The uterus is the female reproductive organ located in the pelvis. It has three sections - the fundus, corpus, and cervix. The uterus has muscular walls and inner and outer layers of tissue. During pregnancy, the uterus expands to hold the growing fetus. Its functions include nourishing an embryo, expelling the fetus during labor, and preparing for a potential pregnancy each month. Some common uterine disorders are cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and fibroids, which are benign tumors that can cause heavy bleeding. Regular pelvic exams are important for early detection and prevention of female reproductive health issues.

1. THE UTERUSBY ARNESHIA MCCONNELL

2. UTERUS: ORIGINLatin word meaning womb, bellyPlural form: uteruses or uteri

3. THE UTERUS: WHAT IS IT?When most people think of the female sex organ, they feel the vagina is all there is to the human female reproductive system. NOT TRUE!!!The Uterus is:the female reproductive organhollow, pair-shapedabout 2.5 to 3 in. long and 2.5 in wide at the toplocated between the bladder and rectum

4. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

5. ANATOMY OF THE UTERUSThere are three sections of the uterus:Fundus: upper part where the fallopian tubes connect.Corpus: the body of the uterus, central portion.Cervix: lower portion, which opens into the vagina.

6. ANATOMY OF THE UTERUS (continued)Made of layers of tissue:Perimetrium: outer layer of the uterusEndometrium: inner layer of the uterine wallThis thickens and grows each month in preparation to receive a fertilized egg.This series of monthly changes is known as the menstrual cycle.Menstruation occurs when this tissue is not used (no occurring pregnancy), so it disintegrates and passes through the vagina.

7. ANATOMY OF THE UTERUS (continued)Myometrium: thick muscular walls of the uterusExpands during pregnancy to hold the growing fetus.Contracts during labor to deliver the baby.On each side at the top of the uterus are the fallopian tubesTogether, the uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, and ovaries make up the human female reproductive system.

8. THE UTERUS

9. FUNCTIONS OF THE UTERUSTo prepare a bed for a fertilized ovum (egg).To nourish the developing embryo during pregnancyTo expel the fetusTo provide blood flow to the ovariesTo provide structural support to the bladder, bowel, pelvic bones and organsHelps separate and keep the bladder in its natural position above the pubic bone and the bowel in its natural configuration behind the uterus.

10. FUNCTIONS OF THE UTERUSThe uterus is essential in sexual response by directing blood flow to the pelvis and external genitaliaThis is needed for uterine orgasm to occur

11. THE UTERUS AND PREGNANCYDuring pregnancy, the uterus grows upward out of the woman’s pelvisAfter about 12 weeks of pregnancy, the fundus can be felt by your caregiver feeling your belly.

12. THE UTERUS AND PREGNANCY (continued)By 24 weeks of pregnancy, the myometrium muscles start stretching upward, forming the thick upper segment of the uterusThis leaves the lower segment as a thinner layer of muscleThe lower segment has the role of absorbing the cervix as it dilates during laborThe lower segment muscles are relatively weaker with less blood supplyFor this reason, the cut to perform a Cesarean is done in the lower segment of the uterusIt is less likely to cause bleeding

13. PATHOLOGY OF THE UTERUSThere are many diseases and disorders of the uterus. Here are a few:CERVICAL CANCERMalignant (cancerous) growth in the cervixSome cases are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted. There has recently been a vaccine created for it.Starts as a pre-cancerous condition called dysplasia (abnormal development)Early detection through regular pap smear tests.Difficult to treat

14. PATHOLOGY OF THE UTERUS (continued)ENDOMETRIAL CANCERAffects the endometrial lining of the uterusSymptoms: abnormal uterine bleeding and/or abnormal menstrual periodsBleeding between normal periods before menopauseVaginal bleeding or spotting after menopauseExtreme long, heavy, or frequent episodes of vaginal bleeding after age 40.Abdominal pain or pelvic crampingThin white or clear vaginal discharge after menopauseTreatments of endometrial cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

15. Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

16. Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma

17. PATHOLOGY OF THE UTERUS (continued)FIBROIDSBenign tumor or growthMost common tumors in womenWomen of African-American heritage are 3 to 9 times more likely to develop fibroids than Caucasian women.Term is misleading because they consist of muscle tissue, not fibrous tissueMedical term is leiomyoma

18. PATHOLOGY OF THE UTERUS (continued)FIBROIDS (continued)Found in the wall of the uterusCan develop within the uterine wall or attach to itMay grow as a single tumor or in clustersSymptoms include:Excessive menstrual bleeding (mennorrhagia)Pelvic painFrequent urination

19. PATHOLOGY (continued)FIBROIDS (continued)TreatmentThe location of the fibroid plays a significant role on how to approach treatmentMost of the time, fibroids do not need to be treatedFibroids grow as a woman gets older, and tend to shrink after menopauseSmaller fibroids are easier to treat, but most of them never will need to be treatedMany women with fibroids have successful pregnancies as long as the fibroids are not inside the uterine cavity

20. Picture of Uterus with Uterine Fibroids

21. Uterus With Fibroids After Hysterectomy

22. CONCLUSIONIt is very important for all women to make their health a priority.Annual women’s wellness checkups are very critical for early prevention of female reproductive issues.

23. SOURCESwww.emedicinehealth.comwww.gynalternatives.com/fibroids.htmwww.medterms.comwww.medicinenet.comwww.pregnancytoday.comwww.birth.com.auhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/endometrial_cancerMedical Terminology: A Living Language (4th Edition). By Bonnie F. Fremgen & Suzanne S. Frucht