Womb

Womb or uterus is a major female hormone-responsive secondary sex organ of the reproductive system in humans and most other mammals. In the human, the lower end of the uterus, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the upper end, the fundus, is connected to the fallopian tubes. It is within the uterus that the fetus develops during gestation. In the human embryo, the uterus develops from the paramesonephric ducts which fuse into the single organ known as a simplex uterus. The uterus has different forms in many other animals and in some it exists as two separate uteri known as a duplex uterus.

Anatomy

The uterus is located within the pelvic region immediately behind and almost overlying the bladder, and in front of the sigmoid colon. The human uterus is pear-shaped and about 7.6 cm (3.0 in) long, 4.5 cm (1.8 in) broad (side to side), and 3.0 cm (1.2 in) thick. A typical adult uterus weighs about 60 grams. The uterus can be divided anatomically into four segments: The fundus, corpus (body), cervix and the internal os.

Functions

The main function of the uterus is to nurture the developing fetus prior to birth. It also has other roles in the female body. It is involved in the menstrual cycle and fertility. The uterus provides mechanical protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for the developing embryo (weeks 1 to 8) and fetus (from week 9 until the delivery).

Clinical significance

Various pathologies are associated with the uterus, including cancer of the uterus (uterine cancer or endometrial cancer), fibroids, endometriosis, and prolapse of the uterus.

See also

• Menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy
• Reproductive system
• Female reproductive system

Womb Resources
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