54. Female reproductive system. Uterus. Macroscopic, microscopic, ultramicroscopic and functional characteristics of the wall. Ovario-menstrual cycle. Microscopic and functional characteristics of the four phases. Blood and nerve supply.

UTREUS

• The utreus is a pear_shaped organ.
• Located in the lesser pelvis between the urinary bladder and reclum
• It is positioned in anteversion and antiflexion.
• Almost complelly covered by peritoneum.
• 7-8 cm long and weight around 50_70 g.

Utrine Surfaces:

1. Intestinal surface: the dorso-cranial surface facing the intestinal loops.
2. Vesical surface: the ventro_caudal surface facing the urinary bladder.

Positions: → important for getting pregnant.

3. Anteflexion – the longitudinal axis of the body of the uterus and the longitudinal cervical axis form an obtuse angle of 160°–170° open ventrally with the vertex at the isthmus of the uterus
4. Anteversion – the longitudinal axis of the body of the uterus and the longitudinal axis of the vagina form an angle of 70°–100° open ventrally with the vertex at the external os of the uterus
5. Dextroversion – the uterus is often slightly turned to the right with its left border lying closer to the midline and pushed forward

Changes:

The utreus changes during 3 main time, during:

1. Age: the body remains large and the cervix shrinks
2. Menstruation: Utreus is enlarged and more vasculated.
3. Pregnancy: uterus becomes enlarged that it extends into the epigastric region.