Reproductive Organs and Associated Pelvic Structures

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards reviewing pelvic floor anatomy, uterine support, fallopian tubes, vagina, cervix, external genitalia, penile structures, urethra, and common clinical correlations such as prolapse, ectopic pregnancy, BPH, and surgical contraception.

What is the primary function of the pelvic diaphragm (pelvic floor) muscles?

They form a muscular “trampoline” that supports pelvic organs and are crucial for continence and sexual function.

Which exercises voluntarily strengthen the pelvic diaphragm?

Kegel exercises.

Name the three groups of muscles commonly classified within the pelvic floor.

Pelvic diaphragm proper, urogenital diaphragm, and the sphincters/erectile muscles of the urogenital tract.

Which muscle group forms the major component of the pelvic diaphragm proper?

The levator ani group.

List the three individual muscles that make up the levator ani.

Puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus.

What is the main action of the puborectalis muscle?

It inhibits defecation by encircling the anorectal junction.

From which bony landmark does the pubococcygeus muscle originate?

The pubic bone, lateral to puborectalis.

What common clinical consequence can damage to puborectalis and pubococcygeus cause after vaginal delivery?

Incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

How much can the uterus weigh at term pregnancy compared to its non-pregnant weight?

Approximately 1 kg at term versus 50–200 g when non-pregnant.

Which uterine region connects to the fallopian tubes?

The fundus (uterine cornua/horns).

What broad, sheet-like peritoneal fold helps position the uterus?

The broad ligament of the uterus.

What true ligament of the uterus extends to the labium majus?

The round ligament of the uterus.

Define uterine prolapse.

Descent of the uterus into (or outside) the vagina due to weakened ligaments and/or pelvic floor muscles.

State the primary role of the fallopian (uterine) tubes.

Transport the fertilized ovum from the ovary to the body of the uterus.

What is the most common type of ectopic pregnancy?

Tubal pregnancy in the uterine tube.

Why can a right-sided tubal pregnancy be misdiagnosed as appendicitis?

Because the appendix lies very close to the right ovary and right uterine tube, producing similar pain patterns.

What happens to ova after a tubal ligation?

They degenerate and are absorbed.

How long is the vagina, and what functions does it serve?

About 7–10 cm; it facilitates childbirth, menstruation, intercourse, and sexual pleasure.

Which screening test examines cervical cells for early cancerous changes?

The Pap smear.

Persistent infection with which virus is strongly linked to cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV).

Collectively, what term describes the external female genitalia?

The vulva.

What are the primary erectile bodies of the penis?

The corpora cavernosa.

Which penile structure contains the urethra and forms the glans?

The corpus spongiosum.

Name the three parts of the penile root.

Two crura and one bulb.

List two commonly cited medical benefits and two risks of neonatal circumcision.

Benefits: reduced UTIs, lower risk of penile cancer or some STIs (e.g., HIV). Risks: infection, permanent disfigurement or impaired sexual function.

From proximal to distal, name the four parts of the male urethra.

Preprostatic (intramural), prostatic, membranous, and spongy (penile) urethra.

Which part of the urethra is affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

The prostatic urethra.

Give two common urinary symptoms of BPH.

Nocturia (waking at night to urinate) and urinary hesitancy or intermittent flow.

What is the function of the bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands?

They secrete lubricating fluid into the spongy urethra.

What is surgically ligated in a vasectomy, and what is the contraceptive effect?

The vas (ductus) deferens; sperm can no longer reach the ejaculate, resulting in male sterility.