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

The main organ of the female reproductive system is the uterus. The organ is a muscular organ, hollow inside. It ensures menstrual function and fetal development. Where is a woman’s uterus located and what structure does it have? 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 thickness of the walls of the organ can be up to 3 cm and are quite dense. If a woman has given birth, the size can be increased by 2-3 cm, with the weight of the uterus reaching 100 grams.

What is the structure of the uterus?

It includes three main components: the body of the uterus, its cervix and the fundus of the uterus. As already mentioned, the body of the uterus has a pear-shaped shape, where the narrower part - the cervix - is directed downward, and the fundus 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 area.

The layers of the uterus are as follows:

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

The inner layer of the uterus is the mucous membrane, which tends to change every month. The purpose of the endometrium of the reproductive organ is to create an opportunity for the fertilized 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 endometrial lining of the uterus is rejected and it comes out with blood. On this day, a phenomenon called menstruation begins; it lasts for 3-5 days.

The myometrium is an important layer, allowing the organ to stretch to large sizes during pregnancy.

Covers the perimeter organ - the uterine layer, which is the peritoneal serous membrane.

Localization

The location of the uterus in women is 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 normal. But, with some pathologies, the normal position of the uterus and appendages may change. Such pathologies include bending, prolapse or prolapse of the reproductive organ, posterior location, etc.

The location of the uterus directly depends on the muscles and ligaments that hold it in the correct position. If muscle tone is weakened under the influence of any factors, the reproductive organ may descend and partially or completely fall out of the genital slit. You cannot ignore the condition, and it is unlikely that you will be able to do so. When walking, a prolapsed organ causes discomfort.

Structure and localization of the cervix

When considering the fundus of the uterus and the organ as a whole, you need to pay attention to the cervix, because it is no less important and influences the course of pregnancy. A woman’s ability to bear a child will depend on the size of the cervix of the reproductive organ. Women with a short neck have a high risk of miscarriage. The cervix is ​​also important during 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. Thus, shortening the size of the cervix during pregnancy indicates an approaching birth.

Using a mirror, a gynecologist can easily examine the cervix on a gynecological chair, but it is impossible to examine the fundus of the uterus in this way. It is located deep in the vagina (8-12 cm), and in front of it is the bladder. Towards the end of pregnancy, the cervix 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 of birth comes.

On average, pregnancy lasts from 38 to 42 weeks. The muscle fibers of the organ adapt to the increase in size as the fetus grows (in the case of multiple pregnancies). When a certain moment comes, under the influence of oxytocin, the muscles begin to involuntarily contract. 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, allowing 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 causes weakening of ligaments and muscles, which leads to displacement of the organ from its normal position. If the displacement is slight, this 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 are:

• 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 susceptible to malfunctions and diseases. Diseases such as fibroids and cervical erosion are more common. Benign neoplasms (polyps, fibromas) are often diagnosed; there are frequent cases of detection of malignant tumors (cancer) that are hostile to the health and life of a woman.

Despite the fact that pathologies of the female reproductive system are successfully treated today, you need to understand that the earlier 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 pathologies of the organ, its removal for medical reasons, incorrect location of the uterus in women), even in this case there is the opportunity to become a mother (surrogacy), so you should not despair.

Regular examinations with a gynecologist (at least once every six months), as well as observing the rules of personal hygiene and proper lifestyle, will help you avoid health problems and detect irregularities in the reproductive system in time.

A woman’s reproductive organs are designed to perform important functions and have an interesting anatomical structure. You can verify this by looking at what a woman’s uterus looks like. It shows how the most important part of the female reproductive system organs works.

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 and is located in the pelvis. The rectum is adjacent to the uterus at the back, and the bladder is located in front of it.

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

The organ consists of several parts

• cervix

At the top of the body there is an expanded part, the bottom. At the bottom of the organ is the cervix and connects to the vagina.

Anatomical structure of the cervix

The cervix is ​​a rounded septum. It is based on collagen tissues containing smooth muscle inclusions. The uterus and vagina are connected by a canal whose tissues are columnar epithelium. The canal has the ability to secrete mucous secretions. A feature of its structure is the presence of special folds that protect the organ from vaginal contents entering it.

Features of the anatomical structure of the uterus

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

The internal cavity of the uterus has a triangular shape; through openings it connects with the fallopian tubes, which extend from the organ in both directions. The outer (serous), middle (muscular) and inner (mucosal) 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. The uterus is fixed with the help of broad ligaments formed from fused layers of the peritoneum, as well as with the help of the pelvic day muscles and fascia. Consisting of three layers of smooth muscle, the tunica media is the most powerful.

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

Monthly cycles, the onset of pregnancy, and gestation are the causes of various changes in the condition 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 back. In the event of fertilization, the egg entering the uterine cavity through the fallopian tubes undergoes further development here until the mature fetus is removed during childbirth. In addition to this generative function, the uterus also performs menstrual function.

Having reached full development, the virgin uterus has a pear-shaped shape, flattened from front to back. It distinguishes between 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, gradually tapering 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 that protrudes into the vagina is called the vaginal part, portio vaginalis (cervicis). The upper segment of the cervix, adjacent directly to the body, is called portio supravaginal (cervicis). The anterior and posterior surfaces are separated from each other by edges, margo uteri (dexter et sinister). Due to the significant thickness of the walls of the uterus, its cavity, cavitas uteri, is small in comparison with the size of the organ.

In the frontal section, the uterine cavity has the shape of a triangle, the base of which faces the fundus of the uterus, and the apex faces the cervix. The tubes open into the corners of the base, and at the apex of the triangle the uterine cavity continues into the cavity, or canal, of the cervix, canalis cervicis uteri. The junction of the uterus and the cervix is ​​narrowed and is called the isthmus of the uterus, isthmus uteri.

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

In the cavity of the uterine body, 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 one, 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., the peri-uterine fatty tissue lying on the anterior surface and sides of the cervix, between the layers of the peritoneum, forming the broad ligament of the uterus.)
2. The middle one, myometrium, is the muscular layer, tunica muscularis. The muscular coat, which makes up the main part of the wall, consists of non-striated fibers intertwined in different directions.
3. The internal one, endometrium, is the mucous membrane, tunica mucosa. The mucous membrane of the uterine body, covered with ciliated epithelium and without folds, is equipped with simple tubular glands, glandulae uterinae, which penetrate to the muscular layer. In the thicker mucous membrane of the cervix, in addition to the tubular glands, there are mucous glands, gll. cervicales.

The average length of a mature uterus outside of pregnancy is 6-7.5 cm, of which the cervix accounts for 2.5 cm. In a newborn girl, the cervix is ​​longer than the body of the uterus, but the latter undergoes increased growth during the onset of puberty. During pregnancy, the uterus quickly changes in size and shape. At the 8th month it reaches 18-20 cm and takes on 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 quite quickly, decreases in size, almost returning to its previous state, but maintaining a slightly larger size. Enlarged muscle fibers undergo fatty degeneration. In old age, atrophy phenomena are detected in the uterus, its tissue becomes paler and denser to the touch.

Topography of the uterus. The uterus has significant mobility and is located in such a way that its longitudinal axis is approximately parallel to the axis of the pelvis. With an empty bladder, the fundus of the uterus is directed forward, and its anterior surface is forward and downward; This forward tilt of the uterus is called anteversio. In this case, the body of the uterus, bending forward, forms an angle with the cervix, 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. Backward bending of the uterus (retroflexio) is a pathological phenomenon. The peritoneum covers the front of the uterus to the junction of the body with the cervix, where the serous membrane folds over the bladder.

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

Along the lateral edges of the uterus, the peritoneum passes from the anterior and posterior surfaces to the lateral walls of the pelvis in the form of broad ligaments of the uterus, ligg. lata uteri, which in relation to the uterus (below the 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 changes in the position of the uterus, being located during anteversion (with an empty bladder) almost horizontally, with its anterior surface facing down and its back surface facing up. The lateral portion of the ligament is located more vertically in the sagittal direction. The free edge of the broad ligament contains the fallopian tube; roller-shaped elevations from the lig are noticeable on the anterior and posterior surfaces. 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 portion of the broad ligament, enclosed between the tube above, the mesovarium, and the ovary below, is the mesentery of the tube, mesosalpinx, consisting of two leaves 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 there 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, the round ligaments, lig., extend one on each side. 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 extend 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 distance in the form of a protrusion into the inguinal canal; This protrusion of the peritoneum in an adult woman usually becomes obliterated. The round ligament is similar to the gubernaculum testis of the male. On an x-ray, a normal uterine cavity filled with a contrast agent (metrosalpingography) has the shape of a triangle, with its apex downward and base upward. The corners of this triangle correspond to the three openings of the uterus.

Normally, the uterus holds 4-6 ml of fluid. The pipes look like long and narrow shadows, curved in various ways. Closer to the abdominal end, the pipes widen, 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 wriggles 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 supplies the uterus, broad and round uterine ligaments, tubes, ovaries and vagina, goes down and medially at the base of the broad uterine ligament, crosses the ureter and, giving off 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 giving birth is distinguished by its tortuosity. Along the way, she gives branches to the body of the uterus.

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

1. ramus tubarius (to the pipe) 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 branches in the tunica muscularis and in the tunica mucosa, especially developing during pregnancy. Blood flows from the uterus through 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 draining lymphatic vessels of the uterus go in two directions:

1. from the fundus 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 the nn. splanchnici pelvini (parasympathetic). A plexus, plexus uterovaginalis, is formed from these nerves in the cervical area.

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, and the course of the entire process as a whole depend on it. During early pregnancy, the uterus undergoes changes that are not as noticeable as in subsequent stages. But they play an important role, because they are not only one of the signs of the birth of a new life, but can also warn of potential difficulties that sometimes have to be encountered during the nine months of gestation.

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Briefly about the structure of the uterus

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

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

By the time of implantation, the upper section of the mucosa should be quite loose and thick.
In addition to the endometrium, two more layers are distinguished: the myometrium (muscle base) and the perimeter (the outer part of the uterus). Their integrity and adequate functioning are also necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
The parameters of the uterus before its onset have the following values:

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

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

Appearance

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

What the doctor will see and feel when examining the cervix

The size of the organ 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 the size of the uterus in the early stages of 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 can be smaller (if the parents are not very tall, and therefore the fetus is small). But in any case, the situation will have to be monitored, 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 pregnancy.

In the early stages of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges 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 scar inclusions that appear as a result of illness or previous births via cesarean section.

You can determine what kind of uterus you have during early pregnancy, taking into account its size, using an ultrasound or examination by a specialist. The highest point of the organ, called the bottom, is important. Its height corresponds to the period of pregnancy.

Form

The normal pear shape of the uterus changes from the time the embryo is implanted in it. If an 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 small protrusion forms. The uterus appears asymmetrical. As the fetus grows, its gradual transformation into a ball is noted. The change in shape is caused not only by the growth of the embryo, but also by the tissues that ensure its existence.

Consistency

Changes in the uterus in the early stages of pregnancy concern not only its size and configuration, they are more global in nature. This is expressed in the fact that the tissues become different from what was observed before. Changes are noted in all layers of the organ. One of them has already been mentioned: the endometrium is made more pliable so that the fertilized egg can firmly attach itself to it and exist comfortably.

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

The hardest part of the uterus is the cervix. It plays the role of a boundary that fences off the approaches to the embryo. But its tissues also become more pliable than before conception.

Features of the location of the organ

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

By the 16th week, 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 the woman.

How does a woman feel?

Sensations in the uterus in early pregnancy often give the woman a sense of the new position before other symptoms. Although there is nothing unpleasant or super unusual about them. A slight tingling sensation is felt in the area where the organ is located, fullness, and sometimes slight distension. This is not caused by the growing fetus; it is still too small.

The sensitivity of the uterus is caused by tissue swelling, which is characteristic of the beginning of pregnancy. It is provoked by increased blood supply to the organ. The tide at this stage is necessary for the formation of amniotic membranes, the placenta, and the proliferation of capillaries that will nourish the fetus before their formation and beyond.

Due to the increase in the ligaments of the organ stretching in volume, the expectant mother may feel slight pain in the area of ​​the uterus.

What does “toned uterus” mean?

The early stage of pregnancy is a period when the position itself is in question. Even healthy women may experience problems related to the usefulness of the fetus, which provoke the body’s attempts to get rid of it.

But still, the condition of the uterus in the early stages of pregnancy is often determined by the woman’s health 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 risk of rejection becomes especially close to the fetus. There are several signs that will indicate possible danger:

• uncomfortable sensations in the lower abdomen, pain radiating to the sacrum - sensations similar to those noticed before menstruation;
• the uterus is made “stone”;
• appear colored red.

means it is imperative to take measures to prevent interruption, especially if the pain does not go away for a long time, and the removal 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. In this case, the tension in the organ is relieved by the correct regimen and rest. But you definitely need to tell the gynecologist 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 the attachment of the embryo in the cavity of the organ. But this happens no more than 40 hours, and in most women it occurs without noticeable signs.

How to identify the symptoms of a “pregnant uterus”

The uterus during early pregnancy requires close attention from 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 inserted 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 moment there is already a chance to also feel the fetal heartbeat.

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

• The doctor inserts one hand into the genital tract, and the other examines the woman’s abdomen. Due to the softening of the tissues in the isthmus area, the fingers, meeting, feel each other.
• During a bimanual examination, the tissue consistency does not remain constant. Directly upon contact with the doctor’s hands, the uterus slightly tenses and its size decreases. After eliminating the irritation, the tissues become soft again.
• During a normal pregnancy in the early stages, the uterus has a dome-shaped protrusion on the left and right, which is easy to feel right now. Localization depends on the site of attachment within the embryo. As the fertilized egg develops, the bulge disappears.
• Manual examination allows you to detect mobility of the neck of the organ, which is not typical for it in other conditions.
• The weakening of the elasticity and density of the isthmus tissue 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 frequently. 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.

During pregnancy, the uterus in the early stages needs to be treated with care, but also to control the processes occurring in it. It is important to visit regularly, monitor your well-being, and follow all recommendations. Any deviations must be reported immediately! After all, this can save the unborn baby. And to determine them, it is worth imagining what the uterus is like 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 talks about the structure of the uterus, what changes it undergoes during pregnancy and what features and pathologies it may have.

Definition

What is a uterus? This is the main part of the reproductive system. It, 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 its appendages, are presented in the diagram in this article.

Neck

The cervix is ​​the cervical canal. The inside 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, which produce special cervical mucus. The length of the cervix is ​​3-4 cm, but changes throughout pregnancy.

This part connects the uterine cavity to the vagina. It is through the cervical canal that sperm penetrate into the cavity to fertilize the 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 with which this cavity is formed. The lower (relative to its location in the body) part of the body connects to the cervix, at an obtuse angle, if the location of the cervix is ​​normal. The fallopian tubes join the organ on both sides.

The standard dimensions for this part of the organ are as follows:

1. The weight of the uterus is 50-60 g, in women who have given birth - up to 80 g;
2. Length of the uterus – 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 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 do the uterine walls have? If you look at them in cross-section, you can distinguish three functional layers:

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

This 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 variable thickness, depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle. They can reach 3-4 cm in thickness.

Ligaments

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