Internal Anatomy of the Uterus We can divide the uterus into two anatomical regions: the body and

the cervix. The uterine body , or corpus , is the largest region of the uterus. The fundus is the rounded portion of the body superior to the attachment of the uterine tubes. The body ends at a constriction known as the uterine isthmus . The cervix is the inferior portion of the uterus that extends from the isthmus to the vagina. The tubular cervix projects about 1.25 cm (0.5 in.) into the vagina. Within the vagina, the distal end of the cervix forms a curving surface that surrounds the cervical os ( os , an opening or mouth), or external orifice of the uterus. The cervical os leads into the cervical canal , a constricted passageway that opens into the uterine cavity of the body at the internal os , or internal orifice . The arteries to the uterus are extensively interconnected. This arrangement helps ensure a reliable flow of blood to the organ despite changes in its position and the changes in uterine shape that accompany pregnancy. Numerous veins and lymphatic vessels also supply each portion of the uterus. The Uterine Wall The wall has a thick, outer, muscular myometrium and a thin, inner, glandular endometrium, or mucosa . The endometrium contributes about 10 percent to the mass of the uterus. The glandular and vascular tissues of the endometrium support the physiological demands of the growing fetus. Vast numbers of uterine glands open onto the endometrial surface and extend deep into the lamina propria, almost to the myometrium. Under the influence of estrogen, the uterine glands, blood vessels, and epithelium change with the phases of the monthlyuterine cycle . The myometrium, the thickest portion of the uterine wall, forms almost 90 percent of the mass of the uterus. Smooth muscle in the myometrium is arranged into longitudinal, circular, and oblique layers. The smooth muscle tissue of the myometrium provides much of the force needed to move a large fetus out of the uterus and into the vagina.