Menstrual Cycle - Histology
From Embryology
Introduction
This page presents images from vaginal smears and uterine endometrium samples during different phases of the human menstrual cycle.
Links: Menstrual Cycle
| Phase | Days (range) | Smear | Smear Description | Uterine Endometrium (D&C) |
| Menstrual | 1 - 4 | Click on image to see full size. | Both stratum corneum (red) and stratum spinosum (blue) epithelial cells will mostly blood. Leukocytes and bacteria may also be present. | 
|
| Early Proliferative | 5 - 9 | 
|
mainly large and small basophilic (blue) stratum spinosum cells. | |
| Mid Proliferative | 9 - 13 | 
|
Stratum spinosum (blue) increase in size. Dark precipate outside cells are bacteria. | 
|
| Late Proliferative, Ovulatory | 13-14 | 
|
mainly stratum corneum (red) which are large and flat, appear due to high estrogen levels. | 
|
| Secretory | 15 - 22 | 
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stratum spinosum cells (blue) which are folded or with curled edges, appear immediately after ovulation due to increase in progesterone. Leukocytes (small black cells) becoming more numerous. | 
|
| Late Secretory, (Ischemic) Premenstrual | 23 - 28 | 
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stratum spinosum cells (blue) mainly with a few stratum corneum cells (red). Clustering of cells occurs at this stage and both leukocytes and bacteria are prevelant. | 
|
Human vaginal smear histology images in sequence: early proliferative | mid-proliferative | late proliferative | secretory | late secretory
Human Uterus (D and C histology images) in sequence: menstrual | mid-proliferative | late proliferative | secretory | late secretory
Glossary Links
- Glossary: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | Numbers | Symbols | Term Link
Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, May 24) Embryology Menstrual Cycle - Histology. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Menstrual_Cycle_-_Histology
- © Dr Mark Hill 2024, UNSW Embryology ISBN: 978 0 7334 2609 4 - UNSW CRICOS Provider Code No. 00098G
