Notes of Uterus (Womb) Anatomy, Structure & Function and MCQ for NEET, GPAT and Nursing Exams
1. Introduction
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Uterus is a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ in the female pelvis.
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Also called the womb.
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Primary function: Nourishment and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
2. Location
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In female pelvis, between the urinary bladder (anteriorly) and the rectum (posteriorly).
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Normally tilted anteverted (bent forward over the bladder) and anteflexed (bent forward at the junction of body and cervix).
3. Parts of the Uterus
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Fundus | Dome-shaped top portion above the openings of the fallopian tubes. |
| Body | Main part, where implantation of embryo occurs. |
| Isthmus | Narrow region between body and cervix. |
| Cervix | Lower cylindrical part, projects into the vagina. Divided into: |
| – Internal os: Opening into uterine cavity. | |
| – External os: Opening into vagina. |
4. Walls/Layers of the Uterus
| Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Endometrium | Inner mucosal layer; undergoes cyclic changes (menstrual cycle); site of implantation. |
| Myometrium | Thick muscular middle layer; contracts during labor and menstruation. |
| Perimetrium | Outer serous layer (peritoneal covering). |
5. Functions of the Uterus
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Menstruation: Shedding of endometrium if no fertilization.
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Fertilization Site: Supports implantation and growth of the embryo.
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Labor: Strong myometrial contractions expel the fetus.
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Protection: Provides mechanical protection and immune environment for fetus.
6. Blood Supply
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Arterial:
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Mainly by the uterine artery (branch of internal iliac artery).
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Anastomoses with the ovarian and vaginal arteries.
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Venous drainage:
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Into internal iliac veins.
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7. Nerve Supply
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Sympathetic: T10–L1 (via hypogastric plexus).
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Parasympathetic: S2–S4 (pelvic splanchnic nerves).
8. Ligaments Supporting the Uterus
| Ligament | Function |
|---|---|
| Broad ligament | Double fold of peritoneum supporting uterus, tubes, ovaries. |
| Round ligament | Keeps uterus anteverted. |
| Uterosacral ligament | Supports cervix, attaches to sacrum. |
| Cardinal ligament (Mackenrodt’s) | Provides lateral support to cervix. |
9. Clinical Relevance
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Prolapse of uterus: Downward displacement due to weak ligaments.
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Fibroids: Benign smooth muscle tumors of myometrium.
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Endometriosis: Presence of endometrial tissue outside uterus.
Quick Diagram Idea (for mental image)
Fundus → 
Body → 
Isthmus → 
Cervix → (Internal os → Cervical canal → External os)
MCQs on Uterus Anatomy
1. The normal position of the uterus in the pelvis is:
A) Retroverted and retroflexed
B) Anteverted and anteflexed
C) Vertical and straight
D) Retroverted and anteflexed
➔ Answer: B) Anteverted and anteflexed
2. Which layer of the uterus is responsible for labor contractions?
A) Perimetrium
B) Myometrium
C) Endometrium
D) Basal lamina
➔ Answer: B) Myometrium
3. The endometrium is composed of:
A) Single layer of cuboidal cells
B) Smooth muscle tissue
C) Functional and basal layers
D) Ciliated pseudostratified epithelium
➔ Answer: C) Functional and basal layers
4. The uterine artery is a branch of which artery?
A) External iliac artery
B) Internal iliac artery
C) Ovarian artery
D) Renal artery
➔ Answer: B) Internal iliac artery
5. The fundus of the uterus is located:
A) Below the cervix
B) Between the bladder and rectum
C) Above the openings of the uterine tubes
D) Inside the cervix
➔ Answer: C) Above the openings of the uterine tubes