This important new volume provides a wide-ranging and authoritative account of the uterus and its physiological role in fertility, normal pregnancy and delivery. Acknowledged authorities from around the world discuss a wealth of material including cell and developmental biology, structure, function, anatomy and endocrinology, and clinically important issues such as the cervix during pregnancy, measurement of uterine contractions and initiation of labor. It will prove of particular value to obstetricians and gynecologists involved in the management of women with pre-term labor, as well as those concerned with the development of new procedures for the prevention or amelioration of this condition.