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Related Concept Videos

The Menstrual Cycle01:19

The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Secretory Phase01:19

Secretory Phase

The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

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.
Proliferative Phase01:20

Proliferative Phase

The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Menses Phase01:18

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...
Histology of the Uterus01:19

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Indirect Immunofluorescence on Frozen Sections of Mouse Mammary Gland
11:13

Indirect Immunofluorescence on Frozen Sections of Mouse Mammary Gland

Published on: December 1, 2015

Structural changes in endometrial basal glands during menstruation.

R Garry1, R Hart, K A Karthigasu

  • 1Department of Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. raygarry@btinternet.com

BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|June 22, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Endometrial regeneration after menstruation involves programmed cell death and macrophage activity, not cell division. New glands form from stromal cells, suggesting these are endometrial stem cells.

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Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
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Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens

Published on: May 23, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Indirect Immunofluorescence on Frozen Sections of Mouse Mammary Gland
11:13

Indirect Immunofluorescence on Frozen Sections of Mouse Mammary Gland

Published on: December 1, 2015

Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
09:15

Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens

Published on: May 23, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Gynaecology

Background:

  • Menstruation involves shedding and regeneration of the endometrium.
  • The cellular mechanisms driving endometrial repair are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively observe endometrial glandular morphology changes during menstrual shedding and regeneration.
  • To correlate these changes with cell proliferation and macrophage activity.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study of 13 patients during the active bleeding phase.
  • Histological and scanning electron microscopy of endometrial samples.
  • Immunohistochemical analysis for Ki-67 (proliferation) and CD68 (macrophage activity).

Main Results:

  • Endometrial glands show apoptosis and macrophage activity before and during menstruation.
  • Old epithelial cells are replaced by new narrow glands without evidence of Ki-67 expression.
  • Marked macrophage activity precedes glandular cell loss.

Conclusions:

  • Endometrial epithelial repair is not driven by mitotic cell division (Ki-67 negative).
  • Programmed cell death and macrophage activity are key to glandular remodelling.
  • New epithelial cells may differentiate from surrounding stromal cells, proposed as endometrial progenitor/stem cells.