9.2_Female_Reproductive_uterus

Female Reproductive System Overview

• Key Components

  • Uterus

  • Vagina

  • Pelvic floor

Uterine Anatomy

• Uterine Tube (the whole thing)

  • Functions: Receives oocyte and site for fertilization

  • Sections:

  • Fimbriae

  • Infundibulum

  • Ampulla

  • Isthmus

  • Connects to the peritoneal cavity.

• Uterus Functions

  • Development of embryo/fetus

  • Expulsion of fetus during childbirth

  • Major parts: Body, fundus, isthmus, cervix, and uterine tubes

Uterine Wall Structure

• Layers:

  • Endometrium: Inner lining; changes with hormonal cycles.

  • Myometrium:

  • Smooth muscle layer, consists of three layers:

    • Longitudinal (outer)

    • Circular (inner)

    • Oblique (middle)

  • Adventitia: Outer connective tissue layer

Changes in the Uterus

• Monthly endometrial changes due to hormonal cycles.

• Uterus enlarges during pregnancy (grows to support the fetus).

• Fetal head engages in the pelvic cavity prior to labor ( "drops" before birth).

• After menopause, lack of hormones leads to uterine atrophy (reduction in size and functionality).

Vaginal Anatomy

• Functions:

  • Passage for menstrual blood, fetus during childbirth, penis, and the ejaculate.

• Connects the cervical canal from the internal to the external os.

• Fornices:

  • Anterior fornix and posterior fornix act as arches supporting the vaginal wall.

  • vesicouterine (anterior) & rectouterine (posterior) pouchs

Vaginal Wall Composition

• Mucosa:

  • Stratified squamous epithelium(thin outer tissue) providing resistance to abrasion.

• Muscularis Layer:

  • Smooth muscle facilitating contractions, especially during orgasm.

• Adventitia:

  • Outermost connective tissue layer.

Ligaments of the Uterus

• Suspensory Ligament of Ovary:

  • Contains ovarian artery and vein.

• Broad Ligament: Encloses the uterine tubes, ovaries, and the uterus.

• Round Ligament of Uterus: Connects the uterus to the labium majus.

• Uterosacral and Cardinal Ligaments: Provide support to the uterus and pelvic organs.

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor

• Levator Ani Group:

  • Key muscles: Pubococcygeus, Iliococcygeus.

• Coccygeus Muscle: Contributes to pelvic support.

• The pelvic diaphragm contains openings for the rectum, vagina, and urethra.

Summary of Hormonal Influence and Changes

• Menstrual Cycle:

  • Estrogen stimulates endometrial growth.

  • Progesterone promotes endometrial maintenance for implantation.

  • Menstruation occurs when progesterone levels drop, causing degeneration of the endometrium.

• Pregnancy:

  • Myometrium hypertrophies to allow for contractions during childbirth.

  • Relaxin causes dilation of cervix and vagina for fetal passage.

• Menopause:

  • Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, leading to uterine atrophy.