PHY2011 Study Guide - Final Guide: Corpus Luteum, Endometrium, Endothelium
6 Jun 2018
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o Proliferative phase: Repair and regeneration of functional zone
o Secretory phase: Secretion by uterine glands
The menstrual cycle
Day 1-7: Menstrual phase (menses)
• Shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium
• Estrogen and progesterone are low
• Rebuilding of the functional layer of the endometrium
Day 7-14: Proliferative (pre-ovulatory/follicular) phase
• Proliferation of glandular, stromal and vascular endothelial cells
• The thickening of cervical mucous becomes less viscous and sticky – allows entry of sperm
• Under the influence of estrogen
• Stimulated and sustained by ovarian estrogens
• Ovulation occurs at the end of this phase
Day 15-28: Secretory (post-ovulatory) phase
• Begins immediately after ovulation
• Proliferation ceases
• Secretory activity of glandular cells increases
• Endometrium prepares for implantation (glands enlarge, arteries elongate, nutritious glycogen is secreted)
• Stimulated by progesterone and estrogens from corpus luteum
• If fertilisation does not occur, CL degenerates. Low progesterone leads to spasm of arteries, and low
oxygen levels – blood enters fragmented capillaries and menses begins again
• Maintained by progesteron
Endometrial changes
