Special Surgical Procedures II
LESSON 2: Procedures in Gynecological and Obstetrical Surgery
Section I: ANATOMY OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
2-4
2-4. THE STRUCTURE OF THE UTERUS (FIGURE 2-3)
a. The Greek word for uterus is hystera. The uterus lies behind the bladder and in front of the rectum (see figure 2-3). The uterine body has three layers: (1) the outer peritoneal, or serous layer, which is a reflection of the pelvic peritoneum; (2) the myometrium, or muscular layer, which houses involuntary muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and lymphaticus; and (3) the endometrium, or mucosal layer, which lines the cavity of the uterus.
b. The cervix consists of a supravaginal and a vaginal portion. The supravaginal portion is closely associated with the bladder and the ureters. The vaginal portion of the cervix projects downward and backward into the top of the vaginal vault.
Figure 2-3. Pelvic region of female, median sagittal section.
