uterus

(noun)

An organ of the female reproductive system in which the young are conceived and develop until birth; the womb.

Related Terms

Examples of uterus in the following topics:

  • Uterus

    • The uterus consists of a body and a cervix.
    • The human uterus is pear-shaped and about three inches (7.6 cm) long.
    • A pelvic examination by a doctor can determine if a uterus is tipped.
    • The uterus mostly consists of smooth muscle, known as myometrium.
    • The parametrium is the loose connective tissue around the uterus.

  • Uterine Prolapse

    • Uterine prolapse occurs when the ligaments supporting the uterus become so weak that the uterus slips down from its normal position.
    • The uterus is normally held in place in the lower pelvis by a hammock of muscles and ligaments called the pelvic floor.
    • The utereosacral ligaments are by far the most important ligaments holding the uterus in place.
    • Prolapse occurs when these ligaments that support the uterus become so weak that the uterus cannot stay in place and slips down from its normal position, protruding into or outside of the vagina.
    • The uterus is located in the lower abdomen, above the vagina.

  • Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

    • The human female reproductive system contains two main parts: the uterus and the ovaries, which produce a woman's egg cells.
    • The vagina is attached to the uterus through the cervix, while the uterus is attached to the ovaries via the fallopian tubes.
    • At certain intervals, the ovaries release an ovum, which passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus.
    • The fertilization usually occurs in the oviducts, but can happen in the uterus itself.
    • An anatomically female's internal reproductive organs are the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovary.

  • Female Duct System

    • The fallopian tubes, or oviducts, connect the ovaries to the uterus.
    • In non-mammalian vertebrates, the equivalent structures are the oviducts.In a woman's body the tube allows passage of the egg from the ovary to the uterus.
    • the isthmus which is the narrower part of the tube that links to the uterus
    • Occasionally, the embryo implants into the fallopian tube instead of the uterus, creating an ectopic pregnancy, commonly known as a "tubal pregnancy. "
    • Illustrative drawing of the anterior view of the uterus showing the uterine segments

  • Overview of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

    • The sperm then travels through the vagina and cervix into the uterus or fallopian tubes for fertilization of the ovum.
    • Labor consists of the muscles of the uterus contracting, the cervix dilating, and the baby passing out the vagina.
    • The human female reproductive system contains three main parts: the vagina, which leads from the vulva, the vaginal opening, to the uterus; the uterus, which holds the developing fetus; and the ovaries, which produce the female's ova.
    • The vagina is attached to the uterus through the cervix, while the uterus is attached to the ovaries via the fallopian tubes.
    • The lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, and unfertilized ova are shed each cycle through a process known as menstruation.

  • Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

    • An intrauterine device (IUD) is form of birth control that is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
    • The intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of birth control; it is an object placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
    • Additionally, the foreign body irritates the lining and wall of the uterus making it hard for an embryo to implant.
    • The arms of the frame hold the IUD in place near the top of the uterus.
    • All IUDs are situated within the uterus and act as physical barriers at the openings of the Fallopian tubes, in addition to spermicidal or hormonal effects.

  • Ovaries

    • The ovaries are not attached to the outer layer of the uterus via the ovarian ligaments.
    • The part of the broad ligament of the uterus that covers the ovary is known as the mesovarium.
    • The uterine extremity points downward and is attached to the uterus via the ovarian ligament.
    • The follicle remains functional and transforms into a corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to prepare the uterus for possible embryo implantation.
    • Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and the mammary glands for lactation.

  • Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

    • The uterine cycle describes a series of changes that occur to the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, during a typical menstrual cycle.
    • The endometrium is the innermost glandular layer of the uterus and functions as a lining.
    • This represents an optimal environment for the implantation of a blastocyst upon its arrival in the uterus.
    • The discharge of blood slows and then stops in response to rising hormone levels, and the lining of the uterus thickens, or proliferates, hence the name of the phase.
    • These hormone drops cause the uterus to shed its lining and the egg in a process termed menstruation.

  • Implantation

    • Implantation is the very early stage of pregnancy at which the embryo adheres to the wall of the uterus and begins to form the placenta.
    • Implantation is the very early stage of pregnancy during which the embryo embeds into the wall of the uterus.
    • The syncytiotrophoblast then implants the blastocyst into the endometrium of the uterus by forming finger-like projections into the uterine wall called chorionic villi .

  • Barrier Methods

    • Barrier contraception methods prevent pregnancy by physically preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
    • Barrier contraception methods prevent pregnancy by physically preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
    • A cervical cap fits over the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus .
    • The diaphragm covers the cervix and physically prevents sperm from entering the uterus.
    • Similar to cervical caps, diaphragms are fitted inside a woman's vagina to block access of sperm to the uterus and Fallopian tubes