myometrium https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Illu_cervix.jpg uterine smooth muscle tunica muscularis (myometrium) AS uterine myometrium In all mammals, the uterus develops as a specialization of the paramesonephric or Müllerian ducts, which gives rise to the infundibula, oviducts, uterus, cervix, and anterior vagina. Morphogenetic events common to development of all uteri include: 1) differentiation and growth of the myometrium, 2) differentiation and morphogenesis of the endometrial glands, and 3) organization and stratification of endometrial stroma. Uterine development is initiated in the fetus, but is only completed postnatally with differentiation and development of the endometrial glands.[well established][VHOG] The smooth muscle coat of the uterus, which forms the main mass of the organ and surrounds and supports the endometrium. The muscular wall of the uterus. [TFD][VHOG] GAID:171 SCTID:279879004 CALOHA:TS-0652 MA:0000391 uberon EFO:0001970 myometrial NCIT:C12314 uterine myometrium BTO:0000907 The myometrium stretches (the smooth muscle cells expand in both size and 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. tunica muscularis FMA:17743 Wikipedia:Myometrium MESH:D009215 VHOG:0001281 UBERON:0001296 EMAPA:29923 UMLS:C0027088 EV:0100116 organ component layer central anterior body of uterus central anterior fundus of uterus central anterior lower uterine segment central posterior body of uterus central posterior fundus of uterus central posterior lower uterine segment left anterior body of uterus left anterior fundus of uterus left anterior lower uterine segment left posterior body of uterus left posterior fundus of uterus left posterior lower uterine segment right anterior body of uterus right anterior fundus of uterus right anterior lower uterine segment right posterior body of uterus right posterior fundus of uterus right posterior lower uterine segment