Lecture 1. The Uterus (Split The Set Would Be HUGE)

Question 1

What is the endometrium

Answer 1

Uterine lining

Made up of endometrial glands and the supporting stroma

Very vascular

Question 2

Describe the endometrium at the start of the menstrual cycle

Answer 2

Being shed - hormones low

Question 3

What is the first part if the menstrual cycle before ovulation according to the uterus, what hormone is acting on it and what does this cause?

Answer 3

Proliferation phase:
The oestrogen from the granulosa cells causes thickening of the endometrium

Question 4

What is the second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation according to the uterus?
What hormone is predominantly acting in the endometrium, what does this do?

Answer 4

Secretory phase

Progesterone from the corpus luteum

Gets it ready for fertilisation

Maintains stability of the endometrium (that’s why when the corpus luteum is degraded the uterine lining sheds)

Glands become convoluted and glycogen increases
- thickened cervical mucus

Question 5

What happens in the absence of progesterone?

Answer 5

Endometrium sheds - as corpus luteum is degraded.