Anatomy
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female reproductive organ in which babies grow and develop during pregnancy One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes. Click outside blue box to close image
Fallopian Tube
The Fallopian tubes, named after Gabriel Fallopius, also known as oviducts, uterine tubes, and salpinges (singular salpinx) are two very fine tubes, leading from the ovaries into the uterus. Click outside blue box to close image
Ovary
Ovaries are oval shaped ovum-producing reproductive organs located on the side wall of the pelvis. In premenopausal women ovaries secrete female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Click outside blue box to close image
Vagina
The muscular tube running from the outside to the uterus. At the top of the vagina at the entrance to the uterus, lies the cervix. When a hysterectomy is performed the cervix may or may not be removed. The vagina is then stitched closed. Click outside blue box to close image
Bladder
Organ that stores the urine before it is expelled to the outside during the process of urination. When it descends into the pelvis as part of the vaginal prolapse, bulging into the front wall of the vagina, it is known as a cystocoele. Click outside blue box to close image
Urethra
The urethra is the tube that runs from the bladder to the outside, carrying urine. In women the urethra is about 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long and exits the body between the clitoris and the vagina. Click outside blue box to close image
Rectum
The lower part of the large intestine or large bowel. Extends from the colon to the anus. Acts as a reservoir for the faeces (stools) before the bowels are opened. Click outside blue box to close image
Anal Sphincter
Part of the muscle around the anal canal that is involved with continence (“the ability to hold on to stools until a socially acceptable time”). It is sometimes damaged during childbirth and this damage is one of the causes of incontinence. Click outside blue box to close image
Perineal Body
The perineal body is a pyramidal fibromuscular mass in the middle line at the junction between the vagina and anus. The perineal body is essential for the integrity of the pelvic floor in females. Its damage during the childbirth leads to widening and gapping of the vaginal enterence thus predisposing a woman to prolapse. Click outside blue box to close image
Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor or pelvic diaphragm is a sheet of muscles that support pelvic organs, e.g. the bladder, bowels, the uterus. It is pierced by the rectum, the vagina and the urethra. Damage to the pelvic floor, as may occur during childbirth, can lead to development of incontinence and/or prolapse. Click outside blue box to close image