Ch39 Exercise 2

Corpus luteum

An atomic structure on the surface of the ovary consisting of a spheroid or yellowish tissue that grows within the ruptured ovarian follicle after ovulation; acts as a short lived endocrine organ that secretes progesterone to maintain the decidual layer of the endometrium should conception occur.

Rectouterine pouch

Area in the pelvic cavity between the rectum and the uterus that is likely to accumulate free fluid.

Broad ligament

Broad fold of the peritoneum draped over the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries; extends from the sides of the uterus to the side walls of the pelvis, dividing the pelvis from side to side and creating the vesicouterine pouch anterior to the uterus and the rectouterine pouch posteriorly; it is divided into mesometrium, mesosalpinx and mesovarium.

Perimetrium

Serous membrane enveloping the uterus.

Mesosalpinx

Upper portion of the broad ligament that encloses the Fallopian tubes.

Ovarian ligament

Paired ligament that extends from the inferior and/or medial pole of the ovary to the uterine cornua.

Suspensory ligament

Paired ligaments that extend from the infundibulum of the Fallopian tube and the lateral aspect of the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall.

Round ligament

Paired ligaments that originate at the uterine cornua, anterior to the Fallopian tubes and course anterolaterally within the broad ligament to insert into fascia of the labia majora; hold the uterus forward in its anteverted position.

Mesovarium

Posterior portion of the broad ligament that is drawn out to enclose and hold the ovary in place.

Uterosacral ligament

Posterior portion of the cardinal ligament that extends from the cervix to the sacrum.

Cardinal ligament

Wide bands of fibromuscular tissue arising from the lateral aspects of the cervix and inserting along the lateral pelvic floor; a continuation of the broad ligament that provides rigid support for the cervix.