Uterus: pre-menstrual phase (Days 26-28)
The functional zone continues to decline. The sacculated glands show precipitated secretory product; areas of degeneration are obvious; extravasated blood is present in the stroma; and predecidual cells can be seen beneath the surface epithelium. The pre-menstrual phase is also known as the ischemic portion of the secretory phase. 40x
Glands
The sacculated glands show precipitated secretory product; areas of degeneration are obvious; extravasated blood is present in the stroma and predecidual cells can be seen beneath the surface of the organ. The pre-menstrual phase is also known as the ischemic portion of the secretory phase. 40x
Degeneration
The sacculated glands show precipitated secretory product; areas of degeneration are obvious; extravasated blood is present in the stroma and predecidual cells can be seen beneath the surface of the organ. The pre-menstrual phase is also known as the ischemic portion of the secretory phase. 40x
Extravasated blood
The sacculated glands show precipitated secretory product; areas of degeneration are obvious; extravasated blood is present in the stroma and predecidual cells can be seen beneath the surface of the organ. The pre-menstrual phase is also known as the ischemic portion of the secretory phase. 40x
Predecidual cells
The sacculated glands show precipitated secretory product; areas of degeneration are obvious; extravasated blood is present in the stroma and predecidual cells can be seen beneath the surface of the organ. The pre-menstrual phase is also known as the ischemic portion of the secretory phase. 40x
Graphic: pre-menstrual
phase >
The premenstrual phase (ischemic portion of secretory phase) occurs on days 26-28. The corpus luteum decreases its production of progesterone and estrogen that stimulate the functional zone of the uterus. Lack of ovarian hormones results in ischemia, death and sloughing of the functional zone that, in turn, leads to menstruation. Note the stage of the ovarian cycle at this time.
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