Template:Endometrium phases

(Determine the type or phase of the endometrium:)

• The most superficial layer of the endometrium usually consists of a simple columnar epithelium.
  The most superficial layer of the endometrium usually consists of a simple columnar epithelium.
• Postmenopausal (atrophic) endometrium: Thin epithelium, and scattered glands lined by columnar cells with small inactive nuclei, supported by a dense fibrous stroma of spindle cells. (H&E stain)
  Postmenopausal (atrophic) endometrium: Thin epithelium, and scattered glands lined by columnar cells with small inactive nuclei, supported by a dense fibrous stroma of spindle cells. (H&E stain)
• In contrast, endocervical mucosa consists of mucinous columnar epithelium and mucinous glands.
  In contrast, endocervical mucosa consists of mucinous columnar epithelium and mucinous glands.

The phases of endometrium through the menstrual cycle:

• Proliferative endometrium: long curving glands (G) and some stromal edema (H&E stain)
  Proliferative endometrium: long curving glands (G) and some stromal edema (H&E stain)
• Secretory endometrium: Prominent glands (G), which have a dilated lumen and an irregular outer border stretching down into the basal compartment. In the luminal (functional) layer immune cells are readily detected (most of these are likely to be macrophages and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells), as are areas of decidualised fibroblasts (DEC) close to arterioles. (H&E stain)
  Secretory endometrium: Prominent glands (G), which have a dilated lumen and an irregular outer border stretching down into the basal compartment. In the luminal (functional) layer immune cells are readily detected (most of these are likely to be macrophages and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells), as are areas of decidualised fibroblasts (DEC) close to arterioles. (H&E stain)