Fig. 19, 93W7306, Uterus, Progravid Phase, H&E
The uterine wall is composed of a mucosa, referred to as the
endometrium (E); a muscularis, referred to as a myometrium (M);
and, externally, a serosal cover, the perimetrium (not shown here).
The uterine glands (UG) have been cut in a plane that is close to
their long axes. Most of the uterine glands show numerous shallow
sacculations that give the profile of the glandular epithelium a
serrated appearance. This is one of the distinctive features of the
secretory stage (progravid phase). It is seen most advantageously in
areas where the plane of section is close to the long axis of the
gland. The myometrium consists of smooth muscle and connective
tissue and contains the large blood vessels that give rise to the
vessels that supply the endometrium.