Gross Anatomy of Uterus

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

Female pelvis, midline of true pelvis, inferior to pelvic brim. Midway between sacral part of verterbral column and the pubic symphysis. Expansion due to pregnancy into false pelvis and abdomen.

Question 2

Size, Shape, Appearance

Answer 2

~7.5cm along longest axis. 5cm wide. Pear-like shape, hollow organ with internal lumen called uterine cavity. The round part is fundus and the fallopian tubes are attached nearby. The body tapers downward and extends to final part called the cervix. Separating them is the isthums which is 1cm long. The cervix has a lumen called cervical canal which opens into uterine cavity. at the internal os. Where the cervix opens into the vagina is known as the external os. Overall the uterus has a smooth superficial surface coz its covered by a folding of the peritoneum. Usual orientation is the line joining the fundus to cervix to run along the ant/post axis. Ligaments extending from the uterus to the surrounding anatomy serve to support the uterus and maintain its position. The largest of the ligaments is called the broad ligament. Uterosacral ligament extends either side of the rectum to the sacrum. Cardinal ligaments connect to the pelvic bones and the round ligaments connect fundus to vulva.

Question 3

Relations

Answer 3

Ant = small intestine
Post = rectum 
Superiolateral = fallopian tubes and ovaries
Inf = bladder
Posteriolateral = vagina
Lateral = pelvic bones

Question 4

Blood Supply and Drainage

Answer 4

Blood supply and drainage is complex. Blood it brought to uterus by branches of internal iliac arteries known as the uterine arteries, as well as branches from the ovarian arteries. Venous return is achieved by ovarian veins and convergence of uterine veins to internal iliacs.

Question 5

Lymphatic Drainage

Answer 5

Upper part of body and fundus to para-aortic nodes. Lower part to external iliac nodes. Around fallopian tubes to inguinal nodes. Drainage of cervix is complex - lateral = external iliacs, posteriolateral = internal iliacs, posterior = sacral nodes.