Template:Endometrium phases
(Determine the type or phase of the endometrium:)
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The most superficial layer of the endometrium usually consists of a simple columnar epithelium.
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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)
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Proliferative endometrium: long curving glands (G) and some stromal edema (H&E stain)
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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)