Myometrium

Encyclopedia : M : MY : MYO : Myometrium

The myometrium is the middle layer of the uterine wall consisting of smooth muscle cells and supporting stromal and vascular tissue. The inner layer of the uterine wall is the endometrium or uterine lining, and the outer layer the serosa or peritoneum. The myometrium stretches (the smooth muscle cells expand in size, rather than number) during pregnancy to allow for the harboring of the pregnancy, and contracts in a coordinated fashion during the process of labor. After delivery the myometrium contracts to expel the placenta and reduce blood loss. Lack of contraction at this stage is termed uterine atony. After pregnancy the uterus returns to its nonpregnant size by a process of myometrial involution.

Neoplasms of the myometrium are very common, termed uterine leiomyomata or fibroids. Their malignant version, leiomyosarcoma, is rare.

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