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The Uterus

Written by Jane Carrasco

 womans anatomy

 

 

 Where Is The Uterus?

 

 

 

A "normal" uterus is typically the size and shape of an upside down pear and weighs somewhere around 6 ounces. Its dimensional size is about eight to ten centimeters by six centimeters (roughly 3-4 inches by 2 inches).

 

The Uterus lies in the pelvis, where it is supported by a ligament on either side extending to the pelvic wall. The body of the uterus tapers down to a neck-like structure, the cervix, that leads into the vagina.
 
 
baby in uterus

 

What Does The Uterus Do?

 

The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.

 

On either side of the uterus is an oviduct, called fallopian tube, or uterine tube. The tubes, which serve as passageways for the ova to reach the uterus, range from 3 to 5 in. (7.6-12.7 cm) long. One end opens into the uterus and the other, wide-mouthed, ends in close proximity to an ovary. Inside the oviduct, fertilization occurs.


The fertilized ovum then continues into the uterus, where it becomes implanted in the lining, or endometrium. If fertilization does not occur, the ovum and the lining of the uterine wall pass out of the body through the vagina during menstruation. Endometrial tissues then build up again in the uterus, in anticipation of the next release of an ovum, repeating the ovulation process.


Diseases Of The Uterus:

 

uterus pain

 

~Endometriosis- Endometriosis is a condition whereby uterine lining tissue grows on the ovaries or in the abdominal or pelvic cavity of a woman's body. This tissue should only be located inside the uterus. This is a major cause of infertility.
 

~Fibroid Tumors- Fibroids, or leiomyoma, or just myoma, are muscular tumors that grow inside the wall of the uterus, also called the womb, that are almost always benign (not cancerous). They are made up of tissue cells from the uterus and can range in size from just a few centimeters to more than 8 inches in length.

 

~Endometrial Polyps- Overgrowth of cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) leads to the formation of uterine polyps. Uterine polyps are growths attached to inner wall of the uterus and protruding into the uterine cavity. The sizes of uterine polyps range from a few millimeters no larger than a sesame seed? to several centimeters? golf ball sized or larger. They are attached to the uterine wall by a large base or a thin stalk.
 

~Uterine Prolapse- A prolapse is a weakening in the pelvic floor muscles at the base of the pelvis. Prolapse occurs if these muscles are weakened and the organ they support; your uterus, vagina, urethra or bladder?shifts downward and bulges into or even out of your vaginal canal. Most often, these muscles are strained during childbirth.
 

~Chronic Pelvic Pain- Chronic pelvic pain refers to any pain in your pelvic region that lasts six months or longer. If you were asked to locate your pain, you'' be more likely to sweep your hand over that entire area rather than point to one spot. Chronic pelvic pain can be a designated as a condition in its own right or it can be a symptom of another disease.
 
 
 
 
Disclaimer
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The content provided is intended strictly for informational purposes to help patient understanding of medical terms and conditions.

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