endometrium
Quick Summary
The endometrium is the mucous membrane lining the uterus, or womb. This inner layer of the uterus undergoes cyclical changes throughout the menstrual cycle, preparing for potential pregnancy. It is composed of three layers: the stratum compactum, stratum spongiosum, and stratum basale epidermidis. The inner two layers are shed during menstruation, while the basal layer remains. If fertilization does not occur, the cycle ends in menstruation. If implantation of a fertilized egg occurs, the endometrium is maintained and further stimulated by hormones to support the pregnancy. Endometritis is the inflammation of this lining, often caused by bacterial infection and leading to symptoms like abnormal bleeding, fever, and pain.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
human reproductive systemUterine structureā¦is the mucous membrane, or endometrium. It lines the uterine cavity as far as the isthmus of the uterus, where it becomes continuous with the lining of the cervical canal. The endometrium contains numerous uterine glands that open into the uterine cavity and are embedded in the cellular framework orā¦
Read Moreā¦is the mucous membrane, or endometrium. It lines the uterine cavity as far as the isthmus of the uterus, where it becomes continuous with the lining of the cervical canal. The endometrium contains numerous uterine glands that open into the uterine cavity and are embedded in the cellular framework orā¦
Read More- human reproductive systemUterine structure
ā¦a glandular lining called the endometrium. In an adult the uterus is 7.5 cm (3 inches) long, 5 cm (2 inches) in width, and 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick, but it enlarges to four to five times this size in pregnancy. The narrower, lower end is called the cervix; thisā¦
Read Moreā¦a glandular lining called the endometrium. In an adult the uterus is 7.5 cm (3 inches) long, 5 cm (2 inches) in width, and 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick, but it enlarges to four to five times this size in pregnancy. The narrower, lower end is called the cervix; thisā¦
Read More - pregnancyThe uterus and the development of the placenta
ā¦and the trophoblast against the endometrium (uterine lining). The part of the trophoblast that is in contact with the endometrium grows into and invades the maternal tissue. Concomitant disintegration of the endometrium allows the conceptus to sink into the uterine lining.
Read Moreā¦and the trophoblast against the endometrium (uterine lining). The part of the trophoblast that is in contact with the endometrium grows into and invades the maternal tissue. Concomitant disintegration of the endometrium allows the conceptus to sink into the uterine lining.
Read More - human reproductive systemThe endometrium in the menstrual cycle
ā¦of the changes in the endometrium during each menstrual cycle it is usual to consider the endometrium to be composed of three layers. They blend imperceptibly but are functionally distinct: the inner two layers are shed at menstruation, and the outer or basal layer remains in position against the innermostā¦
Read Moreā¦of the changes in the endometrium during each menstrual cycle it is usual to consider the endometrium to be composed of three layers. They blend imperceptibly but are functionally distinct: the inner two layers are shed at menstruation, and the outer or basal layer remains in position against the innermostā¦
Read More 
uterusā¦mucous membrane known as the endometrium. The lining changes in thickness during the menstrual cycle, being thickest during the period of egg release from the ovaries (see ovulation). If the egg is fertilized, it attaches to the thick endometrial wall of the uterus and begins developing. If the egg
Read Moreā¦mucous membrane known as the endometrium. The lining changes in thickness during the menstrual cycle, being thickest during the period of egg release from the ovaries (see ovulation). If the egg is fertilized, it attaches to the thick endometrial wall of the uterus and begins developing. If the egg
Read More