andlt;strongandgt;Uterus (early proliferation). andlt;/strongandgt;Colouredscanning electron micrograph (SEM) of theandlt;emandgt;endometriumandlt;/emandgt; (lining) of the human uterusduring the early proliferative stage of themenstrual cycle. The cells of the andlt;emandgt;endometriumandlt;/emandgt;are not clearly defined, but their cilia (lightgreen) and secretory microvilli (blue andamp;amp; darkgreen) can be seen. The uterine lining builds upduring early/late proliferation (the first 14 daysof the cycle) to prepare for pregnancy. Then anegg is released and the lining becomes secretoryto nourish the embryo. If no pregnancy occurs, theandlt;emandgt;endometriumandlt;/emandgt; breaks down at menstruation after28 days. Magnification unknown.
