See Also: uterus(medicine)
uterus(encyclopedia)
uterus(dictionary)
Uterus(health)
uterus(dictionary)
small uterus(medicine)
triangular uterus(medicine)
unicorn uterus(medicine)
uterus bipartitus(medicine)
uterus acollis(medicine)

uterus (sh)




or womb

Inverted-pear-shaped organ of the female reproductive system, in which the embryo and fetus develop during pregnancy.

Lying over and behind the bladder, it is 2.5-3 in. (6-8 cm) long and about 2.5 in. (6 cm) across at the top, where the fallopian tubes enter it; at the other end, the cervix extends down into the vagina. The uterine lining (endometrium), a moist mucous membrane, changes in thickness during the menstrual cycle (see menstruation), being thickest at ovulation in readiness for a fertilized egg. The uterine wall, about 1 in. (2.5 cm) thick, expands and becomes thinner as a fetus develops inside. The cervix expands to about 4 in. (10 cm) for delivery. Disorders of the uterus include infections, benign and malignant tumours, prolapse, endometriosis, and fibroids (leiomyomas; see muscle tumour).