Miometru

Miometru is the muscular middle layer of the uterus, forming the bulk of the uterine wall and serving as the principal contractile tissue during birth and other uterine functions. In Romanian medical terminology the term miometru corresponds to the myometrium in English.

Structure and composition: The miometru is primarily made up of smooth muscle cells organized into interlacing bundles. It also contains an extensive extracellular matrix with collagen and elastin, as well as a rich network of blood vessels and nerves. In many anatomical descriptions the muscle fibers are described as arranged in an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer, with regional variations including additional oblique arrangements to support coordinated contractions.

Development and function: The myometrium adapts during reproductive life, enlarging in response to hormonal signals and pregnancy. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone modulate growth and contractile properties, while oxytocin stimulates contractions during labor. The miometru thus plays a key role in menstrual shedding, fertilization and implantation processes, and the expulsion of the fetus at delivery, as well as postpartum involution.

Clinical significance: The myometrium is the origin of several common uterine conditions. Leiomyomas, or fibroids, are benign tumors arising from smooth muscle cells of the miometru. Other myometrial disorders include inflammatory processes such as myometritis and disorders of contractility that can affect labor dynamics.

Notes: The term derives from Greek roots meaning muscle of the uterus. In medical Romanian, miometru designates the same structure.