Anatomical Structure of the Female Uterus

Description

Centered in the lesser pelvis, the uterus (womb, hystera, metra) sits posterior to the pubic symphysis and anterior to the sacrum, its fundus projecting superiorly while the cervix tapers inferiorly toward the vaginal canal. Laterally, the uterine tubes course from the superolateral uterine horns toward the ovaries, which lie near the lateral pelvic wall and medial to the acetabula. Surrounding bony landmarks include the paired hip bones (ilium, ischium, pubis), the sacrum continuous with the lower lumbar vertebrae, and the proximal femora seated in the acetabular sockets. Soft tissues are color-coded, with reproductive organs highlighted against pale osseous structures. A pelvis-level view that preserves both the uterus and the pelvic ring helps anchor gynecologic anatomy to fixed surgical landmarks, which is where learners often lose orientation. Spatial relationships between the uterine body, cervix, adnexa, and the bony pelvis matter in hysterectomy planning and in understanding common sites of pain, such as adnexal torsion near the tubo-ovarian complex and ectopic pregnancy along the uterine tube. It also supports teaching uterine position and axis (anteversion and anteflexion) in relation to the sacrum and pubis, a frequent point of confusion when correlating pelvic exam findings with imaging. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and pelvic dissection labs, OB-GYN clerkship teaching files, and patient-facing materials explaining uterine and ovarian anatomy prior to procedures such as salpingectomy, oophorectomy, or hysterectomy. It also fits well in textbooks and slide decks that need a clean overview of female pelvic organs with clear bony context for orientation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.