Endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus that fluctuates in response to the female reproductive cycle. During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium is subject to hormonal control as it undergoes its cyclical changes in response to the ovarian cycle. These changes occur in both the functional and the structural layers of the endometrium and are essential for normal fertility (Adashi et al., 2019).
The functional layer of the endometrium is composed of a thick epithelium and a thin stroma. As the ovarian cycle progresses, the functional layer of the endometrium thickens due to increased production of progesterone. This is followed by a decrease in the thickness of the functional layer due to the absence of progesterone as menstruation occurs (Adashi et al., 2019).
The structural layer of the endometrium is composed of a thin epithelium and a thick stroma. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the structural layer undergoes morphological and biochemical changes. During the proliferative phase, the structural layer is thin and is composed of numerous branching glands. During the secretory phase of the cycle, the structural layer becomes thicker and the glands become larger and more branched (Adashi et al., 2019).
The endometrium is an essential component of the female reproductive system and is necessary for a successful pregnancy. The cycle of changes in the endometrium is necessary for the development of the embryo and the maintenance of the pregnancy (Adashi et al., 2019).
Abnormalities in the endometrium can lead to an increased risk of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and endometrial cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand the normal changes in the endometrium in order to identify and treat any abnormalities (Adashi et al., 2019).
In conclusion, the endometrium is an essential part of the female reproductive system and is subject to cyclical changes in response to the ovarian cycle. These changes are necessary for normal fertility and for successful pregnancy. Any abnormalities in the endometrium can lead to an increased risk of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and endometrial cancer.
References
Adashi, E., Jones, M., Brainard, J., Thorneycroft, I., & Baber, R. (2019). The endometrium. Fertility and Sterility, 112(3), 517-527.