The Uterus
Our collection of illustrations of the uterus includes detailed anatomical illustrations with themes such as pathology, contraception, reproduction and antenatal.
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The Uterus
Function and Anatomy
The uterus, or womb, is primarily responsible for the development of the embryo 
and fetus during pregnancy. Normally, the uterus is the shape and size of a pear but can expand to accommodate a baby during pregnancy. There are three tissue layers – the inner layer or endometrium, the middle layer or myometrium and outer layer, or perimetrium. The endometrium responds to cyclic ovarian hormone changes, and to pregnancy, and as such is essential to menstrual and reproductive function. On either side of the uterus are the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries, which produce eggs, to the uterus.
The uterus is divided into 3 main parts: the fundus, body and cervix. The body lies above the cervix, and the fundus is the domed region above the body. The fallopian tubes extend from either side of the fundus. If during the menstrual cycle, a fertilized egg does not implant in the walls of the uterus, the blood vessels within the endometrium atrophy and the uterine lining is shed.
Contraception
An intrauterine device, or IUD, can be used to prevent pregnancy. An IU
D is a small T-shaped plastic or copper device that is placed inside the uterus and stops sperm and eggs from surviving in the uterus or fallopian tubes and prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the womb. Depending on the type of material used, IUDs can be more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. IUDs are long-lasting contraceptive options and lasts at least 5 years, up to 10 years, and can be removed at any time to restore normal fertility levels.
Please see our entire selection of
The Uterus