Uterine fornix
The fornix of the uterus (known in medical Latin as the “fornix uteri”) refers to the anterior (front) and posterior (back) recesses into which the upper vagina is divided. These vault like recesses are formed by protrusion of the cervix into the vagina. The fornix uteri is also known as the fornix vaginae (the vaginal fornix).
In anatomy, a vault like or arched structure. “Fornix” is the Latin word for “vault or arch.” A fornix may be anywhere in the body.
The fornix in the brain is a fibrous, arching band connecting the two lobes of the cerebrum.
The fornix conjunctivae refers to loose, arching folds connecting the conjunctival membrane lining the inside of the eyelid with the conjunctival membrane covering the eyeball.
(“Fornix” is closely related to “fornication.” It seems that prostitutes in ancient Rome used to hang out under the arches of certain public buildings. The act of carrying on an illicit sexual relationship consequently came to be called “going under the arches,” fornication.)
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The inner layer of the uterus (womb); the cells that line the womb; anatomically termed the endometrium. This tissue is normally shed monthly in response to the hormonal changes of the menstrual period.
- Uterine retroversion
A slight to dramatic placement of the uterus that orients it toward the back. A uterine retroversion is common and usually causes no difficulty. In severe cases, it can affect choice of birth control method and cause pain in the pelvic area, especially during intercourse. Also called a tipped uterus.
- Uterine rupture
A tear in the uterus. A uterine rupture is a very serious situation. Causes include trauma, labor with an unusually big baby, multiple gestation, and vaginal delivery after a prior C-section (in which the old C-section scar ruptures). Uterine rupture can lead to hysterectomy, urologic injury, the need for blood transfusion, and even the death […]
- Uterine tube
a pregnancy developing in the Fallopian tube or another abnormal location outside the uterus. These tubes bear the name of Gabriele Falloppio (also spelled Falloppia), a 16th-century (c. 1523-62) Italian physician and surgeon who was expert in anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. He was an early expert on syphilis and one of the great surgeons of […]
- Uteroglobin
A protein that is induced by progesterone and binds it and that inhibits the enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Uteroglobin was first found to be secreted by the lining of the uterus in rabbits. The gene for uteroglobin is on chromosome 11 in region 11q12.3-q13.1. It is also called blastokinin.