Pages Below:

Uterus

• 30-40g
• Divided into body and cervix
• Three layers:
  • endometrium
  • myometrium
  • perimetrium
• Anteverted and anteflexed
• Round ligament of uterus runs from uterotubal junction, raises the broad ligament and passes forward through the pelvis across the pelvic brim to the deep inguinal ring, through inguinal canal to labium majus
• Broad ligament of the uterus lies over front of the uterus and has two lateral portions suspended from the uterine tubes. Lateral portions extend outwards to lateral wall of pelvis
• Uterine tubes have expanded abdominal opening (infundibulum)
• Fundus, posterior wall, posterior fornix of vagina covered with peritoneum, lower anterior wall not.
• internal and external os of cervix
• Supplied by uterine artery (branch of internal iliac)
  • Pass medially across pelvic floor in edge of broad ligament and cross in front of ureters to reach sides of cervix
  • supply upper part of vagina, turn and pass along side of uterus is broad ligament.
  • anastomose with ovarian arteries to supply uterine tubes.
• Uterine veins drain into internal iliac veins
• Lymph drains mainly to internal iliac nodes although secondary tumours can occur in inguinal nodes and some communication from superficial nodes.
• Pain transferred along sympathetic pathways via presacral plexus to upper lumbar region
• Supported by pelvic fascia, (condensations around vessels and nerves)
• Pubocervical ligaments pass to pubic symphysis
• Uterosacral ligaments pass around rectum to reach sacrum
• Levator ani forms posterior, muscular sling around vagina