Other Female Anatomy

Question 1

Function of the uterine/Fallopian tubes?

Answer 1

Assist in the transfer of the ovum from the ovary to the uterus

Question 2

Epithelium of the uterine tubes?

Answer 2

Ciliated columnar and peg cells which supply the ovum with nutrients

Question 3

Why is there smooth muscle in the uterine tubes?

Answer 3

Contracts to assist with transportation of the ova and sperm

Sensitive to sex steroids - peristalsis greatest when there is high oestrogen

Question 4

Vascular supply of the uterine tubes?

Answer 4

Uterine and ovarian arteries and veins

Question 5

Lymphatic drainage of the uterine tubes?

Answer 5

Iliac, sacral and aortic lymph nodes

Question 6

Innervation of the uterine tubes?

Answer 6

Sympathetic and parasympathetic via ovarian and uterine (pelvic) plexuses
Sensory afferent from T11-L1

Question 7

What is salpingitis?

Answer 7

Inflammation of the Fallopian tubes, usually caused by infection

Question 8

What can be complications of salpingitis?

Answer 8

Adhesions of mucosa which can partially/completely block the lumen
Ectopic pregnancy/infertility

Question 9

What can be complications of salpingitis?

Answer 9

Adhesions of mucosa which can partially/completely block the lumen
Ectopic pregnancy/infertility

Question 10

Two methods of ligation of the uterine tubes?

Answer 10

Open abdominal via suprapubic incision

Laparoscopic via small incision near umbilicus

Question 11

How does the peritoneal cavity have a link to the outside world?

Answer 11

Via the osteum of the uterine tube. In women only

Question 12

What are the two regions of the cervix and what is the epithelium of each?

Answer 12

Ectocervix - stratified squamous

Endocervix - mucus-secreting simple columnar

Question 13

What marks the transition from ecto to endocervix?

Answer 13

The external os

Question 14

Functions of the cervix?

Answer 14

Facilitate transport of sperm into uterine cavity by dilation of internal and external os
Maintain sterility of upper female repro tract

Question 15

How is the sterile environment of the cervix upwards maintained?

Answer 15

Frequent shedding of the endometrium
Thick cervical mucus
Narrow external os

Question 16

Vascular supply of the cervix?

Answer 16

Same as the uterus
Uterine artery
Venous plexus draining into uterine veins

Question 17

What is cervicitis?

Answer 17

Chronic inflammation and infection of the cervix

Question 18

What can cause cervicitis?

Answer 18

Chlamydia trachomatis

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Question 19

How can cervicitis present?

Answer 19

Asymptomatic
Pelvic pain
Vaginal discharge
Post-coital bleeding
Dyspareunia

Question 20

Complications of cervicitis?

Answer 20

PID
Potential blockage of mucus ducts and cyst formation can increase risk of infertility due to an inhostile environment to sperm

Question 21

What is the most common cancer affecting the female repro tract?

Answer 21

Cervical cancer

Question 22

What are the two classifications of cervical cancer?

Answer 22

Squamous cell carcinoma - affects epithelial lining of ectocervix
Adenocarcinoma - cancer of glands within the lining of the cervix

Question 23

Describe the vagina

Answer 23

Distensible muscular tube
9cm long
Extends upwards and backwards from vestibule of external genitalia to the cervix

Question 24

Functions of the vagina?

Answer 24

Receives penis and ejaculate during sex
Assists ejaculate transport to the uterus
Expands to provide a channel for delivery of a baby
Canal for menstrual fluid and tissue to leave the body

Question 25

What is around the vagina?

Answer 25

Anteriorly - bladder and urethra
Posteriorly - rectum and anus
Laterally - ureters and uterine artery

Question 26

Histological layers of the vagina?

Answer 26

Stratified squamous lining
Elastic lamina propria
Fibromuscular layer
Adventitia

Question 27

Function of the stratified squamous layer in the vagina?

Answer 27

Provides protection
Secretes glycogen (stimulated by oestrogen) which is digested by Lactobacillus vaginalis to produce lactic acid to keep it at a pH of 4.5 to prevent infection

Question 28

Structure of the elastic lamina propria in the vagina?

Answer 28

Dense connective tissue
Projects papillae into overlying epithelium
Larger veins located here

Question 29

What makes up the vaginal mucosa?

Answer 29

Lamina propria and epithelium

Question 30

Structure of the fibromuscular layer of the vagina?

Answer 30

Two layers of smooth muscle

• inner circular
• outer longitudinal

Question 31

Function of the adventitia?

Answer 31

Provides additional strength

Binds it to surrounding structures

Question 32

Vascular supply to the vagina?

Answer 32

Uterine and vaginal arteries - branches of the internal iliac
Vaginal venous plexus into internal iliac vein via uterine vein

Question 33

Lymphatic drainage of the vagina?

Answer 33

Iliac and superficial inguinal lymph nodes

Question 34

Lymphatic drainage of the vagina?

Answer 34

Iliac and superficial inguinal lymph nodes

Question 35

Innervation of the vagina?

Answer 35

Autonomic derived from uterovaginal nerve plexus (derived from the inferior hypogastric plexus and pelvic splanchnic nerves.
Inferior fibres of the plexus supply the superior part of the vagina

Inferior part of the vagina supplied by pudendal nerve branch called the deep perineal nerve

Question 36

What is a vaginal fistula a result of?

Answer 36

A long childbirth where C section is not available - disease of poverty
As fetus moves down vagina, cuts off blood supply to the vaginal causing necrosis
Causes an open communication between the vagina and any adjacent pelvic organs

Question 37

What are the three main types of vagina fistulae?

Answer 37

Vesicovaginal - urine always enters the vagina
Urethrovaginal - urine only enters on urination
Rectovaginal - fecal matter can enter

Question 38

What can predispose people to vaginal infection?

Answer 38

Low oestrogen eg during pregnancy
Diabetes
Reduction in lactobacilli caused by antibiotics which can disrupt natural vaginal flora
Overgrowth and infections eg candidiasis (thrush) and bacterial vaginosis