Page 864 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

FIGURE 21.17 ■ Uterus: proliferative (follicular) phase. Stain: hematoxylin and
eosin. Low magnification.

FIGURE 21.18 | Uterus: Secretory (Luteal) Phase

The secretory (luteal) phase of the menstrual cycle starts after the ovulation of
the mature follicle. The changes in the endometrium are now due to both

estrogen and progesterone secreted by the functioning corpus luteum. As a
result, the functionalis layer (1) and basalis layer (2) become thicker because
of increased glandular secretion (5) and edema in the lamina propria (6).

The epithelium of the uterine glands (5, 8) undergoes hypertrophy
(enlarges) because of increased accumulation of the secretory product (5, 8). The

uterine glands (5, 8) also become highly coiled (tortuous), and their lumina
dilated with secretory material (5) rich in carbohydrates. The coiled arteries

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