Vagina Flashcards Preview

Repro anatomy > Vagina > Flashcards

Flashcards in Vagina Deck (28)
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1
Q

what is the vagina?

A

a distensible muscular tube

2
Q

approx how long is the vagina?

A

9cm

3
Q

where does the vagina extend?

A

It extends upwards and backwards from the vestibule of the external genitalia, to the cervix

4
Q

biological functions of the vagina?

A

During sexual intercourse, the vagina receives the penis and ejaculate, assisting its transport to the uterus.

Expands to provide a channel delivery of a newborn from the uterus to the outside world

canal for menstrual fluid and tissue to leave the body

5
Q

which structures are anterior to the vagina?

A

bladder and urethra

6
Q

which structures are posterior to the vagina?

A

rectum and anus

7
Q

which structures are lateral to the vagina?

A

ureter and uterine artery

8
Q

what is a vaginal fistula?

A

result of long and traumatic childbirth where caesarian section not avaliable
‘disease of poverty’

9
Q

what happens as the foetus progress down the vaginal wall in vaginal fistula?

A

foetus cuts off blood supply and necrosis results

10
Q

when does a fistula occur?

A

when there is an open communication between the vagina and one of the adjacent pelvic organs

11
Q

what are the 3 main types of vaginal fistulae?

A

vesticovaginal
urethrovaginal
rectovaginal

12
Q

which organs is a vesticovaginal fistulae between?

A

between the vagina and bladder

13
Q

consequence of vesticovaginal fistulae?

A

urine enters the vagina constantly

14
Q

which organs is a urethrovaginal fistulae between?

A

vagina and urethra

15
Q

consequence of urethrovaginal fistulae?

A

urine enters the vagina during urination

16
Q

which organs is a rectovaginal fistulae between?

A

vagina and rectum

17
Q

consequence of rectovaginal fistulae?

A

faecal matter can enter vagina

18
Q

what is the vagina composed of? (histology)

A

4 layers

19
Q

what are the 4 histological layers of the vagina? (internal to external)

A

Stratified squamous epithelium lining
Elastic lamina propria
Fibromuscular layer
Adventitia

20
Q

Stratified squamous epithelium lining of the vagina? (innermost)

A

This layer provides protection

21
Q

does the vagina contain any glands?

A

no

22
Q

what is the vagina lubricated by?

A

cervical mucus

lubricates stratified squamous epithelium lining (innermost)

23
Q

which pH is vagina maintained at? why?

A

pH of ~4.5

This prevents infection by other organisms

24
Q

how does the vagina maintain its low vaginal pH of ~4.5?

A

Oestrogen stimulates the epithelial cells (innermost) to secrete glycogen. The glycogen is digested by Lactobacillus vaginalis inhabiting the vagina to produce lactic acid and maintain a low vaginal pH of ~4.5

25
Q

what is the elastic lamina propria? (2nd innermost)

A

A dense connective tissue layer which projects papillae into the overlying epithelium

26
Q

what is located within the elastic lamina propria?

A

The larger veins

27
Q

what does the Fibromuscular layer (3rd innermost) comprise of?

A

2 layers of smooth muscle; an inner circular, and an outer longitudinal layer

28
Q

adventitia of vagina?

A

A fibrous layer, which provides additional strength to the vagina, whilst also binding it to surrounding structures