Question 1: Which of the following are correct regarding pelvic cellular tissue?
1. It supports the pelvic organs.
2. It forms protective sheath for blood vessels and terminal part of ureter.
3. It prevents infection to be spread out of pelvis.
4. Marked hypertrophy of pelvic cellular tissue occurs in pregnancy. Select the answer using the code given below.
- A. 1, 2 and 3
- B. 1, 3 and 4
- C. 1, 2 and 4 (Correct Answer)
- D. 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: ***1, 2 and 4***
- Pelvic cellular tissue (parametrium/paracervix) provides crucial **structural support** to the uterus, cervix, and bladder, preventing **pelvic organ prolapse** (Statement 1 is correct) [1].
- It forms a **protective sheath** around important structures including the **uterine vessels** and **terminal portions of the ureters**, safeguarding them from injury (Statement 2 is correct) [1].
- During **pregnancy**, the parametrium undergoes **marked hypertrophy and hyperplasia** with increased vascularity to accommodate and support the enlarging uterus and increased blood flow (Statement 4 is correct) [2].
- Statement 3 is **incorrect** because pelvic cellular tissue does NOT prevent infection spread; rather, it is a **loose connective tissue space** that can serve as a **pathway for infection dissemination** within the pelvis (parametritis, pelvic cellulitis) [1].
*1, 2 and 3*
- This combination incorrectly includes Statement 3. The pelvic cellular tissue actually facilitates infection spread rather than preventing it from spreading out of the pelvis [1].
*1, 3 and 4*
- Statement 3 is incorrect as explained above. The loose areolar tissue of the parametrium is a potential space for infection spread, not a barrier [1].
*2, 3 and 4*
- While statements 2 and 4 are correct [1], [2], Statement 3 is incorrect, and this option omits Statement 1, which is clearly correct regarding structural support.