Female Reproductive System: Pelvic Organs

May 10, 2024

Female Reproductive System: Pelvic Organs

Overview

  • Main Organs: Ovaries, Uterine Tubes, Uterus, Vagina.
  • Focus: On pelvic organs within the female reproductive system, excluding the bladder and rectum.

Ovaries

  • Location: In the pelvic cavity, along the lateral wall within the broad ligament.
  • Supportive Ligaments: Ovarian ligament connects ovary to the uterus.
  • Function: Primary sex organ, producing female gametes (oocytes) and sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
  • Innervation & Blood Supply: Supplied by ovarian arteries (arising from the abdominal aorta) and veins (right drains into the inferior vena cava and left into the left renal vein).

Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes/Oviducts)

  • Parts: Fimbriae, Infundibulum, Ampulla (most common fertilization site), Isthmus.
  • Names: Also known as fallopian tubes or oviducts.
  • Function: Transport ovum from ovary to uterus.

Uterus

  • Location: Between the bladder and rectum.
  • Structure: Composed of the endometrium, myometrium, and epimysium.
  • Parts: Fundus, Isthmus, Body, Cervix (with internal and external os).
  • Function: Organ of gestation; receives, nourishes, and gestates a fertilized oocyte until birth.
  • Blood Supply: Uterine artery (from internal iliac artery) and some supply from ovarian artery.

Broad Ligament

  • Description: Double fold of peritoneum covering and connecting the uterus, uterine tubes, and ovaries to the pelvis.
  • Subdivisions: Mesometrium, Mesosalpinx, and Mesovarium.

Round Ligament of the Uterus

  • Path: Extends from the fundus of the uterus through the inguinal canal to the labia majora.
  • Origin: Inferior portion of the embryonic gubernaculum.

Vagina

  • Function: Passageway for endometrium (menstruation), receptacle for penis during intercourse, and birth canal.
  • Structure: Lined with ridges or irregular folds known as vaginal rugae; anterior and posterior fornices.

Embryology Highlight: Gubernaculum

  • Role: Aides in the descent and placement of gonads.
  • Remnants in Adult Female: Transforms into the ovarian ligament and the round ligament of the uterus.