Final answer:
The myometrium is the middle layer of the uterus responsible for contractions during labor and menstruation, aiding in the expulsion of the fetus and menstrual contents. It is composed of smooth muscle fibers, which allow for effective contraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The layer of the uterus responsible for the expulsion of the fetus, expulsion of menstrual products, and menstrual cramps is the myometrium.
The myometrium is the middle layer, made up of thick smooth muscle fibers that run in multiple directions, which enables it to contract effectively. During labor, these contractions are at their most powerful, facilitating childbirth. In the case of menstruation, the myometrium contracts to help expel the menstrual blood and tissue from the uterus, which can sometimes cause menstrual cramps.
The endometrium, the innermost layer of the uterus, also plays a vital role but in a different aspect of the reproductive process. It thickens each menstrual cycle in preparation for potential implantation of a fertilized egg and sloughs off during menstruation when no implantation occurs. Contrary to the myometrium, it does not directly cause contractions for expelling contents from the uterus.