Q.Given below are few statements with reference to the uterus in the female reproductive system :
The question tests knowledge of uterine anatomy and function. Statements (i), (iii), and (iv) are correct; (ii) and (v) are false. The correct option is (D).
The uterus is a pear-shaped, hollow muscular organ in the female pelvis. Its structure and function are frequently tested in biology exams, especially the layers of the uterine wall and the birth canal. Let’s examine each statement carefully.
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Statement (i): "The myometrium exhibits strong contractions during the delivery of the baby."
The uterine wall has three layers: the inner endometrium, the middle myometrium, and the outer perimetrium. The myometrium is composed of smooth muscle fibres. During labour, these muscles contract rhythmically and powerfully to push the baby out through the birth canal. This statement is true.
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Statement (ii): "The uterus opens into the cervix through a narrow opening called vagina."
This statement gets the anatomical order wrong. The uterus opens into the cervix, not the other way around. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that projects into the vagina. The opening between the uterus and the cervix is called the internal os, and the cervix then opens into the vagina through the external os. The vagina is a separate canal, not a "narrow opening" connecting uterus to cervix. This statement is false.
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Statement (iii): "The cavity of the cervix and the vagina forms the birth canal."
During childbirth, the baby passes from the uterus through the cervix (which dilates) and then through the vagina. Together, the cervical canal and the vaginal canal constitute the birth canal. This statement is true.
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Statement (iv): "The outermost layer of uterus is a thin membranous perimetrium."
The perimetrium is indeed the outermost serous layer of the uterus. It is a thin membrane derived from the peritoneum. This statement is true.
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Statement (v): "The uterus is supported by tendons attached to the pelvic wall."
The uterus is supported by ligaments (e.g., broad ligament, round ligament, uterosacral ligament), not by tendons. Tendons attach muscle to bone; ligaments attach bone to bone or support organs. This is a common confusion. This statement is false.
A frequent mistake is confusing ligaments with tendons. The uterus is held in place by several ligaments (broad, round, uterosacral, cardinal), not by tendons. Also, note that the cervix is part of the uterus, not a separate structure that the uterus "opens into."
Now, let’s list the true statements: (i), (iii), and (iv).
Check the options:
- (A) (i), (ii), (iv) — includes false (ii)
- (B) (ii), (iii), (v) — includes false (ii) and (v)
- (C) (ii), (iv), (v) — includes false (ii) and (v)
- (D) (i), (iii), (iv) — matches exactly
The correct option is (D), as statements (i), (iii), and (iv) are true.
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