The Uterus by M. Mercado

The Uterus• The Uterus, or womb is the part of female reproductive tract that nurtures and protects the fetus

during pregnancy.

• Located in the pelvis, anterior to the rectum and

posterosuperior to the bladder.

• During a woman’s reproductive years, in a non pregnant state, the size of Uterus is about 3

inches long and 2 inches wide. This expands significantly, to

accommodate the fetus during pregnancy.

Structure Body of Uterus • The body, forms the upper part of

Uterus- this is fairly mobile for expansion during pregnancy.

• Upper part is connected to the two uterine tubes; the lower part

joins the cervix and vagina.

The Cervix• The lower part of the Uterus- a thick, muscular canal which is anchored to the surrounding pelvic structures for stability

• Protrudes slightly into the vagina, where the cervical

canal opens at the external OS

Uterine Walls

• Endometrium – A delicate lining that becomes thicker during menstrual cycle in preparation for implantation

of embryo should fertilization occur.

• Myometrium- A thick muscle layer that contains the majority of the blood vessels and nerves

supplying the Uterus. It forms the great bulk of the uterine wall.

• Perimetrium- A thin , slippery outer layer of connective tissue that is lining the pelvic cavity

Position of Uterus In Majority of women, the uterus is Anterverted and Anteflex

Anterversion

The long axis of body of uterus is bent forward on the long axis of the vagina , forming an angle of

90 degrees

Anteflexion The long axis of body of uterus is bent forward at the level of the

internal os on the long axis of the cervix, forming ang angle of 170

degrees

Retroverted

Fundus and Body of Uterus bent backward on the vagina

Retroflexed

Body of Uterus bent backward on cervix

A Retroverted Uterus is mostly genetic and is perfectly normal but there are other instances where other factors can cause the uterus to be disposition:

• Pelvic Surgery • Endometriosis Fibroids

• Multiple births , Weak pelvic floors , Chronic muscle spasm around low back and sacrum

The Uterus in Pregnancy

• In pregnancy the uterus must enlarge to hold the

growing fetus. From being a small pelvic

organ, it increases in size to take up much of the

abdominal cavity •In final stages of

pregnancy, uterus will weigh around 2 lbs.•After pregnancy, the

uterus rapidly decreases just slightly over the pre

pregnant size.