How many layers does the uterus consist of?

The uterus is composed of three layers, which are essential for its functions related to menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. The outer layer is known as the perimetrium, which is a thin membrane that covers the outer surface of the uterus. The middle layer is the myometrium, made up of smooth muscle tissue that plays a critical role during labor by contracting to help push the baby out. The innermost layer is the endometrium, which thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle and provides the necessary environment for implantation and development of the embryo if fertilization occurs.

This understanding of the uterine structure is crucial in various aspects of midwifery care, as each layer has distinct roles and responds differently to hormonal changes throughout a woman's cycle.