Structure and function of endometrial blood vessels.
The endometrial blood vessels form a vascular bed with a number of unusual properties. Unlike most adult vasculature these blood vessels undergo constant cycles of growth and regression during the reproductive life of the female. This short review covers a number of different aspects relating to endometrial vascular structure and function during endometrial growth, implantation, endometrial regression and menstruation. Video footage from in-vivo microscopy of the rat endometrial subepithelial capillary plexus on the morning of day 6 of pregnancy is included in the CD-ROM. This shows the dramatic changes that occur to the endometrial capillaries at the time of embryo implantation.
Rogers
P A
PA
Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. peter.rogers@med.monash.edu.au
D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004717:Endometrium / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation; D011247:Pregnancy