Anatomy of male and female pelvic organs Flashcards by Emma Coakley

Which fossa are the ovaries contained within?

ovarian fossa

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Which cavity can the ovaries be located?

pelvic cavity

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Are the ovaries located on the medial or lateral walls of the pelvic cavity?

laternal walls

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What are the 2 main functions of the ovaries?

1 - oocyte development

2 - folliculogenesis (female germ cell develops within the somatic cells of the ovary into a fertilizable egg)

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What is the key artery that supplies all the key pelvic viscera (essentially all organs within the pelvic cavity)?

internal iliac artery

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What is the space that lies between the 2 rami of the hip bones, either side of where the pubic symphysis joint is located?

obturator foramen

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The space that lies between the 2 rami of the hip bones, either side of where the pubic symphysis joint is located is called the obturator foramen (see image). The obturator foreman is covered by something which has only one opening. What covers the obturator foramen and what is the one opening of this?

obturator membrane

- obturator canal (allows blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics to pass to lower limbs)

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Label the 3 key arteries that are in close proximation to the ovaries, that if surgery to or near to the ovaries is taking place we need to know about using the labels below:

internal iliac artery
obturator artery
external iliac artery

1 - internal iliac artery
2 - external iliac artery
3 - obturator artery

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Label the 4 key parts of the fallopian tubes using the labels below:

isthmus (which means bridge)
infundibulum
ampulla
fimbriae

1 = isthmus (which means bridge)
2 = ampulla
3 = infundibulum 
4 = fimbriae

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What is the fimbriae of the fallopian tubes?

cilia like projections

- help move the oocyte from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes

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Are the fimbria in direct contact with the ovaries?

no
one fimbria is long enough to reach the ovary
during ovulation this fimbria swells with blood and sweeps the oocyte into the fallopian tubes

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The fimbria are not direct contact with the ovaries. Instead there is one fimbria that is long enough to reach the ovary. During ovulation this fimbria swells with blood and sweeps the oocyte into the fallopian tubes. What is the fimbriae called?

fimbria ovarica

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What is the name of the location where the fallopian tubes meet the uterus?

cornua

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The cornua is the location where the fallopian tubes meet the uterus. Why is this site important?

can be location of ectopic pregnancies (oocyte is located outside the uterus)
cornua is generally not strong enough to support the birth

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What are the 3 key functions of the fallopian tubes?

1 - transit of ovum
2 - fertilisation of the ovum with sperm into zygote
3 - transit of fertilised zygote

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What is the term used to describe a female egg released from the ovaries?

ovum

- latin word for egg

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What are the terms used to describe a cell containing half the chromosomes and a full set of chromosomes, such as an ovum released from the ovaries?

gametes = 1 copy of chromosome

- zygote = 2 copies of chromosomes (1 from each parent)

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What is the uterus?

hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum

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The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. Label the 4 key parts of the uterus using the labels below:

fundus (furtherest from the opening)
cavity
body
cervix

1 = fundus (furtherest from the opening)
2 = cavity 
3 = body
4 = cervix

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Where is the uterus located?

midline of the pelvis

- between the bladder and rectum

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What are the 2 key functions of the uterus?

1 - implantation of the zygote

2 - development and nutrition of embryo/foetus

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The walls of the uterus have 3 main layers when we look at their microstructure. Using the labels below, label the 3 layers:

endometrium
perimetrium
myometrium

1 = endometrium (endo is latin for inside)
2 = myometrium (meso is muscle)
3 = perimetrium (peri is latin on top)

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The walls of the uterus have 3 main layers when we look at their microstructure, the endometrium, perimetrium and myometrium. What is the endometrium?

functional layer of the uterus

- mucosal layer, that undergoes monthly cyclic changes

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The walls of the uterus have 3 main layers when we look at their microstructure, the endometrium, perimetrium and myometrium. What is the myometrium?

smooth muscle that contracts during childbirth to help push the baby out

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The walls of the uterus have 3 main layers when we look at their microstructure, the endometrium, perimetrium and myometrium. What is the perimetrium?

- a continuous layer that continues from the lining of the peritoneal cavity, as it derives from the perineum - supportive connective tissue

The endometrium has 3 layers which we can see on histology. Using the labels below, label these 3 layers: stratum basalis stratum spongiosum stratum compactum

``` 1 = stratum compactum 2 = stratum spongiosum 3 = stratum basalis ```

The endometrium has 3 layers: stratum compactum stratum spongiosum stratum basalis Of these layers, which 2 layers, which are part of the stratum functionalis are shedded during the menstrul cycle?

- stratum compactum and stratum spongiosum

The cervix is a cylinder-shaped neck of tissue that connects the vagina and uterus. It has 4 major parts, label them using the labels below: ``` Isthmus (bridge between endocervix and endometrium) Anatomical Internal os External os (ectocervix) Histological Internal os Cervical canal (endocervix) Cervix ```

``` 1 = Anatomical Internal os 2 = Isthmus (bridge between endocervix and endometrium) 3 = External os (ectocervix) 4 = Uterine canal (endocervix) 5 = Cervix 6 = Histological Internal os ```

Where in the pelvis is the cervix generally located?

- midline of the pelvis

In relation to the uterus, where is the cervix located?

- below inferior body of the uterus

What do the internal and external os join together?

- internal os = cervix and uterus | - external os = cervix and vagina

What is the difference between the anatomical internal os and the histological internal os?

- anatomical internal os = physical opening of uterus cavity into uterus canal - histological internal os = transition point where cell type changes from columnar to squamous

The histological internal os is the transition point where cell type changes from that of the uterine canal to that of the vagina. What are the difference cell types in the uterus and vagina that change at the histological internal os, named after this is where the tissue changes histoligcally?

- uterine canal = simple columnar epithelium | - vagina = non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

The histological internal os is the transition point where cell type changes from that of the uterine canal to that of the vagina. There are difference cell types in the uterus and vagina that change at the histological internal os, named after this is where the tissue changes histoligcally which are: - uterine canal = simple columnar epithelium - vagina = non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium What is the point at which the cells change called?

- squamocolumnar junction

The histological internal os is the transition point where cell type changes from that of the uterine canal to that of the vagina. There are difference cell types in the uterus and vagina that change at the histological internal os, named after this is where the tissue changes histoligcally which are: - uterine canal = simple columnar epithelium - vagina = non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium The point at which the cells change is called the squamocolumnar junction. What is the importance of this junction?

- age and hormones can affect the squamocolumnar junction | - abnormalities are thought to arise here due to proliferative capacity, similar to cancer

What are the 2 key functions of the cervix?

1 - opening for spermatozoa between vagina and uterus | 2 - support pressure changes during pregnancy

What is a mucus plug?

- collection of mucus that forms in the cervical canal in early pregnancy - prevents bacteria or infection from entering your uterus and reaching the baby - lost as body prepares for childbirth

What does anteverted mean?

- ant = anteriorly - verted = tilder - so here something would be rotated anteriorly/forwards

What does anteflexed mean?

- ant = anteriorly - flexed = tilted - so here something would be tilted anteriorly/forwards

What does anteverted and anteflexed mean in relation to the uterus?

- angles located on different parts of the uterus and cervix - angle of version (anteverted) = one longitudinal line through cervix and one through the vagina - angle of flexion (anteflexed) = one longitudinal line through the body of the uterus and one through the cervix

The anteverted and ante-flexed v and othe relate to the following: - angles located on different parts of the uterus and cervix - angle of version (anteverted) = one longitudinal line through cervix and one through the vagina - angle of flexion (anteflexed) = one longitudinal line through the body of the uterus and one through the cervix What is the clinical importance of the anteverted and anteflexed angles in the uterus and cervix?

- abnormal arrangements may cause no problems - a retroverted uterus (directly above the vagina) may increase risk of prolapse of uterus into the vagina when abdominal pressure increases

The vagina has 3 key parts, using the labels below label these parts: anterior fornices vaginal canal introitus (means opening) posterior fornices

``` 1 = posterior fornices 2 = anterior fornices 3 = vaginal canal 4 = introitus (means opening) ```

Where is the vagina located in the pelvis?

- inferior to the cervix | - midline of the pelvis

What important anatomical landmark in the pelvis does the vagina pass through that provides support to the organs above it?

- the pelvic floor muscles

What is the fornices and why is this important?

- area around where vagina meets the cervix | - acts as a gutter to collect sperm and propel into uterus

The fornices is the area around where vagina meets the cervix and acts as a gutter to collect sperm and propel into uterus. How many fornices are there?

- 4 - posterior and anterior - 2 lateral either side of the vagina

What is the main function of the vagina?

- acts as a conduit (channel) for sperm to collect | - sperm generally collects in the posterior fornix as this is the deepest

The female reproductive organ has an extensive blood supply. Label the system using the labels below: ``` uterine artery ovarian artery aorta internal iliac artery vaginal artery common iliac artery external iliac artery ```

``` 1 = aorta 2 = common iliac artery 3 = external iliac artery 4 = internal iliac artery 5 = ovarian artery 6 = uterine artery 7 = vaginal artery ```

How many branches does the internal iliac artery have?

- 2 | - posterior and anterior

What is the pudendal canal, also called Alcock's canal?

- anatomical structure in the pelvis allow nerves and veins to pass through - internal pudendal artery, internal pudendal veins, and the pudendal nerve pass

The pudendal canal, also called Alcock's canal is an anatomical structure in the pelvis allow nerves and veins to pass through. The internal pudendal artery, internal pudendal veins, and the pudendal nerve pass through this canal. Where does the pudendal nerve run in relation to the pudendal canal?

- leaves S2, S3-4 - descends between the piriformis and ischiococcygeus muscles - leaves the pelvis through greater sciatic foramen and re-enters via the lesser sciatic foramen - runs alongside through the pudendal canal (also known as Alcock’s canal_

A 20 year old female presents to the GP complaining of abdominal pain. Her history reveals she has not had a period for 2 months. She is having regular unprotected sex and is on the oral contraceptive. You suspect pregnancy so undertake a pelvis ultrasound. The uterine cavity is empty. Below are likely differentials, but which is most likely? 1 - pregnancy 2 - IBD 3 - sexually transmitted disease 4 - ectopic pregnancy

4 - ectopic pregnancy as uterine cavity is empty

A 28 year old female presents to the GP complaining of agonising unilateral abdominal pain. Her history reveals abdominal cramping for 2 days and stabbing pain for 8 hours with nausea and vomiting. Below are likely differentials, but which is most likely? 1 - ruptured fallopian tube 2 - appendixes 3 - acute abdomen 4 - ovarian torsion

4 - ovarian torsion

A 46 year old female presents to the GP with bloating, constipation, abdominal discomfort and erratic vaginal bleeding. On abdominal examination you palpate a mass in the pubic region. Next you will undertake a bimanual pelvic examination. Below are likely differentials, but which is most likely? 1 - cancer 2 - pregnancy 3 - fibroids 4 - functional ovarian cysts

3 - fibroids

What can be identified on the cadaver section, that is highlighted by the blue box?

- right and left ovaries

What can be identified on the cadaver section, that is highlighted by the blue box?

- uterus

What are the testes?

- two oval-shaped organs in the male reproductive system

What are the testes contained within?

- scrotum | - external male genitaila

What are the 2 key functions of the testes?

1 - spermatogenesis (maturation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa) 2 - testosterone secretion

What is the epididymis?

- a long, coiled tube that stores sperm and transports it from the testes - located posteriorly on each testes

What is the epididymis is a a long, coiled tube that stores sperm and transports it from the testes, located posteriorly on each testes. What are the 2 key functions of the epididymis?

1 - storage and transit of spermatozoa | 2 - maturation of the spermatozoa

The epididymis is a a long, coiled tube that stores sperm and transports it from the testes, located posteriorly on each testes. It has 4 key parts, using the labels below label the epididymis? Coiled tube 6m long Head Body Tail

``` 1 = head of epididymis 2 = coiled tube 6m long whole of epididymis 3 = body of epididymis 4 = tail of epididymis ```

What is the ductus deferens?

- a fibromuscular tube that is continuation of the epididymis - excretory duct of the testis

- spermatic cord | - connects the testes to the abdominal cavity

- inguinal canal

- superficial inguinal ring | - deep inguinal ring

The inguinal canal begins halfway down a ligament that starts at the anterior superior iliac spine of the ilium to the pubic tubercle on the pubic bone. What is this ligament called?

- inguinal ligament

- crosses the iliac artery and back into the pelvic cavity | - crosses the ureter and arrives at the fundus of the bladder (remember bridge over troubled water)

The ductus deferens is a fibromuscular tube that is continuation of the epididymis, and is the excretory duct of the testis. Once the spermatozoa leave the testes and travel up the ductus deferens, it travels through inside the spermatic cord along the inguinal canal, passing through the superficial and deep inguinal ring. The ductus deferens then crosses the iliac artery and back into the pelvic cavity, where it crosses the ureter and arrived at the fundus of the bladder (remember bridge over troubled water). What happens to the ductus deferens at the fundus of the bladder?

- becomes the ampulla of ductus deferens | - area where sperm can be stored

The ductus deferens has a very long course before it reaches the ejaculatory ducts. What is the main function of the ductus deferens?

- transport spermatozoa to the ejaculatory ducts | - facilitated through peristaltic contractions

The seminal vesicles are a pair of accessory exocrine glands found in the male pelvis after the ductus deferens and ampulla of ductus deferens meet. What is the main function of these glands?

- produce many of the constituent ingredients of semen | - provide around 85% of the total volume of semen

The seminal vesicles are a pair of accessory exocrine glands found in the male pelvis after the ductus deferens and ampulla of ductus deferens meet. The purpose of the seminal vesicles is to produce many of the constituent ingredients of semen, ultimately providing around 85% of the total volume of semen. Where can the seminal vesicles be located?

- posterior surface of the bladder

- vitamin c - fructose - prostaglandins - fibrinogen (coagulate semen) - semenogelins (proteins that help coagulate seminal fluid, prevent capacitation)

- provides energy for sperm

The prostate is classed as a gland, what type of gland is this classed as?

- accessory endocrine gland

The prostate is an accessory endocrine gland. Where can it be located?

- along ureter between the internal (involuntary) and external (voluntary) urethral sphincters

The prostate is an accessory endocrine gland that can be located along ureter between the internal (involuntary) and external (voluntary) urethral sphincters. What is the primary function of the prostate?

- secretion of prostatic fluid - prostrate specific antigen - fibrinolysin, zinc, proteolytic enzymes - prostatic acid phosphatase

- passes through the prostate and into the urethra

Label the functional parts of the prostate using the labels below: ``` central zone (surrounds the seminal vesicles) peripheral zone (surrounds the central zone) ```

1 - peripheral zone (surrounds the central zone) | 2 - central zone (surrounds the seminal vesicles)

What is the part of the prostate that surrounds the urethra and why is this important?

- transitional/junctional zone | - benign prostate hyperplasia causes urinary symptoms

What is the most common site of prostate carcinoma in the prostate?

- peripheral zone | - highly active (main glandular part of the prostate)

Zinc is secreted by the prostate into the sperm. What are the 2 important functions of zinc?

1 - maturity of sperm - CAN CAUSE INFERTILITY | 2 - maintain sperm viability

What is a homologue in terms of reproductive organs?

- something that has the same relation, relative position, or structure - generally developed in a similar way during embryology

A homologue in terms of reproductive organs is something that has the same relation, relative position, or structure. The prostate gland in the male is an accessory exocrine gland. What is this homologue of the prostate in females?

- the Skene's glands located on either side of the urethra | - may be linked with secretion of fluid that helps with urination and cleanliness

There is a pair of glands around the same size as a pea that sit near the base of the penis. What are these glands called?

- bulbourethral or Cowper's glands

What is the deep perineal pouch?

- a potential space between the deep fascia of the pelvic floor (superiorly) and the perineal membrane (inferiorly) - contains part of the urethra, external urethral sphincter, and the vagina in the female. In males, it also contains the bulbourethral glands and the deep transverse perineal muscles

What are the 2 key functions of bulbourethral or Cowper's glands?

- lubrication (glycoproteins) | - neutralisation (Alkaline fluid as urine the vagina is acidic)

Label the 3 key parts of the penis using the labels below: Body (shaft) Glans Root (radix-triradiate)

``` 1 = Root (radix-triradiate) 2 = Body (shaft) 3 = Glans ```

What are the 2 anatomical landmarks to be aware of in identifying the location of the penis?

``` 1 = external genitalia 2 = urogenital triangle ```

What are the 2 key functions of the penis?

``` 1 = transmit fluids (urine and semen) 2 = erection ```

Label the 3 key components of the penis using the labels below: corpus spongiosum corpus cavernosum urethra

``` 1 = corpus cavernosum 2 = urethra 3 = corpus spongiosum ```

Label the blood supply to the male reproductive organs using the labels below: ``` internal iliac artery posterior scrotal artery anterior scrotal artery common iliac artery external iliac artery external pudendal artery internal pudendal artery dorsal artery deep artery ```

``` 1 = common iliac artery 2 = external iliac artery 3 = internal iliac artery 4 = internal pudendal artery 5 = external pudendal artery 6 = dorsal artery 7 = deep artery 8 = posterior scrotal artery 9 = anterior scrotal artery ```

A 4yr old male presents to the GP with his mother. She is concerned because she has noticed a swelling in his scrotum. When examined by the GP the swelling is not painful and disappears when the child is supine. The swelling appeared translucent when a light source placed behind it. What is the most likely diagnosis? 1 - hydroceal 2 - hematoceal 3 - spermatic cord torsion 4 - epididmytis

1 - hydrocele - swelling in the scrotum that occurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath surrounding a testicle - comes from abdominal cavity

What is the medical term used to describe a missing testicle?

- cryptos = greek for "hidden," - orchis = greek for "testis") - cryptorchidism

What are the 2 items labelled 1 and 2 in the cadaver section?

1 - epididymis | 2 - testes

What is labelled in the cadaver section below?

- ductus deferens | - runs from tests to prostate

Anatomy of male and female pelvic organs Flashcards

(96 cards)