Uterus Slides

(Human uterus, follicular or proliferative phase) Note increase in size of gland cells. The increase in stromal edema and vascularity that will be conspicuous later is not clear yet apparent here. The glands may be straight or slightly convoluted.

(Human endometrium, luteal or secretory phase) This tissue clearly shows the increased stromal edema and gland cell hypertrophy. Note the irregular shape of the once straight tubular glands. Note secretion in some glandular lumina.

Uterus Slide (Menstrual Phase)

(Human uterus, menstrual phase) Note the dramatic increase in vascularity and edema. Evidence of degenerative processes demonstrating autolysis and hemorrhage is apparent.

To get you started, if glands are short and straight, the endometrium proliferative (follicular). If glands are long and coiled or even sawtoothed and maybe even with secretory product in lumen, it's secretory (luteal). If glands are disrupted and the stroma is filled with RBC's, it's menstrual.