Synonyms
uterus, metra, hystera ovary, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, ovaries
- Uterus – uterus
- Cervix – Fundus uteri
- Endometrium – tunica mucosa
- Uterine cavity – Cavitas uteri
- Peritoneal cover – Tunica serosa
- Cervix – Ostium uteri
- Uterine body – Corpus uteri
- Uterine constriction – Isthmus uteri
- Vagina – Vagina
- Pubic symphysis pubica
- Urinary bladder – Vesica urinaria
- Rectum – rectum
Function of the uterus
The cervix serves on the one hand the function of passage of sperm into the uterus and on the other hand it ensures the closure of the uterus during pregnancy. It also protects against infections rising from the vagina into the uterus. Usually, the outer cervix is filled with a plug of mucus.
The quantity and consistency of this plug depends on the hormonal influences at the time of the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, the uterine body houses the unborn child. In case of pregnancy, the germ is nested in the mucous membrane of the uterine body.
The mucous membrane of the non-pregnant woman is subject to a menstrual cycle of usually 28 days from puberty onwards and changes constantly during this period under the influence of hormones. The muscle layer of the uterine body is very thick and has spirally arranged muscle trains. This is very useful because when the muscles contract during childbirth, they direct the unborn child towards the vagina with rhythmic waves, thus determining the birth process.
