Question

What are the functions of the uterus?

Answer 1

 

The uterus, or womb is a site of development. It is a hollow chamber of the female reproductive system which nurtures the developing embryo. It is a hollow, pear-shaped organ.

Uterus has an outer covering. The walls of the uterus comprise two layers of tissue.

The inner layer of the uterus is called endometrium and the outer layer of the uterus is called myometrium.

Endometrium of the uterus produces prostaglandins which can cause contractions and cramping of the uterine smooth muscle.

Myometrium, consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. It stretches during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus.

During labor, contractions of smooth muscle in the walls of the uterus force the baby from the uterus through the birth canal.

The narrow lower part of the uterus is called cervix. An opening in the cervix allows the sperm to enter the uterus.

It is the uterine cycle which prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Successful pregnancy can occur only in the uterus.

Answer 2

Uterus or Womb or Hysteria; it is an inverted pear shaped large distensible part of female reproductive system which is specialised for anchoring and nourshing the developing foetus. 

Uterus is attached to pelvic wall by the means of ligaments.

It enlarges due to pregnancy. Wall of uterus is thick and muscular, it is differentiated on the account of muscular layers into 3 layers-

- internal glandular endometrium; undergoes cyclic changes

- middle muscular myometrium; exhibhits strong contraction during delivery of baby

- outer membranous perimetrium

Morphologically uterus is differentiated into three regions

- Fundus; it is a dome shaped region of the uterus which lies above the level of the entry of oviducts.

- Body; it is the main part of the uterus, it is broad towards the fundus and narrow down towards the cervix.

- Cervix; small narrow cylindrical inferior extremity of uterus, it communicates with internal os and external os towards vagina. The cavity between internal os and external os is called cervical canal.

After puberty it is the place to conduct menstrual cycle, and other major events of fertilisation to developing foetus.

Importantly, cervical canal along with vaginal canal forms birth canal.