid to support embryo development. Gland activity changes under hormonal control
- i.e. endometrium can look different depending stage of cycle

Submucosa contains glands, blood vessels & connective tissue

Unlike humans/apes, the endometrium is not shed during female cycle in most species
- instead see more or less development of endometrial glands (but no bleeding)

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13
Q

Endometrium Histo

A
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14
Q

Uterine biopsy as clinical tool

A

To diagnose endometritis (look for glandular fibrosis or look for signs of inflammation)

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