Contributions to myometrium study in uterine-tubal junction

Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2009;50(4):675-81.

Abstract

Complex coordinated contractions of the tubal musculature are thought to be important for movement of the ovum from the distal end to the proximal end of the tube, while at the same time aiding in the movement of sperm from the proximal end to the distal end of the oviduct. Studies of the anatomy and the physiology of the uterine-tubal junction (UTJ), with a main concern for the muscular pattern and the secretory activity of this part of the tube, in relation with the hormonal and nervous control, can play an important role in understanding and impairment of infertility. Related to these aspects, the purpose of our research is mainly to identify the determining factors in maintaining a morphological and structural balance between contractile items and extracellular matrix items within uterine myometrium, particularly uterine-tubal junction. For this reason, the present study includes analyses of anatomical sections within uterus and uterine tubes extracted from patients during therapeutic surgeries. Thirty anatomical pieces from patients aged 23-37-year-old (uterus and tubes) were used to perform microanatomical sections, 10 pieces for each pathology identified, namely leiomyofibroma, leiomyofibroma with pregnancy, ectopic pregnancies. At the same time, the study proposes a statistic and mathematic analysis of the cases with uterine-tubal junction pathology in Oltenia region within a period of 10 years. The novelty of the study is represented by the identification of certain continuity ratios between myocyte fascicles and average tunica of arteries and arterioles, which explains the existence of "vascular units" determined by myometrial structures. Moreover, the stereo-distribution of "vascular myometrial units" explains the existence of a plexiform cavernous network, which enables many authors to describe numerous barely individualized myometrial tunicas. These units are rich in orthosympathetic vegetative innervations that might be responsible for the unfavorable evolution of circulatory myometrial system in postpartum. Considering all these observations, it is highly necessary to reconsider the structure of the uterine wall and, particularly of uterine-tubal junction.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Fallopian Tubes / anatomy & histology*
  • Fallopian Tubes / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / pathology
  • Leiomyoma / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Myometrium / anatomy & histology*
  • Myometrium / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / pathology
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / physiopathology
  • Romania
  • Uterine Contraction*
  • Young Adult