ANATOMY NOTES

DISEASES / DISORDERS OF THE KIDNEY

 CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Also known as chronic renal disease or CKD, is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of the kidney function over
time. Also known as chronic renal disease or CKD, is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of the kidney
function over time.
SYMPTOMS
a. feel more tired and have less energy
b. have trouble concentrating
c. have a poor appetite
d. have trouble sleeping
e. have muscle cramping at night
f. have swollen feet and ankles
g. have puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning
h. have dry, itchy skin

 GLOMERULONEPHRITIS
is a group of disease that injure the part of the kidney that filters blood called glomeruli. Other terms you may hear
ued are nephritis and nephrotic syndrome. When the kidney is injured, it cannot get rid of wastes and extra fluid in
the body.
SYMPTOMS
a. puffiness of your face in the morning
b. blood in your urine
c. urinating less than usual
d. blood or protein in the urine (hematuria, proteinuria)
e. high blood pressure
f. swelling of your ankles or face (ema)
g. frequent nighttime urination
h. very bubbly or foamy urine

 POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE

also called PKD. Causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys. These cysts are filled with fluid. If too many cysts
grow or they get too big, the kidneys can be damaged.
SYMPTOMS
a. back or side pain
b. an increase in the size of the abdomen
c. blood in the urine
d. frequent bladder or the kidney infections
e. high blood pressure
f. fluttering or pounding in the chest

Describe the Gallbladder its location, structure & functions

 Gallbladder
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that stores and releases bile. Bile is the fluid your liver produces that
helps digest fats in the food you eat. This thin-walled, pear-shaped sack is about 7 to 10 centimeters (2.7 to 3.9
inches) long and up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) across at its widest point. It can store approximately 30 to 50 cubic
centimeters (cc) Of bile.
STRUCTURE
a. The fundus—the large rounded base which stores the bile juices, the fundus comprises the distal (far end)
portion of the gallbladder, which is angled, causing it to face the abdominal wall
b. The body—the part of the gallbladder that begins to taper into the neck.
c. The neck—the area where the gallbladder continues to taper, becoming narrow as it joins the cystic duct
(which leads into the biliary tract). The neck of the gallbladder has a folded area of tissues called “Hartmann
Pouch.” This is an area—located at the junction of the neck of the gallbladder and the cystic duct—where
gallstones commonly become stuck, causing a decrease in bile flow (cholestasis).
Where is the gallbladder located?
Your gallbladder is located in the right underneath the liver and upper right part of your abdomen (belly).

 Gallbladder Functions
a. To store and concentrate bile
b. To respond to intestinal hormones (such as cholecystokinin) to empty and refill its bile stores
c. To contribute to regulating the composition of bile (the percentage of water, bile salts and more)
d. To control the flow of bile into the small intestine
e. To contract, secreting bile into the biliary tract and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine)

5 Main Parts of the Skeletal System

1.Long Bones - Cylinder-like shape; get their name because they are longer than they are wide
- function to support the weight of the body and facilitate movement
- are found in the limbs (arms and legs) and clavicle also known as the collarbone

2. Short Bones - one that is cube-like in shape, being approximately equal in length, width, and thickness
- provide stability and support as well as some limited motion
-the only short bones in the human skeleton are in the carpals of the wrists and the tarsals of the ankles

3. Flat Bones - somewhat of a misnomer because, although a flat bone is typically thin, it is also often curved
-serve as points of attachment for muscles and often protect internal organs
-include the cranial (skull) bones, the scapulae (shoulder blades), the sternum (breastbone), and the ribs
4. Irregular Bones - one that does not have any easily characterized shape and therefore does not fit any other
classification
- tend to have more complex shapes, like the vertebrae that support the spinal cord and protect it from
compressive forces
- many facial bones, particularly the ones containing sinuses, are classified as irregular bones

5. Sesamoid Bones - small, round bone that, as the name suggests, is shaped like a sesame seed
-form in tendons (the sheaths of tissue that connect bones to muscles) where a great deal of pressure is
generated in a joint
- vary in number and placement from person to person but are typically found in tendons associated with the
feet, hands, and knees
-protect tendons by helping them overcome compressive forces
-The patellae (singular = patella) are the only sesamoid bones found in common with every person

FUNTION OF THE SKELETON

The skeleton performs many functions in the body.
 Shape – The skeleton gives us our shape and determines our size.
 Support – The skeleton support muscles and organs.
 Protection – The skeleton protects delicate parts of the body like the brain and lungs.
 Movement – The skeleton allows us to move. Muscles are attached to the bones and move them as levers.
 Blood cell production – blood cells are made in the bone marrow.
The skeleton can:
a. Grow in size
b. Repair its own broken parts
c. Lubricate its own joints
d. Support internal organs

 BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION

a. Red and White blood cell and platelets are made in the bones.
b. The ends of long bones and some other bones including the ribs, humerus,
femur and even vertebrate bones, contain red bone marrow.
c. This is where the blood cells are produced.
d. The shaft of long bones is filled with yellow bone marrow which does not produce blood cells.

 STORAGE- MINERAL STORAGE

a. Bones are a site for storage and the release of minerals. Food that contains more calcium and phosphorus
than the body are stored in the bones in the form of Collagen.
b. COLLAGEN – a strong, flexible material produced by bone cells. Forms the main part of connective tissue
such as tendons and ligaments. It stores and releases minerals and fat.
 c. The mineral component of bone, in addition to providing hardness to bone, provides a mineral reservoir that
can be tapped as needed. Additionally, the yellow marrow, which is found in the central cavity of long bones
along with red marrow, serves as a storage site for fat.

 ENDOCRINE REGULATION
The endocrine system, made up of all the body's different hormones,
regulates all biological processes in the body from conception through
adulthood and into old age, including the development of the brain and
nervous system, the growth and function of the reproductive system, as
well as the metabolism and blood sugar levels. The female ovaries, male
testes, and pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands are major constituents of
the endocrine system.
The primary endocrine glands are the pituitary (the master gland), pineal,
thyroid, parathyroid, islets of Langerhans, adrenals, ovaries in the female and testes in the male. The function of the
endocrine system is the production and regulation of chemical substances called hormones.

Hormones - A hormone is a chemical transmitter. It is released in small amounts from glands, and is transported in
the bloodstream to target organs or other cells. Hormones are chemical messengers, transferring information and
instructions from one set of cells to another. Hormones regulate growth, development, mood, tissue function,
metabolism, and sexual function. Hyposecretion or hypersecretion of any hormone can be harmful to the body.
Controlling the production of hormones can treat many hormonal disorders in the body.

a. Hypothalamus - The hypothalamus links our

endocrine and nervous systems together. The
hypothalamus drives the endocrine system.
b. Pituitary gland - The pituitary gland receives
signals from the hypothalamus. This gland has two
lobes, the posterior and anterior lobes. The
posterior lobe secretes hormones that are made
by the hypothalamus. The anterior lobe produces
its own hormones, several of which act on other
endocrine glands.
c. Thyroid gland - The thyroid gland is critical to the
healthy development and maturation of
vertebrates and regulates metabolism.
d. Adrenal glands - The adrenal gland is made up of two glands: the cortex and medulla. These glands produce
hormones in response to stress and regulate blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and the body's salt and
water balance.
e. Pancreas - The pancreas is responsible for producing glucagon and insulin. Both hormones help regulate the
concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
f. Gonads - The male reproductive gonads, or testes, and female reproductive gonads, or ovaries, produce
steroids that affect growth and development and also regulate reproductive cycles and behaviors. The major
categories of gonadal steroids are androgens, estrogens, and progestins, all of which are found in both males
and females but at different levels.
Support – the skeleton keeps the body upright and provides a framework for muscle and tissue attachment.
Movement – the skeleton allows movement of the body as a whole and its individual parts. The bones act as levers
and also form joints that allow muscles to pull on them and produce joint movements.
Protection – the bones of the skeleton protect the internal organs and reduce the risk of injury on impact. For
example, the cranium protects the brain, the ribs offer protection to the heart and lungs, the vertebrae protect the
spinal cord and the pelvis offers protection to the sensitive reproductive organs.

DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF PANCREAS

PANCREATIC CANCER - These include: Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas: This happens when digestive
enzymes start digesting the pancreas itself. Pancreatic cancer. Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder in which thick, sticky
mucus can also block tubes in your pancreas. There are several types of pancreatitis with a variety of causes. The
three main types are acute, chronic, and hereditary.

AUTOIMMUNE PANCREATITIS - Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a chronic inflammation that is thought to be caused
by the body’s immune system attacking the pancreas and that responds to steroid therapy.

ACUTE PANCREATITIS - Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly. Inflammation of the pancreas causes severe pain in
the upper abdomen, which can last a few days.

CHRONIC PANCREATITIS - Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve—it gets
worse over time and leads to permanent damage. Chronic pancreatitis eventually impairs a patient’s ability to digest
food and make pancreatic hormones. The disease is more common in men and usually develops in persons between
30 and 40 years of age. Initially, chronic pancreatitis may be confused with acute pancreatitis because the symptoms
are similar.

HEREDITARY PANCREATITIS - Hereditary pancreatitis is a genetic condition that’s characterized by recurrent episodes
of inflammation of the pancreas that often progresses to chronic pancreatitis in early adulthood. Unlike most other
forms of pancreatitis, patients with hereditary pancreatitis usually start to experience symptoms of acute pancreatitis
in childhood.

FAMILIAL PANCREATITIS - is used to describe families with a higher incidence of pancreatitis than expected by
chance. A diagnosis of familial pancreatitis requires at least two or more first- or second-degree family members with
idiopathic pancreatitis not attributed to obstructive or environmental causes.

EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY - is a condition in which your small intestine can't digest food completely
because of problems with digestive enzymes from your pancreas. EPI often develops slowly, over many years. The
pancreas is a large gland behind your stomach.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic (inherited) disease that causes sticky, thick mucus to build up in
organs, including the lungs and the pancreas. In people who have CF, thick mucus clogs the airways and makes it
difficult to breathe.

DIABETES - Diabetes is a disease of metabolism, which is the way your body uses food for energy and growth. It is
specifically related to the body’s inability to use glucose. Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s levels of blood
sugar and the hormone insulin are out of balance. Insulin is essential for regulating blood glucose levels. Problems
with the pancreas and insulin can lead to diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough
or any insulin. Conversely, type 2 diabetes develops when the body cannot use insulin correctly.

PEDIATRIC PANCREATITIS - Pediatric pancreatitis is a condition that causes the pancreas to become inflamed in
children. There are two types of pediatric pancreatitis, acute and chronic. Once considered an uncommon disease in
children, the incidence of pediatric acute pancreatitis has increased over the last 10 to 20 years and currently affects
approximately 1 in 10,000 children.

SKELETAL SYSTEM
-The skeletal system is your body’s central framework. It consists of bones and connective tissue, including cartilage,
tendons, and ligaments. It’s also called the musculoskeletal system.
FUNCTION - What does the skeletal system do?
- The skeletal system has many functions. Besides giving us our human shape and features.
- Allows movement: Your skeleton supports your body weight to help you stand and move. Joints, connective tissue
and muscles work together to make your body parts mobile.
- Produces blood cells: Bones contain bone marrow. Red and white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.
- Protects and supports organs: Your skull shields your brain, your ribs protect your heart and lungs, and your
backbone protects your spine.
- Stores minerals: Bones hold your body’s supply of minerals like calcium and vitamin D.

What are the parts of the skeletal system?

Periosteum: The periosteum is a tough membrane that covers and protects the outside of the bone.
Compact bone: Below the periosteum, compact bone is white, hard, and smooth. It provides structural support and
protection.
Spongy bone: The core, inner layer of the bone is softer than compact bone. It has small holes called pores to store
marrow.

The other components of your skeletal system include:

Cartilage: This smooth and flexible substance covers the tips of your bones where they meet. It enables bones to
move without friction (rubbing against each other). When cartilage wears away, as in arthritis, it can be painful and
cause movement problems.
Joints: A joint is where two or more bones in the body come together. There are three different joint types. The types
of joints are:
Immovable joints: Immovable joints don’t let the bones move at all, like the joints between your skull bones.
Partly movable joints: These joints allow limited movement. The joints in your rib cage are partly movable joints.
Movable joints: Movable joints allow a wide range of motion. Your elbow, shoulder, and knee are movable joints.
Ligaments: Bands of strong connective tissue called ligaments hold bones together.
Tendons: Tendons are bands of tissue that connect the ends of a muscle to your bone.

How many bones at birth & how many bones by adulthood?

A baby’s body has about 300 bones at birth. These eventually fuse (grow together) to form the 206 bones that adults
have. Some of a baby’s bones are made entirely of a special material called cartilage (say: KAR-tel-ij). Other bones in
a baby are partly made of cartilage.

WHY THERE IS A decrease BONE IN ADULTHOOD?

Low levels of physical activity and prolonged periods of inactivity can contribute to an increased rate of bone loss.
They also leave you in poor physical condition, which can increase your risk of falling and breaking a bone. Chronic
heavy drinking of alcohol is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.

 Divisions of human skeleton

axial skeleton is made up of the bones in your head, neck, back and chest. Your appendicular skeleton is made up of
everything else — the bones that attach (append) to your axial skeleton. Your appendicular skeleton includes the
bones in your shoulders, pelvis and limbs, including your arms, hands, legs and feet.

The bones of the appendicular skeleton make up the rest of the skeleton, and are so called because they are
appendages of the axial skeleton. The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the shoulder girdle, the upper
limbs, the pelvic girdle, and the lower limbs.
PANCREAS - is an organ and a gland. It is an organ in the back of our abdomen (belly).
-It plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body's cells.

The pancreas is located behind the stomach in the upper left abdomen. It is surrounded by other organs including
the small intestine, liver, and spleen. It is spongy, about six to ten inches long, and is shaped like a flat pear or a fish
extended horizontally across the abdomen.

The pancreas performs two main functions:

 Exocrine function: Produces substances (enzymes) that help with digestion.
The exocrine pancreas is responsible for secretion of digestive enzymes, ions and water into the duodenum of the
gastrointestinal tract. The digestive enzymes are essential for processing foodstuffs in meals to molecular
constituents that can be absorbed across the gastrointestinal surface epithelium.

Endocrine function: Sends out hormones that control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream.
The endocrine glands in your pancreas release hormones that control blood sugar (glucose).
These hormones are:
Insulin: Reduces Blood sugar levels.
Glucagon: Increases blood sugar levels.

Diseases/Disorder of the skeletal system

 Rickets
-is a condition that affects bone development in children ages 6 to 24 months It causes bone pain, poor growth and
soft, weak bones that can lead to bone deformities.
-A lack of vitamin D or calcium is the most common cause of rickets.
-For most children, rickets can be successfully treated by ensuring they eat foods that contain calcium and vitamin D,
or by taking vitamin supplements.
Symptoms: Skeletal deformities such as:
*Delayed growth *Bowed legs or knock knees
*Delayed motor skills *Thickened wrists and ankles
*Pain in the spine, pelvis and legs *Breastbone projection
*Muscle weakness

 Osteomalacia - Osteomalacia means "soft bones." Osteomalacia is a disease that weakens bones and can
cause them to break more easily. It is a disorder of decreased mineralization, which results in bone breaking
down faster than it can re-form. It is a condition that occurs in adults.
-Osteomalacia develops most commonly due to a vitamin D deficiency (often from not getting enough sunlight), or
less frequently, due to a digestive or kidney disorder.
-The most common symptoms of Osteomalacia are pain in the bones and hips, bone fractures, and muscle weakness.
Patients can also have difficulty walking.
-Osteomalacia means “soft bones.” The condition keeps your bones froms mineralizing, or hardening, as they should.
That makes them weak and more likely to bend and break.
-Only adults have it. Osteomalacia is more common in women and often happens during pregnancy.

 Paget’s disease - Paget’s disease of bone disrupts the normal cycle of bone renewal, causing bones to
become weakened and possibly deformed. It’s a fairly common condition in the UK, particularly in older
people. It’s rare in people under 50 years of age.
Symptoms of Paget's disease of bone
-Paget's disease of bone can affect 1 bone or several bones. Commonly affected areas include the pelvis, spine and
skull.
Symptoms can include:
• bone or joint pain
• skin feeling warm over the affected bone
• changes in bone shape
• a shooting pain that travels along or across the body, numbness and tingling (peripheral neuropathy), or
balance problems

Bone cells regenerate in a similar way to skin – old bone is removed and replaced by new bone. This is known as
bone remodeling.
2 cells are responsible for this:
osteoclasts – cells that absorb old bone
osteoblasts – cells that make new bone

Osteoporosis develops when more bone is broken down than replaced. The inside of a bone looks something like a
honeycomb. When someone has osteoporosis, the bone, which forms the “walls” of the honeycomb, get smaller,
and the spaces between the bone grow larger. The outer shell of the bone also gets thinner.

DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF GALLBLADDER

 CHOLELITHIASIS OR GALLSTONES - Cholelithiasis or gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that
can form in your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located just beneath the liver. The gallbladder
holds a digestive fluid known as bile that is released into your small intestine.
Symptoms of Gallstones:
- Steady, severe pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and may last from 30 minutes to several
hours
- Pain in the right shoulder
- Pain in the back between the shoulder blades
- Yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes , Abdominal bloating , Indigestion and fever

 CHOLECYSTITIS - Cholecystitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the gallbladder. It happens when
bile becomes trapped and builds up in the gallbladder. In most cases this happens when solid lumps
(gallstones) block the tube that drains bile from the gallbladder
SYMPTOMS OF CHOLECYSTITIS:
- Severe pain in your upper right or center abdomen
- Pain that spreads to your right shoulder or back
- Tenderness over your abdomen when it's touched
- Nausea, Vomiting , Fever

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHOLELITHIASIS AND CHOLECYSTITIS

CHOLECYSTITIS - Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder.
CHOLELITHIASIS - Cholelithiasis is the formation of gallstones.

 CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS - Choledocholithiasis is the presence of at least one gallstone in the common bile
duct. The stone may be made up of bile pigments or calcium and cholesterol salts.
SYMPTOMS:
-Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes
-Loss of Appetite and Vomiting
-Pain in the right upper or middle upper abdomen for at least 30 minutes. The pain may be constant and intense. It
can be mild or severe.
-Clay-colored stools

 ABSCESS OF GALLBLADDER - A pericholecystic abscess is an abscess that forms in response to an

inflammation of the gallbladder called acute cholecystitis. An abscess is a swollen, fluid-filled area within
body tissue. Pericholecystic fluid is one of the signs of cholecystitis.
-Pericholecystic abscess is considered a rare complication of cholecystitis. Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the
gallbladder that usually happens when the gallbladder's main duct, called the cystic duct, becomes blocked by a
gallstone or a mixture of bile, cholesterol, and salt crystals.
SYMPTOMS OF PERICHOLECYSTIC ABSCESS:
-Nausea, Vomiting, Fever
-Abdominal pain (located in the upper right region of the abdomen and frequently the most common symptom)
-Sudden intense or dull cramp-like pain in the abdomen (often seen when gallstones are the underlying cause of
cholecystitis/pericholecystic abscess)

Kidney
Location
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located below the rib cage, with one on each side of the spine. The
right kidney is generally slightly lower than the left kidney to make space for the liver.

Each kidney is approximately 3 centimeters (cm) thick, 6 cm wide, and 12 cm long. In males, the average weight of
the kidneys is roughly 129 grams (g) for the right one and 137 g for the left. In females, the average weight of these
organs is 108 g for the right kidney and 116 g for the left kidney.

STRUCTURE
Externally, the kidneys are surrounded by three layers. The outermost layer, the renal fascia, is a tough connective
tissue layer. The second layer, the perirenal fat capsule, helps anchor the kidneys in place. The third and innermost
layer is the renal capsule.
Internally, the kidney has three regions: an outer cortex, a medulla in the middle, and the renal pelvis in the region
called the hilum of the kidney. The hilum is the concave part of the bean-shape where blood vessels and nerves enter
and exit the kidney; it is also the point of exit for the ureters.

The cortex provides a space for arterioles and venules from the renal artery and vein,
as well as the glomerular capillaries, to perfuse the nephrons of the kidney.
The main function of the medulla is to regulate concentration of the urine.
The renal pelvis is a large cavity that collects the urine as it is produced.

FUNCTIONS
The main role of the kidneys is maintaining homeostasis. They manage fluid levels, electrolyte balance, and other
factors that keep the internal environment of the body consistent and comfortable.
These organs carry out a wide range of bodily functions.

Your kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from your body. Your kidneys also remove acid that is produced by the
cells of your body and maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals—such as sodium, calcium,
phosphorus, and potassium—in your blood.

Healthy kidneys respond to a hormone called aldosterone which is produced in the adrenal glands, to help the body
regulate blood pressure. Kidney damage and uncontrolled high blood pressure contribute to a negative spiral. As
more arteries become blocked and stop functioning, the kidneys eventually fail.

Removing toxins and waste product

The kidney excretes toxins through essentially 3 mechanisms: (1) filtration through the glomeruli; (2) passive
diffusion, typically from the distal tubules; and (3) active processes where the toxins are transported from the blood
as well as into the urine.
Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. The
urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through two thin tubes of muscle called ureters, one on each side of your
bladder. Your bladder stores urine.

Producing hormones Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone, naturally produced by the peritubular cells of the kidney, that
stimulates red blood cell production. Renal cortex peritubular cells produce most EPO in the human body. PO2
directly regulates EPO production. The lower the pO2, the greater the production of EPO.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN

 VAGINA - The vagina is a passageway that connects the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus, to the
outside of the body. It is also known as the birth canal.
The vagina is an elastic, muscular tube about 7.5–9 cm long. It is located in the pelvis between the bladder and
rectum. The vagina extends from the cervix to the vulva (the outer part of a woman’s genitals).

There are 3 layers in the wall of the vagina:

The inner layer is made up of squamous cells. It’s called the mucosa. It is also called the epithelium.
The middle layer is made up of muscle tissue. It’s called the muscularis.
The outer layer is made up of connective tissue. It’s called the adventitia.

FUNCTION
The vagina has 3 main functions:
- provides a passageway for blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus during a woman’s monthly period
- receives the penis during sexual intercourse and holds the sperm until they pass into the uterus
- provides a passageway for childbirth

 CERVIX- Your cervix is a muscular, tunnel-like organ. It’s the lower part of your
uterus, and it connects your uterus and vagina. Sometimes called the “neck of the
uterus,” your cervix plays an important role in allowing fluids to pass between your
uterus and vagina. It enables a baby to leave your uterus so that it can travel
through your vagina (birth canal) during childbirth. The cervix is also a common site
for cell changes that may indicate cancer.
-Your cervix is a passage that allows fluids to flow inside and out of your uterus. It’s also a
powerful gatekeeper that can open and close in ways that make pregnancy and childbirth
possible.

Your cervix plays important roles in the following:

Menstruation: The period blood you shed each month as part of your menstrual cycle has to pass from your uterus
and through your cervix before exiting your vagina.
Pregnancy: During penis-in-vagina sex, or intercourse, your partner may ejaculate (release) sperm into your vagina.
The sperm has to travel through your cervix to reach your uterus and fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg.
Fertility: Your cervical mucus plays a role in how easily you can become pregnant. Around ovulation (when your body
releases an egg), your cervix secretes mucus that’s thinner and less acidic than usual, making it easy for sperm to
pass through to your uterus. As a result, sperm can reach your egg and fertilize it more easily.
Vaginal delivery: Your cervix controls when a baby exits your uterus during childbirth. During pregnancy, your cervix
secretes a mucus plug that seals entry to your uterus. Once it’s time for the baby to be born, the mucus plug
dissolves, and your cervix becomes softer and thinner. Your cervix widens (dilates) so that the baby can exit your
uterus. Your provider can estimate how long it will take for your baby to be born based on how much your cervix has
dilated.
Protecting your uterus: Your cervix prevents objects inserted into your vagina, such as
tampons or diaphragms, from slipping inside your uterus

 UTERUS - Your uterus is a pear-shaped organ in the reproductive system of people

assigned female at birth (AFAB). It’s where a fertilized egg implants during pregnancy
and where your baby develops until birth. It’s
also responsible for your menstrual cycle.
The uterus has 3 layers:
Endometrium. This is the inner lining. It's shed during a menstrual period.
Myometrium. This is the thick middle muscle layer of the corpus or fundus. It
expands during pregnancy to hold the growing baby. It contracts during labor
to push the baby out.
Perimetrium. This is the smooth outer layer. It covers the uterus and makes it
easy for the uterus to slide and move within the pelvis as needed.

Your uterus plays a key role in your reproductive health and function. The three main jobs of your uterus are:
• Pregnancy: Your uterus stretches to grow your baby during pregnancy. It can also contract to help push your
baby out of your vagina.
• Fertility: Your uterus is where a fertilized egg implants during conception and where your baby grows.
• Menstrual cycle: Your uterine lining is where blood and tissue come from during menstruation.