An age related study of morphology of human uterus

Abstract

Background and aims: The uterus is subjected to a wide range of normal variation in both its anatomy and physiology e.g. the changes of childhood to puberty and into the reproductive years, the variations of menstrual cycle, the changes consequent to pregnancy and parturition and finally regression associated with menopause and postmenopausal years. It is a very important organ of female reproductive system and is subjected to investigation for size, shape and position in cases of infertility. The study of normal morphological architecture is of prime importance to have the basic knowledge of the various pathological entities. Materials and methods : 30 samples each from reproductive and postmenopausal women were collected from fresh unembalmed human cadavers. Biometrical values of the two different groups were recorded and statistically analyzed for Mean. The ‘z’ test was employed to find out the significant difference between mean values of length, breadth, thickness and weight. Results: The Length, Breadth ,Thickness and weight of uterus in Reproductive age group and Post - menopausal age group differ significantly. The length, breadth, thickness and weight ranged from 6.2-9.0 cm, 4.9-6.1 cm, 2-3.5 cm, 35.4-73 gm respectively in reproductive age group. In the postmenopausal group the length, breadth, thickness and weight ranged from 3.8-6.5 cm, 1.8-5.0 cm, 1-2.3 cm, 18-40.0 gm respectively. Conclusion: A clear conception of the age related morphological changes of uterus is a prerequisite for the radiologists for pelvic imaging and for clinicians for diagnosis and management of various diseases like benign and malignant neoplasms and infertility.

Keywords

• female reproductive system
• infertility
• morphological architecture
• biometrical values
• postmenopausal