What Is a Uterus?
The uterus is a secondary sex organ, also called the womb. It is an inverted pear-shaped, hollow muscular organ of the female reproductive system. It is located between the rectum and the bladder. It consists of several anatomical parts, such as the cervix, body, and isthmus. Its main function is the development of the fetus during pregnancy.
What Is the Anatomical Structure of the Uterus?
Uterine Corpus -
The corpus is the muscular portion of the uterus. It has three layers; the inner is called endometrium, the middle layer is myometrium, and the outer layer is called perimetrium.
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Endometrium - This layer undergoes regular morphological change during the menstrual cycle. This is because of the change in the hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This layer falls off during menstruation.
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Myometrium - This is the muscular part of the uterus. The muscle fibers have been categorized based on the direction within the myometrium like circular, longitudinal, and spiral. The contractions of these muscle fibers help in compressing the uterus during labor to push the baby through the birth canal.
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Perimetrium - This is the outermost layer of the uterus formed by the overlying peritoneum (a lining that covers the abdomen and the abdominal organs).
The corpus has a fundus on the proximal side, a body in the middle, and an isthmus.
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The Isthmus - It is about a one-centimeter-long narrow passage connecting the corpus and the cervix.
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The Body - It lies intraperitoneally (within the peritoneal cavity) and has a triangle lumen. The lumen connects both the fallopian tubes and the isthmus.
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Fundus - The base of the uterus.
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Cervix - The cervix is the fibrous portion of the uterus, located at the end of the uterus. This part is functionally and structurally different from other parts of the uterus.
What Is the Function of the Uterus?
The uterus plays an important role in reproductive health and function.
The main role of the uterus are:
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Pregnancy - The uterus stretches to grow the baby during pregnancy. It also helps to push out the baby during labor by contracting the muscles of the uterus.
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Fertility - The fertilized egg implants in the uterus during conception, and the baby grows inside the uterus.
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Menstrual Cycle - The uterine lining sheds every month, and the blood and tissue come from the uterus during menstruation.
What Are the Ligaments Supporting the Uterus?
The main support to the uterus is from the pelvic floor muscles. Some ligaments also provide further support and secure the uterus in place, which include:
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Broad Ligament - This is formed by the double layer of the peritoneum that attaches the sides of the uterus to the pelvis. It contributes to maintaining the position of the uterus. These ligaments are further subdivided into the mesovarium, mesometrium, and mesosalpinx.
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Round Ligament - This extends from the uterine horns to the labia majora through the inguinal canal. The role of this ligament is to maintain the anteverted position of the uterus.
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Cardinal Ligament - It is located at the base of the broad ligament. These ligaments extend from the cervix to the lateral pelvic walls. In addition to providing support to the uterus, it also contains the uterine artery and vein.
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Ovarian Ligament - It joins the ovaries to the uterus.
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Uterosacral Ligament - These ligaments extend from the cervix to the sacrum to support the uterus.
What Is the Different Position of the Uterus?
The uterus can lie in different positions. But usually, the uterus tilts forward at the cervix and points towards the abdomen. This position is called an anteverted uterus which is the most common position.
The other positions of the uterus include:
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Retroverted Uterus - This is also called a tipped or tilted uterus. This occurs when the uterus is tilted or tipped backward so the uterus curves toward the spine instead of being forward toward the abdomen.
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Anteflexed Uterus - This position of the uterus is when it is bent forward. The tilt is severe, so it can put pressure on the abdomen or bladder.
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Retroflexed Uterus - When the uterus is bent backward, it is called retroflexed. The tilt can put pressure on the lower back.
What Changes Occur in the Uterus During Pregnancy?
When the fertilized egg sticks into the endometrial lining of the uterus; this process is known as implantation. After this process, menstruation does not happen, and the pregnancy begins. First, the uterus grows and stretches like a balloon to house the growing baby. Then, during the later stage of pregnancy, the uterus contracts to help in pushing the baby out of the vagina. And after about six weeks, the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size.
What Are the Common Diseases Affecting the Uterus?
Several health conditions can be associated with the uterus. Some of the most common conditions are:
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Uterine Polyps - These are growths that occur in the endometrial lining of the uterus. The polyps may be oval or round and range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters or larger.
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Uterine Fibroids - These are small, noncancerous muscle and connective tissue growth in the uterus.
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Endometriosis - This condition occurs when the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus.
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - An infection of the reproductive organs usually caused by a sexually transmitted disease.
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Uterine Cancer - Endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma are cancers affecting the uterus.
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Infertility - When the ability to become pregnant is lost, it is referred to as infertility.
What Are the Diagnostic Tests Used to Identify Uterine Abnormalities?
Some of the most common tests for the uterus are:
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Pelvic Examination - By examining the uterus, vagina, cervix, and ovaries, the doctors can identify the abnormalities in the uterus.
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Ultrasound - This test uses sound waves to create images of the uterus inside.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - It uses magnets and radio waves to take images of the uterus and other reproductive organs in the pelvis.
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Hysteroscopy - A thin, lighted tube is inserted into the uterus through the vagina by the health care professionals to take pictures of the inside of the uterus.
What Is the Treatment for Uterine Conditions?
Treatment for uterine diseases or conditions depends on the cause of the symptoms. Drugs like antibiotics, hormone medications, and surgery are commonly used treatments.
Conclusion -
The uterus is an important female reproductive organ situated between the bladder and the rectum. The uterine corpus, fundus, isthmus, and cervix are the main parts of the uterus that plays an important role during pregnancy, menstruation, and fertility. Many ligaments and other pelvic structures place the uterus in position. Many diseases can affect the uterus that can be corrected by efficient medical treatment.
