Examples of Common Uterine Fibroids

Description

Cutaway anatomy of the uterus (womb) reveals the endometrial cavity and the surrounding myometrium populated by multiple leiomyomas (uterine fibroids, myomas). Several pale, ovoid nodules sit intramurally within the uterine wall, while others bulge toward the endometrial surface (submucosal) or project outward toward the serosa (subserosal), altering the normal triangular contour of the cavity. Superiorly and laterally, the uterine fundus continues into the fallopian tubes, which course toward the ovaries at the pelvic sidewall, and inferiorly the cervix forms the narrowed outlet of the uterine body. Distribution matters. Submucosal fibroids that distort the cavity correlate with heavy menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, and reduced implantation rates, while intramural lesions can enlarge the uterus and contribute to pressure symptoms without an obvious intracavitary component; subserosal masses tend to drive bulk complaints such as urinary frequency from anterior compression of the bladder. Surgical planning often hinges on this anatomic relationship, since hysteroscopic myomectomy targets submucosal disease, laparoscopic or open myomectomy addresses transmural or pedunculated subserosal fibroids, and uterine artery embolization relies on understanding how a vascular uterine wall supports both the myometrium and the fibroid pseudocapsule. Location guides treatment. Use this illustration when teaching gynecologic pathology in anatomy, reproductive endocrinology, or OB-GYN clerkships, or when creating patient-facing counseling materials that explain why different fibroid types cause bleeding versus mass effect. It also fits review figures for journals or textbooks discussing PALM-COEIN abnormal uterine bleeding and fertility outcomes after myomectomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.