Question

What are the differences in appearance on a slide between the endometrium and myometrium? What is the physiological reason for these differences?

Answer 1

Answer:

There are big tissue appearance differences between the endometrium and the myometrium. The endometrium is the layer of the intrauterine tissue that is exposed to the intrauterine cavity and is composed of the endometrial epithelium (epithelial cells and glandular cells) , whereas the myometrium is the middle layer composed by muscular cells.

Explanation:

The appearance of the endometrium is a monolayer of polarized epithelial cubic cells and glandular cells, that form the 'luminal' layer of the intrauterine tissue. The cells in the endometrium are prepared to provide nutrients and shelter for the embryo to come. That is why, the endometrium cells are susceptible to hormonal changes throughout the woman's cycle. This hormonal impact makes this tissue grow and be prepared to receive the embryo. If there is no embryo implanted in the endometrium, the hormonal changes also provoke this tissue to 'peel', what is known as menstruation.

On the other hand, the myometrium is composed by smooth muscle cells. These cells are capable of a great flexibility, needed to carry on the pregnancy. The myometrium fulfils a very important role during labour, in which the contraction of the muscle pushes the baby to through the cervix and finally out of the mother's womb. It also expels the placenta after labour. It's structure, flexibility and fast contraction are vital to minimize the blood loss after labour.