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TOPOGRAPHICAL & SURFACE ANATOMY OF THE PELVIS 4 –
FEMALE PELVIC ORGANS & PERINEUM
Basic Anatomical structures and Principles (syllabus)
Understand the concepts and associated principles, functional and clinical applications
of the female pelvic organs and perineum.
OVARIES – 2-3.5cm long, 1-1.5cm wide.
Visceral peritoneum covering the surface of
the ovaries is called ovarian/germinal
epithelium.
Immediately below the epithelium is a layer
of dense fibrous CT - Tunica Albuginea
Cortex = dense outer part
Medulla = loose inner part of the ovary
UTERINE/FALLOPIAN TUBES/OVIDUCTS – open into peritoneal cavity to receive the
oocyte from the ovary. It expands to form the infundibulum and has long thin processes
called Frimbriae.
 Ampulla – nearest the infundibulum and is the widest and longest part
 Isthmus – nearest the uterus and is much narrower and thinker then ampulla
 Uterine/intramural part – passes through the uterine wall and ends in a very small
uterine opening
Uterine tube walls have 3 layers:
1. SEROSA – other layer formed by peritoneum
2. MUSCULAR LAYER – middle layer. Longitudinal and circular smooth muscle
3. MUCOSA – inner layer. Has mucous membrane of simple ciliated columnar
epithelium. Mucosa provides nutrients for the oocyte/developing embryo and the
ciliated epithelium helps move it through the tubes.
UTERUS – about the size of a pear. Slightly
flattened anteroposteriorly with the larger rounder
part (fundus) superior to the narrower part (cervix).
The body is between the fundus and the cervix.
Major ligaments holding the uterus in place:
 Broad Lig – from the lat. margin of uterus
to the wall of the pelvis on either side. Also
ensheaths the ovaries and uterine tubes
 Round ligs – from uterus through the
inguinal canals to labia majora
 Uterosacral ligs – attach lat wall of uterus
to the sacrum
Uterus walls have 3 layers:
1. Perimetrium (serous layer) – outer peritoneum covering the uterus
2. Myometrium (muscular layer) – middle layer. Majority of the uterine wall
3. Endometrium (mucous membrane) – inner layer. Composed of 2 layers:
o Basal layer – thin and deepest part. Continuous with the myometrium
o Functional layer – thicker and superficial. Lines the cavity and is sloughed
off during menstruation
VAGINA – approx. 10cm long. Extends from the
uterus to the external genitalia
 Fornix – superior domed part of the vagina and
is attached to the sides of the cervix
 Vaginal walls consist of and outer muscular
layer of smooth muscle. Allows vagina to
increase in size for penis and childbirth. Also has
an inner mucous membrane composed of moist
stratified squamous epithelium. It releases
lubricating secretions during intercourse.
 Hymen – thin mucous membrane covering the
vaginal opening.
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EXTERNAL GENITALIA
 Aka VULVA or PUDENDUM. Consists of the
vestibule and surrounding structures
 Vestibule – space into which the vagina opens
posteriorly and urethra opens anteriorly
 Labia Minora – thin longitudinal skin folds
bordering the vestibule
 Clitoris – on the anterior vestibule margin.
<2cm length and consists of a shaft and distal
glans. Well supplied with sensory receptors and
contains erectile structures corpora cavernosa.
Prepuce – fold of skin over the clitoris where the labia minora meet.
Labia Majora – lateral to labia minora. Consist mainly of subcutaneous fat. They unite
anteriorly over the symphysis pubis at the mons pubis. MEDIAL surface covered with
sebaceous and sweat glands. LATERAL surface covered with pubic hair.
Pudendal cleft – space between the labia majora
PERINEUM – divided into 2 triangles by superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles
 Anterior urogenital triangle – contains external genitalia
 Posterior anal triangle – contains anal opening
Clinical perineum – region between vagina and anus. The skin and muscle here can easily
tear during childbirth.