Uterus
The image on the far left shows a section through the entire wall of the uterus (10x); the panels to the right show regions of the wall at higher magnification. The uterine wall consists of an endometrium, similar to a mucosa; a myometrium, analogous to muscularis externa; and a perimetrium, that is either a serosa or an adventitia depending on its location. The endometrium, influenced by ovarian hormones, changes during the menstrual cycle, in preparation for implantation of the embryo.
Endometrium >
The endometrium lines the uterus and consists of a simple columnar epithelium and its lamina propria, called uterine stroma. Uterine glands project inward from the epithelium and extend to the interface with the myometrium. Uterine glands exhibit different morphologies depending on changing hormonal influences during the menstrual (uterine) cycle. 100x
- Epithelium
The endometrium lines the uterus and consists of a simple columnar epithelium and its lamina propria, called uterine stroma. Uterine glands project inward from the epithelium and extend to the interface with the myometrium. Uterine glands exhibit different morphologies depending on changing hormonal influences during the menstrual (uterine) cycle. 100x
- Uterine stroma
The endometrium lines the uterus and consists of a simple columnar epithelium and its lamina propria, called uterine stroma. Uterine glands project inward from the epithelium and extend to the interface with the myometrium. Uterine glands exhibit different morphologies depending on changing hormonal influences during the menstrual (uterine) cycle. 100x
- Uterine glands
The endometrium lines the uterus and consists of a simple columnar epithelium and its lamina propria, called uterine stroma. Uterine glands project inward from the epithelium and extend to the interface with the myometrium. Uterine glands exhibit different morphologies depending on changing hormonal influences during the menstrual (uterine) cycle. 100x
- Interface with myometrium
The endometrium lines the uterus and consists of a simple columnar epithelium and its lamina propria, called uterine stroma. Uterine glands project inward from the epithelium and extend to the interface with the myometrium. Uterine glands exhibit different morphologies depending on changing hormonal influences during the menstrual (uterine) cycle.
Myometrium >
The myometrium forms a thick layer composed of smooth muscle. Muscle fascicles are highly interlaced allowing for coordinated and efficient contractions during menstruation and childbirth. 400x
Perimetrium >
The perimetrium consists of a thin layer of connective tissue on the surface of the uterus (adventitia) or a serosa where it is covered by visceral periosteum. 600x
Image source >
Images was taken of a slide in the University of Michigan collection.
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