Micro 1, 2

ENDOMETRIUM

http://www.pathologyoutlines.com/uterus.html refers:

http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/FEMHTML/FEM018.html

Normal proliferative endometrium in the menstrual cycle. The proliferative phase is the variable part of the cycle. In this phase, tubular glands with columnar cells and surrounding dense stroma are proliferating to build up the endometrium following shedding with previous menstruation.

Early secretory endometrium. The appearance with prominent subnuclear vacuoles in cells forming the glands is consistent with post-ovulatory day 2. The histologic changes following ovulation are quite constant over the 14 days to menstruation and can be utilized to date the endometrium.

Normal secretory phase endometrium. Note the larger tortuous glands with secretions. The secretory phase follows a set 14 day course leading to either implantation of a fertilized ovum or menstruation.

SIMPLE ATROPHY OF ENDOMETRIUM

This hysterectomy specimen from a postmenopausal woman contains a thin endometrium with only a few residual glands surrounded by an atrophic, somewhat fibrotic stroma. The junction between endometrium and myometrium is not sharply defined, and the underlying myometrium also appears atrophic.

Squamous metaplasia of cervix
[http://www.pathologyoutlines.com/cervix.html#cervixnormalhistology]
Common response to chronic irritation in nonsquamous tissue; present in almost every cervix
Centered on transformation zone Micro: squamous epithelium overlies endocervical glands, may replace glands; metaplastic cells may be immature, intermediate or mature.

Development of squamous metaplastic epithelium




NOTE: Similarly, smokers often exhibit squamous metaplasia in the linings of their airways.

The area adjacent to the border of the endocervix and ectocervix is known as the transformation zone.

Transformation zone undergoes metaplasia numerous times during normal life.

When the endocervix is exposed to the harsh acidic environment of the vagina it undergoes METAPLASIA to squamous epithelium which is better suited to the vaginal environment.

Canal of the Cervix
Gstric metaplasia (PAS)

Hperplastic prostate