Cytology · MU Pleven

Topic 52- Cyclic changes in uterine mucosa

Explains the monthly uterine cycle, starting with the three layers of the uterine wall and the functional and basal layers of the endometrium. It then covers how oestrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH drive endometrial change, and walks through the menstrual, proliferative, secretory and ischemic phases by day. The note also gives a fertile window and notes that cycles stop when pregnancy occurs.

Inside: 9 sections · 2 labelled pictures · 15 flashcards · 3 min

Topic 52 of 59 in the MU Pleven syllabus for Cytology (Medicine, Year 1). The free AceMed note covers it in 9 sections, about 414 words (3 min of reading), with 15 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Topic 52- Cyclic changes in uterine mucosa
  2. Uterine Cycle (Menstrual Cycle)
  3. Ovarian Hormones
  4. Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
  5. Menstrual Phase (Day 1–4)
  6. Proliferative / Follicular Phase (Day 5–14)
  7. Secretory / Luteal Phase (Day 15–28)
  8. Ischemic Phase
  9. General Notes on Menstrual Cycles

Uterine Cycle (Menstrual Cycle)

  • The uterine cycle is the monthly set of changes in the uterus in preparation for implantation of a fertilised egg.
  • The menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28 days.
  • The uterine wall consists of three layers:
  • Perimetrium – outer layer
  • Myometrium – middle layer
  • Endometrium – inner layer
  • Stratum functionale or functional layer is the thick part of the endometrium, which is sloughed off at menstruation.
  • Stratum basale or basal layer is retained during menstruation and serves as the source for the regeneration of the stratum functionale.

Ovarian Hormones

  • Ovarian hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) drive the cyclic changes in the endometrium.
  • Oestrogen is produced by the theca interna of ovarian follicles.
  • Progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum.
  • FSH stimulates follicular development and oestrogen secretion.
  • LH converts the ovarian follicle into the corpus luteum and stimulates progesterone secretion.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

  1. 1. Menstrual phase – lasts 3–5 days
  2. 2. Proliferative (follicular) phase
  3. 3. Secretory (luteal) phase
  4. 4. Premenstrual / ischemic phase
  • Fertile window: ~7 days

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