BiologyCoachOnlineBlog

The uterus (or womb) is a major female reproductive sex of most mammals. The uterus is located within the pelvic region just behind and above the bladder. The uterus is pear-shaped and is about 3.0 inches (7.6 cm) long. The uterus opens into the vagina on one end and is attached (via the fallopian tubes) to the ovaries on the other end. During pregnancy, the developing embryo (the blastocyst) is implanted (attached) to the inner wall (the endometrium) of the uterus. The fetus will develop here until birth.

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Experimental uterine transplants have been successful in animals such as mice, rats and sheep. In 2012, the world's first uterine transplant was performed on a Turkish woman who was born without a womb (but had her own ovaries). [She received the uterus from a cadaver.] Today she is in good condition and the womb is functional.