Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ. The uterus provides mechanical protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for the developing embryo (weeks 1 to 8) and fetus (from week 9 until the delivery). In addition, contractions in the muscular wall of the uterus are important in pushing out the fetus at the time of birth.
Anatomy figure: 43:02-10 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "Posterior view of the broad ligament of the uterus, on the left side." Anatomy image:9637 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center; pelvis at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (uterus, broadligament) figures/chapter_35/35-8.HTM: Basic Human ...
In women, the rectouterine pouch is the deepest point of the peritoneal cavity. It is posterior to the uterus, and anterior to the rectum. [2] Its anterior boundary is formed by the posterior fornix of the vagina. [1] The pouch on the other side of the uterus near to the anterior fornix is the vesicouterine pouch.
The vesicouterine pouch is a fold of peritoneum over the uterus and the bladder, forming a pelvic recess. [1] It is continued over the intestinal surface and body of the uterus onto its vesical surface, which it covers as far as the junction of the body and cervix uteri, and then to the bladder.
In females, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and upper vagina occupy the area between the other viscera. [1] [2] The rectum is located at the back of the pelvis, in the curve of the sacrum and coccyx; the bladder is in front, behind the pubic symphysis. The pelvic cavity also contains major arteries, veins, muscles, and nerves.
The pelvic exam during pregnancy is similar to the exam for non-pregnant women; however, more attention is given to the uterus and cervix. The size of the uterus is assessed at the initial visit, and the growth of the uterus is assessed at subsequent visits. In the first trimester the uterine size can be assessed on bimanual examination.
A retroverted uterus (tilted uterus, tipped uterus) is a uterus that is oriented posteriorly, towards the rectum in the back of the body. This is in contrast to the typical uterus, which is oriented forward (slightly " anteverted ") toward the bladder , with the anterior part slightly concave.
Posteriorly, the supravaginal cervix is covered by peritoneum, which is prolonged below on to the posterior vaginal wall, when it is reflected on to the rectum, forming the recto-uterine pouch. It is in relation with the rectum, from which it may be separated by coils of small intestine .