The uterus

Introduction
Structure
Parts
Layers
Function

1. OBSTETRICS AND GYNEACOLOGY NURSING Ques no:-4 IMP QUESTIONS PRESENTED BY PAREKH KISHAN P.B.B.Sc . NURSING

2. Q.4)Described the Uterus (Marks :-5/8) Covered the topics :- - Structure - Figure - Position - Layers - Parts - Function

3. Introduction The  uterus  (from Latin ”uterus”), or  womb   is a major female hormone-responsive secondary sex organ of the reproductive system in humans and most other mammals. Structure:- ----) The uterus is located within the pelvic region  immediately behind and almost overlying the bladder, and in front of the sigmoid colon. ----) The human uterus is pear-shaped . ----) Size :- 7.6 cm (3.0 in) long, 4.5 cm (1.8 in) broad (side to side), and 3.0 cm (1.2 in) thick. ----) Weight :-A typical adult uterus weights about 60 grams.

4. The uterus can be divided anatomically into four regions : The  Fundus  – the uppermost rounded portion of the uterus, The  Corpus  (body), The  Cervix , and The  Cervical Canal . ---) The cervix protrudes into the vagina. ---) The uterus is held in position within the pelvis by ligaments, which are part of the endopelvic fascia. ---) These ligaments include the the  pubocervical ligaments, the cardinal ligaments, and the uterosacral ligaments. ---) It is covered by a sheet-like fold of peritoneum, the broad ligament.

5. Position - It leans forward, which is known as anteversion , it bends forwards on itself, which is known as anteflexion. Relation - anteriorly the bladder and posteriorly rectum Inferior - Below the uterus is the vagina Superior - above the uterus lie the intestine Lateral - on both sides of the walls are the broad ligaments, the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. Supports - supported by the pelvic floor and maintained in position by several ligaments. Ligaments are; - Peritonial ligament :- Broad ligament - Genito inguinal ligament Round ligament - Ligaments formed by pelvic fascia Transverse cervical ligament Utero sacral ligament

6. Parts of the uterus The body or corpus - the upper 2/3 of the uterus and is the greater part. The fundus - the domed upper wall between the insertions of the fallopian tubes. The cornua - are the upper outer angle of the uterus where the fallopian tubes join. The cavity - is a potential space between the anterior and posterior walls. The isthmus - is a narrow area between the cavity and the cervix, which is 7mmlong. It enlarges during pregnancy to form the lower uterine segment. The cervix or neck - protrudes in to the vagina. The internal os (mouth) - is the narrow opening between the isthmus and the cervix The external os - is a small round opening at the lower end of the cervix.

7. Layers:- The uterus has three layers, of which the middle muscle layer is by far the thickest. The endometrium : - forms a lining of ciliated epithelium (mucous memberane ) on a base of connective tissue or stroma. It is constantly changing in thickness through out the menustral cycle. The myomatrium or muscle coat : - is thick in the upper part of the uterus and is sparser in the isthmus and cervix. It has three parts: Outer longitudinal, middle oblique and inner circular. The perimetrium :- i s a double serous memberane , an extension of the peritoneum, which is dragged over the uterus.

8. Fallopian tube or uterine tube :- Function -Propels the ovum towards the uterus --) Receives the spermatozoa as they travel up wards --) provides a site for fertilization --) It supplies the fertilized ovum with nutrition during its continued journey to the uterus Position - extend laterally from the cornea of the uterus towards the side walls of the pelvis Supports - are held in place by their attachment to the uterus.

9. Structure - Each tube is 10cm long. It has four portions of - The interstitial portion is 1.25cm long and lies with in the Fallopian wall of the uterus. Its lumen is 1 mm wide. tube - The isthmus is another narrow part which extends for 2.5cm from the uterus - The ampoule is the wider portion where fertilization usually occurs. It is 5 cm long. - The infundibulum is the funnel - shaped fingered end which is composed of many process known as fimbriae. - One fimbria is elongated to form the ovarian fimbria which is attached to the ovary.

10. The ovaries Function: - produce ova and the hormones estrogen and progesterone Position: - they are attached to the back of the broad ligament near the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube. OVARIE

11. Function :- The reproductive function of the uterus is to accept a fertilized ovum which passes through the utero-tubal junction from the fallopian tube. The fertilized ovum divides to become a blastocyst, which implants into the endometrium, and derives nourishment from blood vessels which develop exclusively for this purpose. The fertilized ovum becomes an embryo, attaches to a wall of the uterus, creates a placenta, and develops into a fetus (gestates) until childbirth. Due to anatomical barriers such as the pelvis, the uterus is pushed partially into the abdomen due to its expansion during pregnancy. Even during pregnancy the mass of a human uterus amounts to only about a kilogram (2.2 pounds). The uterus also plays a role in sexual response, by directing blood flow to the pelvis and ovaries, and to the external genitals, including the vagina, labia, and clitoris.

12. ANSWER ?