Anatomy

The uterus (from Latin "uterus", plural uteri) or womb (/wuːm/) is a major female

hormone-responsive secondary sex organ of the reproductive
system in humans and most other mammals.

In the human, the lower end of the uterus, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while
the upper end, the fundus, is connected to the fallopian tubes. It is within the uterus
that the fetus develops during gestation.

In the human embryo, the uterus develops from the paramesonephric ducts which

fuse into the single organ known as a simplex uterus. The uterus has different
forms in many other animals and in some it exists as two separate uteri known as
a duplex uterus.

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 and about 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.

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. 

From outside to inside, regions of the uterus include:

 Cervix uteri – "neck of uterus"

o External orifice of the uterus
o Cervical canal
o Internal orifice of the uterus
 Body (Latin: Corpus)
o Uterine cavity
o Fundus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uterus
 Function

 Provides a suitable environment for embryo development and attachment. The secretions
produced by the endometrial glands are important for maintaining the preimplantation embryo.
 In response to increasing amounts of oxytocin production by the corpus luteum during the
luteal phase the endometrium produces luteolytic PGF2a to cause degeneration of the corpus
luteum if the female is not pregnant.
 The uterus contributes varying amounts of maternal tissues towards the placenta.
 The myometrium is involved with sperm transport through the uterus towards the oviduct.
 Contractions of the myometrium during parturition are important for fetus and placenta
expulsion.
https://en.wikivet.net/Uterus_-_Anatomy_&_Physiology

Pathophysiology
 PHATOPHYSIOLOGY

Regular Uterine Changes Tone

Mechanical events: Atony: Inability of the uterus to contract
+ Uterine muscle fiber shortens +Uterine arteries are arranged in a unique
and contract spiral pattern
+Uterus reduces size and volume +Lack of Contraction/tone prevents
Endocrine changes: vessel constriction causing hemorrhage
+Release of oxytocin and +Placenta Previa, multiple pregnancies,
prostaglandins previous PPH, obesity (BMI >35) and
prolonged labor (>12 hours) are all
significant risk factors

Trauma
Includes: Laceration of the cervix, Vagina
or perineum, extensions/lacerations at
Tissue cesarean section or uterine rupture

+Trauma readily requires surgical

Includes: retained products, adherent
placenta or succenturiate lobe
+Retained tissue prevents the uterus
from contracting
+If a portion of the placenta has been
expelled the associated arteries and
vessels are unable to constrict and
prevent bleeding
intervention
+20% of all postpartum hemorrhage cases
+Birthing a baby >4kg, delivery via
cesarean section and mediolateral
episiotomy are all risk factor for traumatic
PPH
Thrombin
Includes: retained blood clots, pre-existing
conditions (hemophilia A and von
Wilebrand's disease) or conditions
acquired during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia,
placental abruption)

+changes occur to a woman’s coagulation

factors and fibrinolysis agents before and
after delivery
+Risk factors are often identified during
the antenatal period and can be planned
appropriately
https://prezi.com/y3oxsaq0mm4m/pathophysiology-of-postpartum-haemorrhage/
 Pharmacology

Uterotonics

- A uterotonic, also known as ecbolic, is an agent used to induce contraction or greater tonicity of the
uterus. Uterotonics are used both to induce labor, and to reduce postpartum hemorrhage. Some
uterotonics act as analogues of oxytocin.

Oxytocin, Syntocinon, Pitocin

 Is used to induce labor or strengthen uterine contractions, or to control bleeding after
childbirth.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uterotonic

https://www.scribd.com/doc/124904731/Drug-Study-Oxytocin