What color is the endometrium?

The endometrium is located in the wall of the uterus and is an important part of the uterus. The health of the endometrium is closely related to the health of the uterus and the health of the female reproductive system. If there is a lesion in the endometrium, it will lead to infertility problems in women. The endometrium is usually pinkish white. Next, I will introduce to you some relevant knowledge about the function and morphology of the endometrium!

1. Introduction to the endometrium

The endometrium is the layer that makes up the lining of the mammalian uterus. It responds to both estrogen and progesterone and can therefore change significantly with the sexual cycle (estrus cycle, menstrual cycle).

The endometrium is divided into three layers: the compact layer, the spongy layer, and the basal layer. The dense layer and spongy layer of the 2/3 endometrial surface are collectively called the functional layer, which are shed periodically under the influence of ovarian sex hormones. The basal layer is the 1/3 of the endometrium close to the myometrium. It is not affected by ovarian hormones and does not undergo cyclical changes.

2. Endometrial Function

The endometrium is the layer that makes up the lining of the mammalian uterus. The endometrium responds to both estrogen and progesterone and can therefore change significantly during the sexual cycle (estrus, menstrual cycle). Estrogen can cause uterine hypertrophy, and progesterone can promote special changes in the endometrium in early pregnancy, or change the properties of the endometrium so that it has the ability to produce decidua.

The endometrium is covered with mucosa, which is composed of the mucosal epithelium and the underlying lamina propria. The mucosal epithelium is columnar epithelium, cuboidal epithelium or stratified columnar epithelium. When estrogen is secreted, each epithelial cell will grow and divide, increasing in number. The portion of the lamina propria below the mucosal epithelium is called the functional layer, into which epithelial cells enter to form uterine glands and respond to estrogen. The lower layer of the functional layer is called the basal layer, which is rich in blood vessels.

3. Endometrial morphology

The endometrium is divided into three layers: the compact layer, the spongy layer, and the basal layer. The dense layer and spongy layer of the 2/3 endometrial surface are collectively called the functional layer, which are shed periodically under the influence of ovarian sex hormones. The basal layer is the 1/3 of the endometrium close to the myometrium. It is not affected by ovarian hormones and does not undergo cyclical changes.