The
internal organs consists of:
internal organs consists of:
·
The
vaginal.
The
vaginal.
·
The
uterus
The
uterus
·
2 uterine
tubes
2 uterine
tubes
·
2-ovaries
2-ovaries
The Vagina
The
vagina is a fibromuscular tube connecting the cervix of the uterus to the
exterior. In adults it measures 7.5cm anteriorly and 9cm posteriorly. It runs
obliquely upwards and backwards at an angle of approximately 45O
. The anterior and
posterior walls are in apposition except at the protruding cervix of the uterus
into anterior, posterior and lateral fornices. It has three (3) layers of
tissues
vagina is a fibromuscular tube connecting the cervix of the uterus to the
exterior. In adults it measures 7.5cm anteriorly and 9cm posteriorly. It runs
obliquely upwards and backwards at an angle of approximately 45O
. The anterior and
posterior walls are in apposition except at the protruding cervix of the uterus
into anterior, posterior and lateral fornices. It has three (3) layers of
tissues
i.
Outer
covering of areola and elastic tissue
Outer
covering of areola and elastic tissue
ii.
Middle
layer of smooth muscle tissue.
Middle
layer of smooth muscle tissue.
iii.
Inner
lining of stratified squamous epithelium arranged in transverse or rugae.
Inner
lining of stratified squamous epithelium arranged in transverse or rugae.
The uterus
The
uterus is a pear shaped hollow muscular organ lying in the pelvic cavity
between the urinary bladder and the rectum. It is flattened anterioposteriorly
and its position is one of anteversion and anteflexion. Its anterior surface
resting on the urinary bladder. When the body is in the anatomical position it
lies in an almost horizontal position. It measures 7.5cm long, 5cm wide, about
2.5cm thick and weights 30-40g. It consists of 3 parts namely.
uterus is a pear shaped hollow muscular organ lying in the pelvic cavity
between the urinary bladder and the rectum. It is flattened anterioposteriorly
and its position is one of anteversion and anteflexion. Its anterior surface
resting on the urinary bladder. When the body is in the anatomical position it
lies in an almost horizontal position. It measures 7.5cm long, 5cm wide, about
2.5cm thick and weights 30-40g. It consists of 3 parts namely.
·
The
Fundus,
The
Fundus,
·
The body,
The body,
·
The
cervix
The
cervix
The
fundus is the dome shaped part of the uterus above the openings of the uterine
tubes.
fundus is the dome shaped part of the uterus above the openings of the uterine
tubes.
The cervix is the part which protrudes through
the anterior wall of the vagina and opens into it at the external Os.
the anterior wall of the vagina and opens into it at the external Os.
The
structures
structures
·
Perimetrium
Perimetrium
·
Myometrium
Myometrium
·
Endometrium
Endometrium
Supports of the uterus
The
supports of the uterus include:
supports of the uterus include:
·
The
surrounding organs
The
surrounding organs
·
The
muscles of the pelvic floor
The
muscles of the pelvic floor
·
The
ligaments. i.e.
The
ligaments. i.e.
v 2 broad ligaments
v the round ligament
v 2 uteroscral ligaments
v 2 transverse cervical ligaments
v The pubocervical fascias
Functions of the Uterus
i.
Receives,
nourishes and protects fertilized ovum
Receives,
nourishes and protects fertilized ovum
ii.
Produces
environment for growing fetus during the 40 wks of gestation
Produces
environment for growing fetus during the 40 wks of gestation
iii.
Menstruation
Menstruation
iv.
Relaxes
during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus.
Relaxes
during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus.
v.
Parturition
after labour at the end of gestation.
Parturition
after labour at the end of gestation.