Page 866 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

FIGURE 21.19 | Uterine Wall (Endometrium):

Secretory (Luteal) Phase

This low-magnification photomicrograph illustrates a section of the
endometrium during the secretory (luteal) phase of the menstrual cycle. The

thick and lighter area is the stratum functionalis (1). The darker and deeper
endometrium is the stratum basalis (2). The uterine glands (3) are coiled
(tortuous) and secrete glycogen-rich nutrients into their lumina.

Surrounding the uterine glands (3) is the connective tissue (4) with the light,
empty spaces caused by increased edema. Below the stratum basalis (2) is the

smooth muscle layer myometrium (5).

FIGURE 21.19 ■ Uterine wall (endometrium): secretory (luteal) phase. Stain:
hematoxylin and eosin. ×10.

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