What are the Structures that support the Uterus?

The uterus and vagina are kept in position in the pelvis by several supporting ligaments and muscles, which act as ropes on either side of the uterus. The transverse cervical ligaments on either side and uterosacral ligaments at the back, form the chief supports of the uterus. All of these ligaments act like spokes of a bicycle wheel. Every one of them is weak by itself but together they form a strong mechanism. The levator ani is a large sheet of thick strong muscle, which spreads to form the floor of the pelvis, in the middle of which three important structures pass through. They are rectum, urethra and uterine cervix. The firm attachments of levator ani to pelvic bones and its muscular tone support the three canals. All three groups of muscles are important in controlling the mechanism of urinary continence (control) and defaecation (passing motion) during pregnancy.

Ovulation

This is the process by which the mature oocyte is released from the primordial follicle. Ovulation is stimulated by hormones produced from the anterior pituitary gland. These hormones cause the mature follicle to swell up rapidly. Eventually the wall ruptures, permitting the oocyte to be released from the surface of the ovary.

After ovulation, the oocyte is usually propelled towards the opening of a nearby fallopian tube. If the oocyte is not fertilized