Smooth Muscle: Parturition
MH is a 26-year-old female who was 37 weeks pregnant. When
labor contractions became stronger and occurred in shorter intervals,
her obstetrician advised her to go to the hospital. Upon her arrival,
labor progressed and within 4 hours MH delivered a healthy baby
girl.
Each uterine contraction begins at the top
of the uterus and sweeps downward, forcing the infant toward the
cervix. What type of smooth muscle is found in the uterus?