Uterus

The uterus is a major part of the female reproductive system. If it was not for the uterus, reproduction would not be possible. The uterus is connected to the fallopian tubes in order to let the egg grow inside of it. The eggs are transfered into the fallopian tubes after being fertilized by the sperm. Once the sperm and egg meet, the eggs will go through the fallopian tubes to grow and eventually will move to the uterus for further growth. The uterus is where the baby is growing during pregnancy. The baby will be inside of the uterus for around forty weeks(if there are no complications)or until the baby is born. The uterus is a small organ but when pregnant, it can grow up the size of the baby or bigger. Once the baby is born, the uterus will go down in size because there is not a baby inside of it. The uterus is the most important part of pregnancy. If it was not for the uterus, the baby would have no place to grow and get the nutrients it needs. It has many uses such as passing the baby food and oxygen through to keep the baby healthy.Although it is a major organ in the female body, women do not need it and can live without it. It does not affect the body if a female do not have it. It will not grow back, and the only thing that it cannot do, is give a female a menstrual cycle, or be able to have a baby.

Structure
The uterus is located in the center of the pelvis and is supported by surrounding ligaments. When a woman is not pregnant, the uterus is about the size of a pear. The cervix is the connection between the neck of the uterus and the vagina. It is located at the top of the vagina. It is a firm, smooth surface with a rounded central opening. There are two ovaries which are located on both sides of the pelvis. They are both white and have a grape sized shape to them. Next to the ovaries are two tubes known as the fallopian tubes. These tubes connect to the uterus and allow the sperm to meet up with the eggs. 

Functions
The main funtion of the uterus is reproduction. It is used in the transportation of the sperm, implantation of the ova, placentation, growth of the fetus, and partuition(labor). http://lucy.stanford.edu/uterus3.html. The uterine muscle cells expand during pregnancy. The expansion of the muscle walls cause contractions which are experienced in child birth and menstruation. The cervix is the neck of the uterus and dilates(opens) during labor. During menstruation, the cervix allows the menstrual blood to flow out of the body. The cervix also allows the sperm to go through towards the uterus during sexual intercourse. The fallopian tubes are tubes on the sides of the uterus that contain the eggs and the hormones, estrogen and progesterone which control the menstrual cycle. In a regular menstrual cycle, one egg is released from either one of the fallopian tubes causing ovulation(process of releasing a mature egg). The egg will enter the fallopian tube that is attached to the uterus where the sperm will meet the egg and concieve a baby. For around forty years, approximately between the ages of 12-52,a woman will have a menstrual cycle. The average length of a menstrual cycle is twenty-eight days. The menstrual cycle is usually accompanied by: cramps caused by uterine contractions, mood changes, bloating, and breast tenderness.

Uses
The uses of the uterus are for the sperm and egg to meet in the fallopian tube which will later grow a baby in the uterus. The uterus is where the baby is placed for nine months until it is ready to be born. It is where the baby receives all of the nutrients and oxygen it needs to be able to grow and become a healthy baby.

Disorders/Infections
There are many disorders caused by the uterus during the menstrual cycle. These disorders include; heavy bleeding, intense cramping, irregular bleeding and premenstrual syndrome. Fibroids and endometriosis are two other common disorders that cause menstrual problems. Fibroids grow on the wall of the uterus and are the reason for heavy bleeding. Endometriosis are formed when a woman sheds a part of her uterus lining through the fallopian tubes and into the menstruation. After some of the lining is shed, it can grow back on the ligaments behind the uterus on the walls of the pelvis or ovaries. These patches can cause intense pain before and during the menstrual cycle. They also cause pain during sexual intercourse and can affect fertility. Endometriosis can be treated with medication or with a small surgery. The longer a woman goes on with endometriosis, the harder it is to treat it. If endometriosis cannot be treated with medication or the surgery,both the ovaries and the uterus must be removed. In severe cases of endometriosis the patches can cause adhesions(scar tissue)in the pelvis that can be very painful. This disorder can cause the uterus and ovaries to stick to organs around them, such as the bowel and the bladder. Adenomyosis is another disorder in the uterus. It causes heavy bleeding and painful periods that can cause the uterus to become bulky. This disorder can be medically treated with medication or by a hysterectomy. Uterine prolapse is caused either by weakening muscles that can no longer hold their support, or child-bearing. It is usually at the top of the vagina but moves down as far as the vaginal opening. It is likely to happen after menopause rather than before and can be followed by prolapse of the vaginal walls. When experienced, it often feels like a dragging sensation. Some women can go on with it with very little pain while others are more sensitive. If it is rubbed on a substance such as clothing, it can result in discharge and bleeding. This disorder can be repaired by having a pelvic floor surgery or a hysterectomy. Another common disorder is ovarian cysts. These cysts are filled with fluid within the ovary. Small cysts can measure up to three-five centimeters. Smaller cysts can be removed, but they usually go away on their own. Larger cysts are harder to get rid of and can be taken out with surgery. 

Fertility
The uterus has a very important role in the body for fertility. The uterus is where the fetus(baby) is kept for a time period of nine months in order to grow to the right size. The baby is formed in the uterus after the sperm has entered the vagina and goes through the fallopian tubes and then ends up in the uterus. The uterus can stretch to larger size in order to let the baby grow to the size it needs to. The uterus keeps the baby safe and does things such as: give the baby nutrients, keeps the baby warm, feeds the baby, and protects it. When the baby is developed, the uterus forms a amniotic sac where the baby is kept in. Around the walls of the uterus is an organ known as the placenta. The placenta keeps the baby's blood supply separate from the mothers. It is attached to the baby from the umbilical cord. Oxygen and food are passed through the blood stream, into the placenta, and will be transferred to the baby through the umbilical cord. After the baby is given the food and oxygen, the extra nutrients will go back through umbilical cord, pass through the placenta and into the blood stream to dispose them. The placenta can also keep the baby safe from infections. It can fight bacteria to keep the baby safe. The only thing it cannot fight against is viruses. The baby is able to get viruses which might cause birth defects or death. After the baby is born, the placenta will start to detach from the uterus walls and the mother will have to push it out so it does not become infected.