Lecture 7: Female Reproductive System Anatomy

Overview of the Uterus

• Size and Function: The uterus is comparable to an inverted pear and is also known as the womb.

  • Functions include:
    • Transporting spermatozoa
    • Menstruation
    • Implantation of fertilized ovum
    • Development of fetus during pregnancy
    • Labor

• Subdivisions of the Uterus:

  • Fundus: The hump at the top
  • Body: Makes up most of the uterus
  • Isthmus: Narrowing area
  • Cervix: Tissue located at the bottom

• Narrowing Areas:

  • Internal Os: Internal opening
  • External Os: External opening

• Other Structures:

  • Uterine Cavity: Located above
  • Cervical Canal: Located below

Anatomy of the Vagina

• Tube with ridges called rugae, similar to the stomach but do not expand.
• Ligaments help hold the uterus in place.

Layers of the Uterus

• Endometrium: Innermost layer
• Myometrium: Thick muscle layer
• Perimetrium: Connective tissue layer
• Uterus dimensions: 3 inches long, 2 inches wide, 1 inch thick

Uterine Position

• Normally projects anteriorly and superiorly: Anteflexion
• Prolapse: Uterus can descend through the vagina, especially in women who have had many children.
  • Degrees of Prolapse:
    • First Degree: Slightly down
    • Second Degree: More observable
    • Third Degree: Entire uterus descends through the vaginal opening
  • Treatment often involves repositioning.

Uterine Blood Supply

• Uterine Arteries branch into arcuate and radial arteries
• Spiral Arteries in the stratum functionalis provide the blood during menstruation.

Endometrial Layers

• Stratum Basalis: Basal layer
• Stratum Functionalis: Sheds during menstruation
  • Contains glands and blood vessels
  • Supported by stroma (structural tissue)

Hysterectomy

• Surgical removal of the uterus
• Common reasons include:
  • Endometriosis
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Cancer of cervix, uterus, or ovaries
• Types:
  • Complete Hysterectomy: Removal of uterus and cervix
  • Radical Hysterectomy: Removal of uterus, tubes, ovaries, part of vagina, pelvic lymph nodes, and supporting ligaments
• Major surgery with a recovery time of 6-8 weeks, often performed laparoscopically
• Most common gynecological operation