What is the position and orientation of the uterus in the pelvis?

The uterus is located obliquely in the lesser pelvis, between the bladder and rectum. In its normal state, it lies in anteversion (cervix bent forward at ~90° to the vagina) and anteflexion (body bent forward on the cervix at ~170°).

What are the main parts and layers of the uterus?

The uterus is divided into the body (upper 2/3rd, including fundus and cornua), cervix (lower 1/3rd, with supravaginal and vaginal parts), and isthmus (narrow junction between body and cervix). Its wall consists of three layers: perimetrium (outer serosal), myometrium (middle muscular), and endometrium (inner mucosal).

What ligaments support the uterus?

The uterus is supported by true ligaments (e.g., round, transverse cervical, pubocervical, uterosacral) and false ligaments (peritoneal folds like the broad ligament, which includes mesometrium, mesosalpinx, mesovarium, and suspensory ligament of ovary).

How is the uterus supplied with blood and nerves?

Blood supply comes from the uterine artery (from internal iliac) and ovarian arteries. Nerve supply includes sympathetic (T12–L2, for contraction and vasoconstriction) and parasympathetic (S2–S4, for relaxation and vasodilation). Pain sensation is carried from the body via T12–L2 and from the cervix via S2–S4.

What are some common clinical conditions related to the uterus?

Common conditions include cervical carcinoma (often in women aged 45–55, spreading via lymphatics), fibroids (benign tumors that can cause bleeding or uterine enlargement), and Caesarean section (delivery via abdominal and uterine incision).

What are the primary and secondary supports of the uterus?

Primary supports include the pelvic diaphragm, perineal body, urogenital diaphragm, bladder, vagina, uterine axis, and fibromuscular ligaments. Secondary supports consist of the broad ligament and peritoneal folds.

Uterus – Anatomy, Ligaments, Support & Prolapse