The internal structure of the uterus is characterized by age features. Thus, during puberty, the uterus increases in length and width. Accordingly, the weight of the organ also increases. This establishes the correct position of the uterus - tilt and bend anteriorly.
Also during this period there is an increase in the number of uterine glands and the thickness of the wall. With age, a gradual reverse development of the organ occurs. A feature of the structure of the uterus in this period is a decrease in its size. In addition, there is a decrease in the elasticity of the ligamentous apparatus. And, as you know, it performs the function of maintaining the uterus.
Structure of the walls of the uterus
The internal structure of the uterus is a cavity and a thick wall. The uterine cavity resembles a triangular shape. The top of it is directed downwards and passes into the cervical canal. In the upper corners of the cavity on both sides opens the lumen of the fallopian tubes. A peculiarity of the structure of the walls of the uterus is that three layers are distinguished in it:
- Perimetry is a superficial layer, which is represented by a part of the peritoneum.
- Myometrium is the middle layer represented by muscle fibers. This is the most significant thickness of the wall. In turn, it is divided into three parts, which are represented by multidirectional muscle cells. It is this layer that forms the bulk of the organ.
- Endometrium, or mucosa , lining the uterine cavity. He also participates in the formation of the placenta during pregnancy. It distinguishes the basal and functional part. During menstruation, there is a rejection of the functional part. And the basal part serves as a source of regeneration of new cells of the mucous membrane. It should be noted that the uterine gland is abundantly located in the mucous membrane.
In the anatomical structure of the uterus, several parts are distinguished. It:
- bottom - the upper part, located above the sites of the fallopian tubes;
- the body that forms the greater part of the organ;
- neck - lower part.
Anomalies in the structure of the uterus
Anomalies in the structure of the uterus occur in the case of adverse effects of certain factors during fetal development. It can be:
- environmental factors;
- unbalanced nutrition;
- taking certain medications;
- hormonal disorders;
- occupational hazards;
- infection.
The above factors disrupt the processes of cell division and cause various negative features of the structure of the uterus and structural disturbances. Some of them can not affect reproductive function. And others, on the contrary, completely exclude the possibility of procreation. The following are the most common anomalies of the uterine structure:
- Hypoplasia is a decrease in the size of the uterus.
- Double-horned uterus - while the uterus in the upper part is divided.
- The unicorn uterus, in fact, looks like half the normal uterus.
- The saddle uterus is the cleft of the uterus. As a result, the uterus takes the form of a saddle.
- Uterus with full or incomplete septum.
- Doubling the uterus, often combined with doubling the vagina.
- Atresia is a condition when the uterine cavity is overgrown, that is, there is no cavity completely.
- Aplasia is the absence of the uterus.
Uterus and pregnancy
Changing the structure of the pregnant womb, in the first place, is to increase the size. This is due to the increase in muscle cells in the volume and increase their elasticity and extensibility. As the pregnancy progresses, the transformation of its shape from pear-shaped to spherical is clearly visible. After birth, the uterus gradually decreases, acquiring its former size.