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Histology of the Uterus

Histology of the Uterus

The uterine wall consists of three histological layers: the perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium. The outermost perimetrium is a thin, serous membrane connected with the broad ligament on the sides, which helps anchor the uterus in the pelvic cavity. The thickest layer, myometrium, is mainly made up of smooth muscle tissue bundles. Its contractions are vital in facilitating the expulsion of the uterine lining, fetus, and placenta during menstruation and childbirth.
The endometrium is the...

Menses Phase

Menses Phase

The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.

Smooth Muscle Contraction

Smooth Muscle Contraction

Smooth muscle contraction is a complex process vital for various bodily functions, from maintaining blood vessel tension to facilitating the movement of food through the digestive tract. Unlike striated muscles, smooth muscle contraction begins more slowly and lasts longer.
The onset of contraction is triggered by an increase in calcium ions within the sarcoplasm, similar to the process in striated muscle. However, smooth muscles have a relatively smaller reservoir of the sarcoplasmic...

Uterine Tubes

Uterine Tubes

The uterine or fallopian tubes function as the conduit through which oocytes travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Each fallopian tube measures approximately 10 to 13 cm long and is anatomically divided into the infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, and interstitial part (or intramural segment). The infundibulum is characterized by its funnel shape and features extensions called fimbriae which reach towards the peritoneal cavity. These fimbriae play a critical role during ovulation as they extend...

Parasympathetic Signaling

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Parasympathetic signaling plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. It involves the release of acetylcholine (ACh) by parasympathetic neurons, which can have localized and short-lived effects. The majority of ACh released is rapidly inactivated at the synapse by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which hydrolyzes Ach into choline and acetate. Additionally, the tissue cholinesterase deactivates any ACh diffusing into the surrounding tissues.
The effects of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development

Published on: January 26, 2018

Physiological pathways and molecular mechanisms regulating uterine contractility.

Hector N Aguilar¹, B F Mitchell

¹Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Human Reproduction Update

|June 17, 2010

Summary

Uterine contractility is vital for reproduction. Understanding its molecular control, including calcium ion (Ca2+) signaling, offers therapeutic targets for common reproductive disorders.

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Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development

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Published on: January 26, 2018

Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis

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Published on: September 1, 2019

Biaxial Basal Tone and Passive Testing of the Murine Reproductive System Using a Pressure Myograph

Biaxial Basal Tone and Passive Testing of the Murine Reproductive System Using a Pressure Myograph

Published on: August 13, 2019

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Molecular Physiology

Background:

Uterine contractile activity is crucial for sperm/embryo transport, implantation, menstruation, gestation, and parturition.
Abnormal uterine contractility is linked to infertility, implantation failure, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, miscarriage, and preterm birth.

Purpose of the Study:

To synthesize current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms regulating uterine contractility.
To identify potential therapeutic strategies for modulating uterine muscle function.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of literature from the US National Library of Medicine.
Keywords: uterus, uterine myocyte, calcium ion (Ca2+), myosin light chain kinase, myosin light chain phosphatase.
Incorporation of data from non-uterine myocytes where relevant.

Main Results:

Uterine contractility is determined by the contractile apparatus, myocyte electrophysiology (including excitation-contraction coupling), and Ca2+ sensitivity regulation.
Information on potential therapeutic methods for regulating uterine contractility was included.

Conclusions:

Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms governing uterine contractile activity.
Current understanding of molecular control presents opportunities for testing and developing pharmacological agents to improve reproductive health.