The uterus is the pear-shaped reproductive organ that sits in the pelvic area (lower abdomen) of women. It has important functions in the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and in labor. The uterus is hollow, thick-walled and muscular, and about the size of your fist. It consists of three layers – the endometrium (the inner layer), the myometrium (the middle layer) and the perimetrium (the outer layer). The endometrium is what is shed during menstruation. The uterus is connected to the ovaries via the fallopian tubes, and to the vagina via the cervix.
Sources:
- Gasner A. et al. Physiology, Uterus. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557575/ (accessed 7. August 2020)
- Ameer M.A. et al. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Uterus, StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470297/ (accessed 7. August 2020)
- University of Rochester Medical Center. Anatomy of the Uterus. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=34&ContentID=17114-1 (accessed 7. August 2020)
