A comparison of the contractile properties of human myometrium obtained from the upper and lower uterine segments.

This study compared the contractile characteristics of myometrium taken from upper and lower uterine segments. Biopsies were obtained from women undergoing classical caesarean section. Myometrial strips were dissected and mounted in an organ bath, and the contractions were recorded. The cross sectional area of the contractile elements within the strips was measured enabling strips of differing dimensions to be compared. There were no significant differences in the contractile rate and force production produced by myometrium from the upper and lower segments. This study demonstrated that for contractile studies, the use of lower segment is appropriate. The results fail to demonstrate any functional regionality of the human uterus in terms of contractility.