| Uterus |
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The uterus or '''womb''' is the major female reproductive Organ of most Mammal s, including Human s. One end, the Cervix , opens into the Vagina ; the other is connected on both sides to the Fallopian Tubes . The term ''uterus'' is commonly used within the medical and related professions, whilst ''womb'' is in more common usage. The plural of uterus is uteri. FUNCTION The main function of the uterus is to accept a fertilized Ovum which becomes implanted into the endometrium, and derives nourishment from blood vessels which develop exclusively for this purpose. The fertilized ovum becomes an Embryo , develops into a Fetus and gestates until Childbirth . Due to anatomical barriers such as the Pelvis , the uterus is pushed partially into the abdomen due to its expansion during pregnancy. Even in pregnancy the mass of a human uterus amounts to only about a kilogram (2.2 pounds). FORMS IN MAMMALS In mammals, the four main forms in which it is found are:
ANATOMY The uterus is located inside the Pelvis immediately Dorsal (and usually somewhat Rostral ) to the Urinary Bladder and Ventral to the Rectum . Outside of Pregnancy , its size in humans is several Centimeter s in diameter. Regions From outside to inside, the path to the uterus is as follows:
Layers The layers, from innermost to outermost, are as follows: Major ligaments It is held in place by several Peritoneal Ligament s, of which the following are the most important (there are two of each): Position Under normal circumstances the uterus is both "anteflexed" and "anteverted". The meaning of these terms are described below: DEVELOPMENT The bilateral Müllerian Duct s form during early fetal life. In males, MIF secreted from the testes leads to their regression. In females these ducts give rise to the Fallopian Tubes and the uterus. In humans the lower segments of the two ducts fuse to form a single uterus, however, in cases of Uterine Malformation s this development may be disturbed. The different uterine forms in various mammals are due to various degrees of fusion of the two Müllerian ducts. PATHOLOGY Some Pathological states include:
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