General Anatomy · Reproductive System · Hard

Myometrium

Meaning: The thick smooth muscle layer of the uterine wall responsible for contractions in labour.

In practice: Fibroids are benign growths arising from the myometrium of the womb.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: One of a pair of bean-shaped organs at the back of the abdomen that filter blood and produce urine.

Which word means: The front part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, enclosed by the ribs.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.