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Related Concept Videos

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...
Uterus and Cervix01:18

Uterus and Cervix

The uterus, commonly called the womb, is a vital reproductive organ in females designed to provide a nurturing environment for the implantation and growth of an embryo. It is shaped like a hollow pear and positioned between the urinary bladder and the rectum. The uterus's structure allows it to support and protect a developing fetus throughout pregnancy.
The uterus is securely anchored within the pelvic cavity by paired broad ligaments on either side. It is further stabilized by three pairs of...
Uterine Tubes01:16

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...
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Stratified Epithelium01:29

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Stratified Epithelium

Stratified epithelium consists of several stacked layers of cells. They provide the durability to withstand constant physical and chemical attacks. Stratified epithelium is named after the shape of the most apical layer of cells. Stratified squamous epithelium is the most common type found in the human body. In this tissue, the apical cells are squamous, whereas the basal layer contains either columnar or cuboidal cells. The basal cells divide to form new daughter cells, which gradually become...
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium01:20

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium

The glandular epithelium is made of one or more epithelial cells modified to synthesize and secrete chemical substances. Glandular epithelia can be classified based on cell number. Unicellular glands have individual secretory cells scattered across the epithelial monolayer. In contrast, multicellular glands consist of a hollow tubular duct attached to the cluster of secretory cells located in the deep pockets.
Multicellular glands are formed during early development when epithelial budding...
Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...

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Updated: May 17, 2026

Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids
09:20

Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids

Published on: October 4, 2019

Uterine epithelial cells: Serving two masters.

Yui Kaneko1, Margot L Day, Christopher R Murphy

  • 1School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy and Histology) and The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. ykan0009@anatomy.usyd.edu.au

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|November 3, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Uterine epithelial cells uniquely balance barrier function with blastocyst penetration. Focal adhesions dynamically regulate uterine receptivity by disassembling during implantation, facilitating embryo implantation.

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Co-culture Model Using Two Types of Adherent Cell Lines
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Co-culture Model Using Two Types of Adherent Cell Lines

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Last Updated: May 17, 2026

Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids
09:20

Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids

Published on: October 4, 2019

Co-culture Model Using Two Types of Adherent Cell Lines
05:58

Co-culture Model Using Two Types of Adherent Cell Lines

Published on: November 8, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Cell biology
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Uterine epithelial cells perform dual roles: barrier function and blastocyst penetration.
  • Mammalian uterine cells characteristically permit blastocyst entry via the apical surface.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how uterine epithelial cells manage dual functions.
  • To synthesize evidence on focal adhesions' role in uterine receptivity and blastocyst implantation.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of the role of focal adhesions in cellular dynamics during early pregnancy.

Main Results:

  • Focal adhesions are identified as key regulators of uterine receptivity.
  • These membrane structures undergo disassembly during blastocyst implantation.
  • Disassembly of focal adhesions is part of a broader plasma membrane transformation in early pregnancy.

Conclusions:

  • Focal adhesions are crucial, dynamic components of uterine receptivity.
  • Their regulated disassembly facilitates successful blastocyst implantation.
  • Understanding focal adhesion dynamics offers insights into early pregnancy processes.