Sinapupunan

Sinapupunan is a Tagalog term that refers to the uterus, the muscular organ in female mammals where a fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus. It is a crucial part of the reproductive system, responsible for nurturing and protecting the developing offspring throughout pregnancy.

The uterus is a pear-shaped organ located in the pelvic region of the female body, between the bladder and the rectum. It consists of three main layers: the perimetrium (outer serous layer), the myometrium (thick muscular middle layer), and the endometrium (inner lining that sheds during menstruation). The cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus, opens into the vagina.

During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens in preparation for a potential pregnancy. If fertilization occurs, the embryo implants in the endometrium, and the uterus expands significantly to accommodate the growing fetus. The myometrium plays a vital role during childbirth by contracting to expel the baby. After childbirth, the uterus gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy size. Conditions affecting the sinapupunan include fibroids, endometriosis, and various infections and cancers.