Uterus, follicular phase (Human) - 40X

 
During the reproductive (ovarian) cycle, changes in the levels of steroid hormones produced by the follicle and corpus luteum cause changes in the endometrium--the mucosa or lining of the uterus. In this image the surface of the endometrium is on the top, and the endometrium extends down almost to the bottom of the image. The changes that occur are in 1) the thickness of the endometrium, 2) the glands and 3) the blood vessels.

This image shows the endometrium in the proliferative or follicular phase.




















Uterus, follicular phase (Human)- 400X
 
The surface of the endometrium is simple columnar epithelium. It invaginates to form endometrial glands (eg). Although it is not apparent from this image, the glands are basically tubes that open at the surface and extend all the way to the bottom of the endometrium.













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