ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

UTERUS

The uterus (womb) is the part of the female reproductive system in which a baby grows.

The female reproductive system is made up of internal organs, including the vagina,

uterus, ovaries and Fallopian tubes, and the external genital organs (the parts that make up the

vulva). All the internal organs are in the pelvis, which is the lower part of the abdomen between

the hip bones.

Structure

The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ that is shaped like an inverted pear. It has 3 parts:

 fundus (top)

 body (the main parts of the uterus, including the uterine cavity)

 cervix (lower, narrow part)

The uterus is located above the vagina, above and behind the bladder and in front of the rectum.

It is about 7 cm long and 5 cm wide (at the widest point).

The wall of the uterus is thick and has 3 layers:

 endometrium – The inner layer that lines the uterus. It is made up of glandular cells that

produce secretions.

 myometrium – The middle layer, which is made up mostly of smooth muscle.

 perimetrium – The outer serous layer that covers the body of the uterus and part of the

cervix.

Function

The uterus receives a fertilized egg (ovum) and protects the fetus (baby) while it grows

and develops. The uterus contracts to push the baby out of the body during birth.

Every month – except when a woman is pregnant or has reached menopause – the lining

of the uterus is shed through the cervix, into the vagina and out of the body. This is called

menstruation.