Anatomy6: Female Reproductive Anatomy

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to female reproductive anatomy.

Ovary

Female oval gonadal organs attached to the broad ligament.

Uterus

Thick-walled muscular organ that connects distally to the vagina and laterally to uterine tubes.

Cervix

Lower part of the uterus that projects into the vaginal lumen and contains the external os.

Vagina

Distensible muscular tube extending from the external vaginal orifice to the cervix.

Broad ligament

Double layer of peritoneum attaching the sides of the uterus to the pelvis.

Suspensory ligament of the ovary

Ligament extending from the mesovarium to the pelvic wall supporting the ovaries.

Ectopic pregnancy

Pregnancy occurring outside the uterus; 95% of cases are tubal.

Bartholin's glands

Greater vestibular glands located on either side of the vaginal opening, providing lubrication.

Vulva

External female genitalia, including structures like the mons pubis and labia.

Fallopian tubes

Tubes extending laterally from the uterus, facilitating the transfer of ovum from ovary to uterus.

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus, consisting of the stratum basalis and stratum functionalis.

Uterine artery

Vessel supplying blood to the uterus, also drained by the uterine vein.

Infundibulum

Funnel-shaped section of the fallopian tube that guides the ovum into the tube.

Myometrium

Middle muscular layer of the uterus responsible for contractions during childbirth.

Cervical canal

Canal within the cervix extending between the external and internal os.

all female organs are located

in the pelvis

vulva 

pudendum

structures

mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, vestibule, barthalin’s glands, clitoris

fusion of labia majora

creates mons pubis

labia majora 

hair bearing external skin folds 

labia minora

hairless inner skin folds

vestibule

opening enclosed by labia minora enclosed by labia majora and minora

clitoris 

erectile organ similar to penis 

clitoris body

consists of two corpora cavernosa attached to vestibule by crura

hymen

thin membrane covering vaginal opening

bulb of vestibule 

pair of erectile tissue in the vaginal wall that enhances sexual arousal.

pudendal arteries, external and internal

supply to the female reproductive tract

vaginal fistula 

open communication between the vagina and another organ, such as the bladder or rectum, often resulting from injury or childbirth.

vesicovaginal

fistula between bladder and vagina, often causing urinary incontinence.

urethrovaginal fistula

fistula between the urethra and vagina, leading to urinary leakage.

rectovaginal fistula 

a fistula between the rectum and vagina, which can cause stool leakage and discomfort.

vaginal blood supply

uterine and vaginal arteries derived from internal iliac

venous drainage of vagina

vaginal plexus to uterine vein to internal iliac vein

vaginal fornices

The four recesses located around the cervix created by the vaginal wall, which include anterior, posterior, and lateral fornices. These fornices allow for the expansion of the vagina during intercourse and childbirth, providing space for anatomical changes.

semen will sit

in the posterior fornicie

cervix

lower part of the uterus that is continuous but structurally distinct

ectocervix

projects into vaginal lumen and is the part of the cervix that is visible during a gynecological exam. It is covered by stratified squamous epithelium and plays a role in protecting the internal reproductive organs.

endocervix

inner mucus secreting canal that extends between external and internal orifices  

blood supply to cervix

uterine artery a branch of internal iliac artery

venous drainage of cervix

uterine plexus to uterine vein to internal iliac vein

uterus 

thick walled muscular expandable argan

uterus

connects distally to vagina and laterally to uterine tubes

parts of uterus

include fundus, body, and cervix.

uterine histological layers

perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium (consisting of stratum basalis and stratum functionalis)

more uterine positions

anteverted to vagina and anteflexed to cervix

broad ligament

double layer of peritoneum attaches to sides of uterus to pelvis 

broad ligament parts

mesovarium mesosalpinx and mesometrium 

round ligament 

extends from uterine horns to labia majora via the inguinal canal 

ovarian ligament

connects the ovary to the lateral aspect of the uterus.

uterosacral ligament

connects the inferior uterus to the sacrum, providing support to the uterus.

cardinal ligament/ lateral pelvic ligament 

extends from cervix to lateral pelvic walls and contains important for containing uteral artery ad vein 

fallopian tubes

extends laterally from uterus to open to abdominal cavity

fallopian tubes

completely engulfed in the broad ligament

parts of fallopian tubes

fimbriae

infundibulum 

ampulla

isthmus 

ectopic pregnancy

95% in fallopian tubes

often due to salpingitis

outcome depends on site

ovaries

attached to posterior surface of broad ligament via mesovarium

suspensory ligament of the ovary 

extends from mesovarium to pelvic wall

ligament of the ovary

extends from ovary to fundus of uterus and continues as the round ligament

ovarian artery

reaches ovary by traveling in the suspensory ligament of the ovary.

anterior vulva where majora meet

is known as the mons pubis.

posterior vulva

psoterior commissure

anterior minora

hood of clitoris

posterior labia minora 

forchette 

most common cause of fistula

crohns disease