Organ

UTERUS

The uterus is the word taken from latin meaning "womb". Uterus is a muscular organ which is situated between the rectum and urinary bladder within the pelvic region. It is an inverted pear shaped structure about 3 inches long. The uterus is situated centrally in the pelvis supported by the strong fibrous structure called ligaments. The fallopian tube enters the uterus on either side near the top of the uterus. Wide upper part is known as the body of the uterus, it is slightly tilted forward, separated by the narrow lower part by a slight constriction. This lower part is called cervix or neck of the uterus and it ends in the deep portion of the vagina. It consists of three layers known as perimetrium, myometrium and endometrum.

Published December 22, 2021

Functions:

The functions of uterus are as follows. Implantation of a fertilized ovum takes place in the uterus. Following implantation, the uterus nourishes and protects the developing foetus during pregnancy. It has the capacity to expand and contain a full grown baby. It sheds off the lining up to 500 times during your life time at the time of your monthly period. The endometrium thickens every month as the uterus prepares for the possible implantation of the fertilized egg. If implantation does not take place then endometrium deteriorates and gets discharged through the cervix and the vagina during menstruation.

Diseases:

There are various pathological conditions which include, Prolapse of the uterus, fibroids, adenomyosis, uterine malformations, asherman’s syndrome, carcinoma of uterus, carcinoma of cervix.

Interesting Facts:

A woman releases 400 mature eggs during her lifetime. After going through puberty at the age of 13 years, a woman release one egg per month for about 33 years until the menopause.