BHU NO-2019
Applied Anatomy
Easy

Which of the following is normal position of uterus:

Appeared in: BHU NO-2019

Explanation

  • The normal position of the uterus is anteverted and anteflexed, meaning it is tilted and bent forward, typically resting over the urinary bladder.
  • Anteversion refers to the forward tilt of the entire uterus at the cervix, relative to the axis of the vagina.
  • Anteflexion refers to the forward bend of the body of the uterus relative to the cervix.
  • This position is maintained by the support of the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, such as the round ligament.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: This describes a uterus that is tilted and bent backward toward the rectum. It is not the most common or standard anatomical position.
  • Option C: The term 'reflected' is not a standard medical term used to describe the position or flexion of the uterus, making this option incorrect.
  • Option D: This describes a uterus that is tilted backward (retroverted) but the body is bent forward on the cervix (anteflexed). This is an unusual and not the typical anatomical position.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and normal position of the uterus as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Understanding uterine position is crucial for performing accurate pelvic examinations, inserting intrauterine devices (IUDs), and diagnosing conditions like uterine prolapse.
  • A retroverted uterus is often a normal, asymptomatic variant but can be associated with symptoms like dyspareunia (painful intercourse) or dysmenorrhea, especially if it is fixed in place by conditions like endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.
  • What if? If a woman with a retroverted uterus becomes pregnant, the uterus usually enlarges and rises out of the pelvis, spontaneously correcting to an anteverted position by 10-12 weeks of gestation. Rarely, it can become trapped in the pelvis (an 'incarcerated uterus'), leading to urinary retention, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention.
How to Approach the Question
  • This is a factual recall question about female reproductive anatomy.
  • First, identify the keywords in the question: 'normal position' and 'uterus'.
  • Recall the two components that describe uterine position: 'version' (the angle of the uterus in relation to the vagina) and 'flexion' (the angle of the uterine body in relation to the cervix).
  • Remember the meaning of the prefixes: 'ante-' means forward, and 'retro-' means backward.
  • The standard, most common anatomical position is tilted forward (anteverted) and bent forward (anteflexed).
  • Evaluate the given options to find the one that correctly matches this description.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Anatomy and normal position of the uterus
  • Stem keywords: normal position, uterus
  • Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Qd1IOFvvM-eVGMVbXYyQzx

Reference Book

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 1-3

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 29-50

Practise the full BHU NO-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.