Where is the uterus located in the abdomen

The uterus is the growth and development organ of the embryo and is also the most important reproductive organ of women. The size of the uterus is related to age and fertility. Let's take a closer look at where the uterus is located in the abdomen.

Where is the uterus located in the abdomen

The uterus is located in the middle of the abdomen, in the center of the pelvis, behind the bladder, in front of the duodenum, two fingers wide below the navel, with the lower hole connected to the vagina. It is the organ for women to have menstruation and create the fetus.

When not pregnant, the uterus is only a few centimeters in diameter. The upper and lower sides are connected to the two bilateral fallopian tubes, and the lower part is connected to the vagina. There are also two tendons in the uterus that connect the uterus and ovaries.

The uterus can be divided into the uterine fundus, uterine body, muscle wall and cervix from ascending to descending:

Fundus of the uterus: the part above the straight line of the bilateral fallopian tubes.

Palace body: the thin part in the middle of the uterus.

Muscle wall: The part that connects the uterus to the cervix. The length is only 1 cm.

Cervix: The narrow opening at the bottom of the uterus. Connected to the vagina.

The uterus can be divided into three layers from outside to inside: the exometrium, the myometrium, and the uterine wall.

There is a layer of outer lining around the uterus that roughly surrounds the uterus, called the perineum, which is part of the retroperitoneum and does not cover the entire uterus.

The vast majority of the uterus is composed of muscle, which is called the uterine myometrium. This muscle is smooth muscle. The innermost layer of the uterine myometrium is the junctional zone, which is also the location of thickening in adenomyosis.

The lining of the uterus is called the uterine wall. It is mucosal tissue. In most mammals (including humans), the uterine wall regularly grows, sheds, or is absorbed when not pregnant. The human uterine wall sheds during the reproductive stage in a cycle of about one month, resulting in menstruation. The cycle of other animals is not necessarily one month.

The role of women's uterus

1. Effects during menstruation

The monthly menarche is a sign of female reproductive health. It is also an important component of female metabolism. It has the functions of promoting the upgrading of female hematopoietic system and removing toxins from the body.

2. Pregnancy

It plays a key role in human reproduction and continuation, and is a sign of a woman's maturity.

3. Endocrine effect

This role has been neglected by everyone. Latest research has found that in addition to providing 50%-70% of the blood supply to the uterus and ovaries on both sides to maintain ovarian function, the uterus also secretes a large amount of hormones such as prostaglandin, lactogen, glargine insulin, relaxin, epidermal cell growth factor, endothelin, cytokines and enzymes, which participate in women's endocrine function and play an irreplaceable role.

4. Immune function

As one of the stages of the immune system, the uterus plays a certain role in maintaining the immune system.

Common uterine diseases

1. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are mainly caused by the proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells, so they are also called uterine leiomyoma. Uterine fibroids are a type of growth hormone-dependent tumor. Most patients have no obvious symptoms and are only occasionally discovered during pelvic examination or color Doppler ultrasound examination. Patients with significant symptoms, including abnormal uterine bleeding, abdominal mass, compression symptoms, pain, etc.

2. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis refers to a diffuse or localized disease in which there are uterine wall glandular ducts and interstitial space in the myometrium, which, under the influence of growth hormone, cause bleeding and hyperplasia of muscle tissue and connective tissue. The cause of adenomyosis is unclear. It is a growth hormone-dependent disease. Multiple pregnancies, childbirth, abortion, cesarean section, chronic endometritis, etc., which lead to damage to the dermis of the uterine wall, are all risk sources of adenomyosis!

3. Endometritis

Endometritis is an inflammation of the uterine wall and is divided into two types: subacute endometritis and chronic endometritis. When the inflammation develops to a serious stage, it can affect the uterine muscle layer and cause uterine myocarditis. In recent years, the prevalence of endometritis has been getting higher and higher, which not only affects physical and mental health, but may also cause other diseases, and in severe cases even lead to infertility.

4. Uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse refers to the uterus descending from its normal position along the vagina, with the external cervical opening reaching below the level of the sciatic spine, or even the entire uterus slipping out of the vulva, often accompanied by protrusion of the anterior and (or) posterior wall of the vagina. Uterine prolapse is related to the relaxation of the ligaments supporting the uterus and the weakening of the pelvic support frame, and is common in women who have given birth to multiple children, are malnourished, and do heavy physical work. Maternal delivery injuries, malnutrition, increased abdominal pressure, and recession are all important factors that lead to uterine prolapse.

5. Uterine polyps

Theoretically speaking, uterine polyps refer to all tumors that are attached to the endometrium by long and thin pedicles, including uterine intrauterine polyps, adenomyomatous cysts of the uterine wall, malignant cysts, etc. Uterine polyps are usually benign and may have no obvious clinical manifestations. Symptoms include increased menstrual periods, abnormal leucorrhea, vaginal bleeding, enlarged uterus, and pain.

6. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease caused by the implantation of specific endometrial cells outside the uterine wall. The specific symptoms are irregular menstruation, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. It is more common in women of childbearing age, and postmenopausal disorders may gradually shrink and decline.