Anatomy and Physiology

Three layers of muscle tissue, with muscle fibres organised in longitudinal, circular, and
oblique patterns, make up the uterine wall. These fibres are entangled with connective
tissues that have blood vessels, elastic fibres, and collagen fibres. As a foetus grows inside
the uterus, this strong muscular wall is stretched and thinned. After giving delivery, the
enlarged uterus gradually shrinks back to its normal size, usually over the course of six to
eight weeks. However, compared to its pre-pregnancy size, it is still around 1 cm (0.4
inches) larger in all directions. Additionally, the uterus puts on a little weight and the uterine
cavity keeps becoming bigger.

The female reproductive system contains the muscular uterus, which is also referred to as
the womb. It is situated between the bladder and the rectum and has an inverted pear-
shaped form. Its main job is to provide food and shelter to a fertilised egg until the egg is
mature enough to be born as a foetus or progeny. The uterus is divided into four main
regions: the isthmus, the lower and narrower neck area; the body, the central and main
portion, which starts just below the level of the fallopian tubes and extends downward until
the uterine walls and cavity start to narrow; and the fundus, the broad and curved upper part
where the fallopian tubes connect to the uterus. The uterus has a wall thickness of about 2
to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 inches) and measures roughly 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3.1 inches) in length. The
organ's width can vary, although it is normally 6 cm wide at the fundus and only 50 cm wide
at the isthmus. The birth canal is the term used to describe the area where the uterine cavity
and vaginal cavity meet.

The uterine cavity is lined with a moist mucous membrane called the endometrium. The
lining thickens over the course of the menstrual cycle, reaching its thickest stage when eggs
are discharged from the ovaries (see ovulation). If the egg is fertilised, it attaches to the thick
endometrial wall of the uterus and begins to develop. If the egg is not fertilised, the uterine
wall sheds its outer layer of cells; the egg and excess tissue are then evacuated from the
body during menstrual bleeding. The endometrium also secretes chemicals that help the
sperm and egg cells survive. Iron, potassium, salt, chloride, glucose (a sugar), and proteins
are among the substances that make up endometrial fluid. Proteins help with the
implantation of the fertilised egg, whereas glucose is a nutrition for the reproductive cells.
For the egg and sperm cells, the other components offer a favourable environment.

Muscle fibres are organised in longitudinal, circular, and oblique patterns throughout the
three layers of the uterine wall's muscular tissue. Connective tissues that contain blood
vessels, elastic fibres, and collagen fibres are entwined with these fibres. The uterus's strong
muscular wall stretches and thins as a foetus grows inside of it. Following delivery, the
enlarged uterus gradually shrinks back to normal size, usually over the course of six to eight
weeks. However, compared to its pre-pregnancy size, its dimensions are still around 1 cm
(0.4 inches) greater in all directions. Additionally, the uterus puts on a little weight while
maintaining its larger size.