ABSTRACT
The main function of the uterus (womb) is to contain a developing pregnancy (Fig. 1). Its anatomy is, therefore, adapted to fulfil this function by comprising a cavity encased by involuntary muscle fibres. These are arranged in a herring-bone pattern allowing expansion and contraction. When contracting, the fibres act as living ligatures, constricting the blood vessels to the cavity. The uterus is covered by peritoneum and lined by a glandular epithelium, which allows implantation of a fertilised egg. Diagram of the female genital organs/tract. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-u.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780429159565/811ac85f-a2fd-419d-ad19-eb9397a09b87/content/fig83_1.tif"/>
