The female uterus - how is the organ arranged, what are its sizes and functions in different periods of life? The female uterus.

The main organ of the female reproductive system is the uterus. The organ is a muscular organ, hollow inside. It provides menstrual function and fetal development. Where is the uterus in a woman and what is its structure? What is the purpose of the organ? What structural anomalies exist?

Main settings

What does the uterus look like? The organ is pear-shaped, with the narrower part pointing downwards. The uterus of a woman who has not yet given birth has a length of 7-8 cm and a width of 4-5 cm, while the weight is approximately 50 g. The wall thickness of the organ can be up to 3 cm, quite dense. If a woman gave birth, the size can be increased by 2-3 cm, while the weight of the uterus reaches 100 grams.

What is the structure of the uterus?

It includes three main components: the body of the uterus, its cervix and the bottom of the uterus. As already mentioned, the body of the uterus has a pear-shaped shape, where the narrower part - the cervix - is directed down, and the bottom of the uterus is at the top. During pregnancy, the gynecologist determines the location of the organ depending on the week of pregnancy in the stomach.

The layers of the uterus are:

• endometrium (inner layer).
• perimetry (outer layer);
• myometrium;

The inner layer of the uterus is a mucous membrane, which tends to change every month. The purpose of the endometrium of the reproductive organ is to create an opportunity for the fetal egg to attach to the uterus. The anatomy of the uterus is provided by nature: every month, the endometrium lines the cavity from the inside in anticipation of the appearance of a fertilized egg. If the egg was not fertilized, pregnancy did not occur, the lining of the uterus of the endometrium is rejected and it comes out with blood. On this day, a phenomenon begins, which is called menstruation, they last for 3-5 days.

The myometrium is an important layer, providing for the stretching of the organ to a large size during pregnancy.

It covers the perimetrium organ - the uterine layer, which is the peritoneal serous membrane.

Localization

The location of the uterus in women in the pelvic area in front of the rectum and behind the bladder. In the normal position, the longitudinal axis of the reproductive organ runs along the axis of the pelvis. Minor deviations can be considered the norm. But, with some pathologies, the normal position of the uterus and appendages may change. Such pathologies include bending, omission or prolapse of the reproductive organ, location behind, etc.

The localization of the uterus directly depends on the muscles and ligaments that hold it in the correct position. If the muscle tone is weakened under the influence of any factors, the genital organ may drop and partially or completely fall out of the genital gap. It is impossible to ignore the state, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to do this. During walking, the prolapsed organ causes discomfort.

The structure and localization of the cervix

Considering the bottom of the uterus and the organ as a whole, you need to pay attention to the cervix, because it is no less important and affects the course of pregnancy. The size of the neck of the reproductive organ will determine the ability of a woman to bear a child. Women with a short cervix have a high risk of miscarriage. The neck is also important in the process of labor. The success of delivery will depend on the location and disclosure.

The cervix of the female uterus connects the reproductive organ with the vagina and has the shape of a cylinder, the length of which is 3 cm, with a width of 2.5 cm. These parameters may change during pregnancy, as well as due to the woman's age. So, the shortening of the neck during pregnancy indicates an approaching birth.

Using a mirror, the gynecologist can easily examine the cervix on the gynecological chair, but it is impossible to examine the bottom of the uterus in this way. It is located in the depth of the vagina (8-12 cm), and in front of it is the bladder. Toward the end of pregnancy, the neck of the reproductive organ may shift to the center of the pelvis.

What are the functions of the uterus?

The main purpose is to receive a fertilized egg and nourish the fetus, which will develop in the cavity, until the time comes for childbirth.

On average, pregnancy lasts from 38 to 42 weeks. The muscle fibers of the organ, as the fetus grows (in the case of multiple pregnancy of the fetus), adapt to an increase in size. When a certain moment comes, under the influence of oxytocin, the muscles begin to contract involuntarily. This phenomenon is called contractions, which are harbingers of the onset of labor. At this time, the uterus begins the process of pushing the child towards the cervix, while the latter begins to expand, giving the child access to the vagina. Contractions are painful for a woman, sometimes it even seems that the pain is unbearable.

Pregnancy in some cases is the cause of weakening of the ligaments and muscles, which leads to the displacement of the body from its normal position. If the displacement is slight, it is considered normal. Ultrasound diagnostics makes it possible to determine the displacement index.

Possible pathologies

Some pathologies lead to an incorrect position, but there may also be anomalies in the structure, among which the most common ones can be distinguished:

• absence (agenesis);
• small size (hypoplasia);
• has two cavities (bicornuate);
• the bottom is pressed inward (saddle-shaped);
• two full-fledged organs (doubling).

The reproductive organ is prone to malfunction and disease. More common diseases such as fibroids and cervical erosion. Benign neoplasms (polyps, fibromas) are often diagnosed, cases of detection of malignant tumors (cancer) that are hostile to the health and life of a woman are not uncommon.

Despite the fact that the pathologies of the female reproductive system are successfully treated today, you need to understand that the sooner the disease is detected, the greater the chance of a complete cure. But there are also cases when treatment is impossible (the presence of congenital organ pathologies, its removal for medical reasons, the wrong position of the uterus in women), even in this case it is possible to become a mother (surrogate motherhood), so you should not despair.

Regular examinations by a gynecologist (at least once every six months), as well as adherence to personal hygiene and proper lifestyle, will help to avoid health problems and detect violations in the reproductive system in time.

The reproductive organs of a woman are designed to perform important functions and are distinguished by an interesting anatomical structure. This can be seen if we consider what the uterus of a woman looks like. It shows how the most important part of the organs of the female reproductive system is arranged.

What does a woman's uterus look like? Its location

The uterus is a strong muscle that is well supplied with blood and is an important part of the oviduct. This organ is pear-shaped, it is located in the small pelvis. Behind the uterus is the rectum, and in front of it is the bladder.

The weight of the organ of a nulliparous woman is 40-50 grams, the indicators of its weight of a woman who has given birth many times are 90-100 grams.

The body is made up of several parts.

• necks

Above the body is an expanded part, the bottom. At the bottom of the organ is the neck and connects to the vagina.

The anatomical structure of the neck

The cervix is ​​a rounded septum. It is based on collagen tissues containing inclusions of smooth muscles. The uterus and vagina are connected by a canal, the tissues of which are a cylindrical epithelium. The channel has the ability to secrete a mucous secretion. A feature of its structure is the presence of special folds that protect the organ from getting into it the contents of the vagina.

Features of the anatomical structure of the uterus

A feature of the anatomical structure is the location of the bottom at a slight inclination forward, while the angle formed by the body and the neck is directed towards the vagina.

The internal cavity of the uterus has a triangular shape, through the holes it connects to the fallopian tubes, which extend from the organ in both directions. The outer (serous), middle (muscular) and inner (mucous) layers are the constituent walls.

The outer shell is surrounded on three sides by the abdominal cavity. And the lower part is adjacent to the rectum and bladder. Fixation of the uterus is carried out with the help of wide ligaments formed from the fused sheets of the peritoneum, as well as with the help of the muscles of the pelvic floor and fascia. Consisting of three layers of smooth muscles, the middle shell is the most powerful.

The basis of the mucous membrane is ciliated cylindrical epithelium, which is nourished by a large number of glands. The uterus is supplied with blood by branches of the iliac artery, which diverge to the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Monthly cycles, pregnancy, gestation are the causes of various changes in the state of the uterus.

Uterus, uterus (Greek metra s. hystera), is an unpaired hollow muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity between the bladder in front and the rectum in the back. The egg entering the uterine cavity through the fallopian tubes, in case of fertilization, undergoes further development here until the removal of the mature fetus during childbirth. In addition to this generative function, the uterus also performs menstrual function.

A fully developed virgin uterus is pear-shaped, flattened from front to back. It distinguishes the bottom, body and neck. The bottom, fundus uteri, is the upper part protruding above the line of entry into the uterus of the fallopian tubes.

The body, corpus uteri, has a triangular outline, tapering gradually towards the neck. The neck, cervix uteri, is a continuation of the body, but more round and narrower than the latter. The cervix, with its outer end, protrudes into the upper part of the vagina, and the part of the cervix protruding into the vagina is called the vaginal part, portio vaginalis (cervicis). The upper segment of the neck, adjacent directly to the body, is called the portio supravaginal (cervicis). The anterior and posterior surfaces are separated from each other by edges, margo uteri (dexter et sinister). Due to the considerable thickness of the walls of the uterus, its cavity, savitas uteri, is small in comparison with the size of the organ.

On the frontal section, the uterine cavity looks like a triangle, the base of which is facing the bottom of the uterus, and the top is facing the cervix. Pipes open at the corners of the base, and at the top of the triangle, the uterine cavity continues into the cavity, or canal, of the cervix, canalis cervicis uteri. The place where the uterus passes into the cervix is ​​narrowed and is called the isthmus of the uterus, isthmus uteri.

The cervical canal opens into the vaginal cavity through the uterine opening, ostium uteri. The uterine opening in nulliparous has a round or transverse-oval shape, in those who have given birth it appears in the form of a transverse slit with healed tears along the edges. The cervical canal in nulliparous has a spindle shape. The uterine opening, or pharynx of the uterus, is limited by two lips, labium anterius et posterius. The posterior lip is thinner and protrudes less downward than the thicker anterior. The posterior lip appears to be longer, as the vagina is attached higher on it than on the anterior one.

In the cavity of the body of the uterus, the mucous membrane is smooth, without folds; in the cervical canal there are folds, plicae palmatae, which consist of two longitudinal elevations on the anterior and posterior surfaces and a number of lateral ones, directed laterally and upward. The wall of the uterus consists of three main layers:

1. The outer, perimetrium, is the visceral peritoneum, fused with the uterus and forming its serous membrane, tunica serosa. (In practical terms, it is important to distinguish the perimetrium, i.e., the visceral peritoneum, from the parametrium, i.e., from the parauterine fatty tissue lying on the front surface and on the sides of the cervix, between the layers of the peritoneum, which forms the broad ligament of the uterus.)
2. The middle one, myometrium, is the muscular membrane, tunica muscularis. The muscular membrane, which makes up the main part of the wall, consists of unstriated fibers intertwining with each other in various directions.
3. The internal, endometrium, is the mucous membrane, tunica mucosa. Covered with ciliated epithelium and not having folds, the mucous membrane of the body of the uterus is equipped with simple tubular glands, glandulae uterinae, which penetrate to the muscular layer. In the thicker mucous membrane of the neck, in addition to the tubular glands, there are mucous glands, gll. cervicales.

The average length of a mature uterus outside the state of pregnancy is 6-7.5 cm, of which 2.5 cm falls on the neck. In a newborn girl, the neck is longer than the body of the uterus, but the latter undergoes increased growth during puberty. During pregnancy, the uterus changes rapidly in size and shape. On the 8th month, it reaches 18-20 cm and takes a rounded-oval shape, spreading the leaves of the broad ligament as it grows. Individual muscle fibers not only multiply in number, but also increase in size. After childbirth, the uterus gradually, but rather quickly, decreases in size, almost returning to its previous state, but retaining a slightly larger size. The enlarged muscle fibers undergo fatty degeneration. In old age, atrophy is found in the uterus, its tissue becomes paler and denser to the touch.

Topography of the uterus. The uterus has considerable mobility, is located in such a way that its longitudinal axis is approximately parallel to the axis of the pelvis. With an empty bladder, the bottom of the uterus is directed forward, and its front surface is forward and down; a similar tilt of the uterus forward is called anteversio. At the same time, the body of the uterus, bending forward, forms an angle with the neck, open anteriorly, anteflexio. When the bladder is stretched, the uterus can be tilted back (retroversio), its longitudinal axis will go from top to bottom and forward. The retroflexion of the uterus (retroflexio) is a pathological phenomenon. The peritoneum covers the front of the uterus to the junction of the body with the neck, where the serous membrane folds over the bladder.

The deepening of the peritoneum between the bladder and uterus is called the excavatio vesicouterine. The anterior surface of the cervix is ​​connected by loose fiber to the posterior surface of the bladder. From the posterior surface of the uterus, the peritoneum continues for a short distance also to the posterior wall of the vagina, from where it folds onto the rectum. The deep peritoneal pocket between the rectum posteriorly and the uterus and vagina anteriorly is called the excavatio rectouterine. The entrance to this pocket from the sides is limited by the folds of the peritoneum, plicae rectouterinae, which run from the posterior surface of the cervix to the lateral surface of the rectum. In the thickness of these folds, in addition to the connective tissue, there are bundles of smooth muscle fibers, mm. rectouterine.

Along the lateral edges of the uterus, the peritoneum from the anterior and posterior surfaces passes to the lateral walls of the pelvis in the form of wide ligaments of the uterus, ligg. lata uteri, which in relation to the uterus (below mesosalpinx) are its mesentery, mesometrium. The uterus with its wide ligaments is located transversely in the pelvis and, as mentioned above, divides its cavity into two sections - the anterior, excavatio vesicouterina, and the posterior, excavatio rectouterina. The medial section of the broad ligament changes its position due to a change in the position of the uterus, being located during anteversion (with an empty bladder) almost horizontally, with its anterior surface facing down and the posterior surface upward. The lateral section of the ligament is located more vertically in the sagittal direction. In the free edge of the broad ligament, the fallopian tube is laid, on the anterior and posterior surfaces, roller-shaped elevations from lig. teres uteri and lig. ovarii proprium. The ovary is attached to the posterior surface of the broad ligament through a short mesentery, mesovarium. The triangular section of the broad ligament, enclosed between the tube from above, the mesovarium and the ovary from below, is the mesentery of the tube, mesosalpinx, consisting of two sheets of the broad ligament, closely adjacent to each other.

On the sides of the cervix and the upper part of the vagina, the leaves of the broad ligament diverge and between them is an accumulation of loose fatty tissue, in which blood vessels lie. This fiber is called parametrium. From the upper corners of the uterus, immediately anterior to the tubes, depart one on each side round ligaments, lig. teres uteri. Each lig. teres is directed forward, laterally and upward to the deep ring of the inguinal canal. After passing through the inguinal canal, the round ligament reaches the symphysis pubica and is lost by its fibers in the connective tissue of the mons pubis and the labia majora. In addition to connective tissue fibers, the round ligament contains myocytes that continue into it from the outer muscular layer of the uterus. Like the processus vaginalis in a man, the peritoneum, together with the round ligament, in the embryonic period protrudes for some length in the form of a protrusion into the inguinal canal; this protrusion of the peritoneum in an adult woman is usually obliterated. The round ligament is analogous to the gubernaculum testis of the male. On the radiograph, a normal uterine cavity filled with a contrast agent (metrosalpingography) has the shape of a triangle, with the apex down and the base up. The corners of this triangle correspond to the three openings of the uterus.

Normally, the uterus holds 4-6 ml of fluid. Pipes look like long and narrow shadows, curved in various ways. Closer to the ventral end, the tubes expand, and here there is an alternation of narrow and wide places in the form of a rosary. On serial x-rays, you can see how the tube coils during peristalsis. At the place where it flows into the uterus, a sphincter is determined. The uterus receives arterial blood from a. uterina and partly from a. ovarica. a. uterina, which feeds the uterus, wide and round uterine ligaments, tubes, ovaries and vagina, goes down and medially at the base of the wide uterine ligament, crosses with the ureter and, giving to the cervix and vagina a. vaginalis, turns upward and rises to the upper corner of the uterus. The artery is located at the lateral edge of the uterus and in those who have given birth it is distinguished by its tortuosity. Along the way, she gives branches to the body of the uterus.

Having reached the bottom of the uterus, a. uterina is divided into 2 terminal branches:

1. ramus tubarius (to the trumpet) and
2. ramus ovaricus (to the ovary).

The branches of the uterine artery anastomose in the thickness of the uterus with the same branches of the opposite side. They form rich ramifications in the tunica muscularis and in the tunica mucosa, especially during pregnancy. Blood from the uterus flows through the veins that form the plexus uterinus.

From this plexus, blood flows in three directions:

1. in v. ovarica - from the ovary, tube and upper uterus;
2. in v. uterina - from the lower half of the body of the uterus and the upper part of the cervix; 3) directly in v. iliaca interna - from the lower part of the cervix and vagina. Plexus uterinus anastomoses with the veins of the bladder and plexus rectalis.

The efferent lymphatic vessels of the uterus go in two directions:

1. from the bottom of the uterus along the tubes to the ovaries and further to the lumbar nodes;
2. from the body and cervix in the thickness of the broad ligament, along the blood vessels to the internal (from the cervix) and external iliac (from the cervix and body) nodes. Lymph from the uterus can also flow into the nodi lymphatici sacralis and into the inguinal nodes along the round uterine ligament.

The innervation of the uterus comes from the plexus hypogastrics inferior (sympathetic) and from nn. splanchnici pelvini (parasympathetic). From these nerves in the region of the cervix, a plexus, plexus uterovaginalis, is formed.

For a long 9 months, the uterus will become the home for the unborn baby. Its formation, the comfortable existence of the fetus and mother, the course of the whole process depend on it. The uterus during pregnancy in the early stages undergoes changes that are not as noticeable as in the following stages. But they play an important role, because they are not only one of the signs of the birth of a new life, but they can also warn of potential difficulties that sometimes have to be faced in the nine months of gestation.

Read in this article

Briefly about the structure of the uterus

To understand how the uterus changes in early pregnancy, you should know what it is before it. This organ is pear-shaped and includes the neck, isthmus, and body. The layer that holds the fertilized egg is called the endometrium. In many ways, it ensures the retention of the embryo inside, especially at first.

The structure of the uterus and the passage of the egg monthly cycle

By the time of implantation, the upper portion of the mucosa should be sufficiently loose and thick.
In addition to the endometrium, two more layers stand out: the myometrium (the muscular base) and the perimetrium (the outer part of the uterus). Their integrity, adequate functioning is also necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
The parameters of the uterus before it starts have the following values:

• length 7 cm;
• transverse dimension 4 cm;
• thickness 4-5 cm.

In women who already have a child, the dimensions are slightly larger, and the mass of the organ is 20-30 g higher.

Appearance

Many women would like to know what the uterus looks like in early pregnancy. The appearance of an organ for a specialist can be one of the signs of a condition. And although on examination only a part of it called is visible, and then not entirely, but partially, the changes occurring with it will unambiguously indicate the presence of a new organism in the uterus. Usually the pink shell is bluish in color. The symptom is caused by a significant volume of blood entering the area, as well as vasodilation and the appearance of new capillaries necessary to improve oxygen metabolism. All these criteria are important for the healthy development of the embryo. The cyanosis of the mucosa is noticeable at a very early stage, almost immediately after implantation of the embryo.

What the Doctor Sees and Feels During a Cervical Examination

The size of the body at the beginning of the process

At the initial stage of its development, the fetus is still very small. It's just a collection of cells that take up very little space.
You can find out what size of the uterus in early pregnancy by its duration:

• by 4 weeks, the size corresponds to a chicken egg;
• by 8 weeks, the parameters double and resemble a goose egg;
• by 12 weeks, the uterus can be compared to the head of a newborn;
• by week 16, the organ is similar in size to a small melon, because the height of the fetus reaches 13 cm.

The size of the uterus in the early stages of pregnancy is also smaller (if the parents do not differ in large growth, respectively, the fetus is small). But in any case, the situation will have to be controlled, since it may be a reflection of anomalies in the development of the condition. A larger organ at each of the listed stages occurs with multiple pregnancies.

In early pregnancy, the uterus increases due to the stretching and growth of muscle cells, that is, the myometrium. They have the ability to divide, form new fibers, make them longer and denser. This can be prevented by cicatricial inclusions that appeared as a result of diseases or previous births that occurred with the help of a caesarean section.

It is possible to determine which uterus during pregnancy in the early stages, bearing in mind its size, using an ultrasound scan or examination by a specialist. The highest point of the organ, called the bottom, matters. Its height corresponds to the gestational age.

Form

The usual pear shape of the uterus changes from the time the embryo is fixed in it. If the increase in size is obvious from 4 weeks, then the shape takes on a slightly different shape even earlier. At the point where the embryo is screwed into the mucosa, a slight protrusion forms. The uterus appears asymmetrical. With the growth of the fetus, its gradual transformation into a ball is noted. The change in shape is due not only to the growth of the embryo, but also to the tissues that ensure its existence.

Consistency

Changes in the uterus in early pregnancy are not only about its size and configuration, they are more global. This is expressed in the fact that tissues become different than previously observed. Changes are noted in all layers of the body. One of them has already been mentioned: the endometrium is made more pliable so that the fetal egg can firmly gain a foothold in it and exist comfortably.

An important sign of the correctness of what is happening is that the uterus to the touch in the early stages of pregnancy becomes noticeably softer. This is ensured by the relaxation of its smooth muscles. This quality is also a necessary condition for the safety of the embryo. The contractility of the organ is reduced. If this does not happen, the probability of rejection of the fetus is high.

The hardest part of the uterus is its cervix. It plays the role of a frontier, fencing off the approaches to the embryo. But her tissues also become more pliable than before conception.

Features of the location of the body

The softest part of the body is the isthmus. This is what determines the position of the uterus in early pregnancy. The organ is still localized only in the small pelvis, but noticeably bends forward. The softening of the isthmus also allows it to become more mobile, which is necessary for further trouble-free growth.

By week 16, due to a significant increase in the size of the organ, part of it is already in the abdominal cavity, which causes the appearance of a tummy in a woman.

What does a woman feel

Sensations in the uterus in early pregnancy often make a woman feel a new position before other symptoms. Although there is nothing unpleasant or super-unusual in them. There is a slight tingling in the area where the organ is located, fullness, sometimes a slight bursting. This is not caused by a growing fetus, it is still too small.

The sensitivity of the uterus gives swelling of the tissues, which is characteristic of the beginning of pregnancy. It provokes an increase in the blood supply to the organ. The tide at this stage is necessary for the formation of amniotic membranes, the placenta, the growth of capillaries that will nourish the fetus before their formation and beyond.

Due to the increase in ligaments of the organ stretching in volume, the expectant mother may feel a slight soreness in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe uterus.

What does "womb in good shape" mean?

The early stage of pregnancy is the period when the position itself is in question. Even in healthy women, problems associated with the usefulness of the fetus can be identified, which provoke the body's attempts to get rid of it.

But still, the condition of the uterus in early pregnancy is more often determined by the health of the woman and her behavior at this stage. Not everyone tries to protect themselves from physical and psychological stress. Therefore, many are diagnosed with uterine hypertonicity. This is a condition in which the danger of rejection becomes especially close for the fetus. There are several signs that indicate a possible danger:

• uncomfortable sensations in the lower abdomen, pain radiating to the sacrum - sensations are similar to those that are noticed before critical days;
• the uterus becomes "stone";
• appear colored red.

means the obligation to take measures to prevent interruption, especially if the pain does not go away for a long time, and the excretion of bloody mucus from the vagina increases. But sometimes, if the uterus is pulled in the early stages of pregnancy, this only indicates an increase in the load on its muscles, which is absolutely normal and safe. At the same time, the tension of the organ is removed by the correct regimen, rest. But the gynecologist must be told about the sensations, because only he can correctly assess what is happening.

Another reason for the exacerbation of sensitivity and the simultaneous appearance of bloody mucus is attachment to the cavity of the organ of the embryo. But this happens no more than 40 hours, and in most women it proceeds without noticeable signs.

How to identify the symptoms of a "pregnant uterus"

The uterus during pregnancy in the early stages needs the close attention of a specialist and examination. There are several ways to do this. It makes sense to be examined after a 2-week absence of critical days. All procedures will be quite informative and will allow not only to diagnose an “interesting situation”, but also to identify many problems with it, if any.

One of the reliable means of establishing pregnancy and the proper quality of its course at this level of development is intravaginal ultrasound. A special device is introduced into the genital tract, which will detect and demonstrate what the uterus has become during a normally developing pregnancy in the early stages, especially if pathology is present. At this point, there is already a chance to also feel the fetal heartbeat.

No less important and used by all specialists is such a method as a gynecological examination and a two-handed examination of an organ. Palpation in early pregnancy can reveal all the changes that have occurred in the organ:

• The doctor inserts one hand into the genital tract, the other examines the woman's stomach. Due to the softening of the tissues in the isthmus, the fingers, when meeting, feel each other.
• During a bimanual examination, the consistency of the tissues does not remain constant. Directly upon contact with the doctor's hands, the uterus is slightly tense, its size decreases. After elimination of irritation, the tissues become soft again.
• The uterus during a normal pregnancy in the early stages has a protrusion in the form of a dome on the left and right, which is easy to feel right now. Localization depends on the site of attachment within the embryo. As the fetal egg develops, the bulge disappears.
• Manual examination allows you to detect the mobility of the neck of the organ, which in other states is not characteristic of it.
• The weakening of the elasticity and density of the tissues of the isthmus makes it necessary to tilt the uterus forward. The specialist can feel a thickened line on the front surface of the organ in the middle.

Palpation at the initial stage in the absence of incomprehensible or negative manifestations does not need to be carried out often. The study gives the doctor enough information, and unnecessary examinations can lead to activation of the smooth muscles of the uterus, increase its movements and create a threat of interruption.

The uterus during pregnancy in the early stages needs a careful attitude, but also the control of the processes occurring in it too. It is important to visit regularly, monitor your well-being, follow all recommendations. Any deviations must be reported immediately! After all, it can save the future baby. And in order to determine them, it is worth imagining what the uterus is after conception in a normal position.

The anatomy of the female reproductive system is quite complex and its main organ is the uterus. This organ consists of several parts, supplemented by appendages, etc. All of them perform a number of important functions, the most significant of which, from the point of view of evolution, is reproductive. This article tells about the structure of the uterus, what changes it undergoes during pregnancy, and what features and pathologies it can have.

Definition

What is a uterus? It is the main part of the reproductive system. She, along with other important functional components, is the main organ necessary for conceiving and bearing a child. In this material, it is considered together with appendages, because without them it does not function. The structure and its structure, together with appendages, is presented by the diagram in this article.

Neck

The cervix is ​​the cervical canal. From the inside, it is lined with endometrium, and consists of elastic muscle tissue. The structure of the cervix also suggests the presence of a large number of cervical glands that produce a special cervical mucus. The length of the neck is 3-4 cm, but changes during pregnancy.

This part connects the uterine cavity to the vagina. It is through the cervical canal that spermatozoa enter the cavity for the fertilization of an egg in it.

Body

The body of the uterus is the main part of this organ. It has a round or slightly ovoid shape, which changes during pregnancy. It consists of a cavity and the walls by which this cavity is formed. The lower (relative to the location in the body) part of the body connects to the cervix, at an obtuse angle, if the location of the cervix is ​​normal. On both sides, the fallopian tubes join the organ.

The standard size for this part of the body is as follows:

1. The weight of the uterus is 50-60 g, in women giving birth - up to 80 g;
2. The length of the uterus is 4-7 cm;
3. Width - up to 4 cm;
4. The thickness of the uterus is 4-5 cm.

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Cavity

The uterine cavity is the free space that exists inside the body of the uterus and is formed by the uterine walls. It is in it that the fertilization of the egg occurs, where the placenta and embryo are subsequently formed, etc. The volume of this space is 5-6 cubic centimeters. But during pregnancy, it increases significantly.

Walls

How many layers does the uterine wall have? If you look at them in a section, you can distinguish three functional layers:

1. (located inside);
2. (muscle layer;
3. Subserous membrane (outer layer).

Such a structure is constant for the entire cavity, that is, it has both the posterior and anterior walls of the uterus. The walls of the uterus normally have a variable thickness, depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle. They can reach 3-4 cm in thickness.

Bundles

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