Question

Name the functions of the endometrium.

Answer 1

Hint: The endometrium is the innermost glandular layer of the mammalian uterus. The layer breaks and renews itself every month if the female does not get pregnant which is termed as menstruation cycle. It remains if fertilisation occurs.

Complete answer:
It is made of a single layer of columnar epithelium, it contains an abundant supply of blood; it grows thick and becomes rich in blood vessels to provide favorable conditions for the zygote’s implantation and persist throughout the gestation period if pregnant. Menstrual cycle of a female is the result of the breakdown of this layer as fertilization does not occur.
Functions of the endometrium-
-It prevents adhesion between opposite myometriums.
-It maintains the patency of the uterine cavity.
-It provides nourishment to the developing embryo.
-It is this site for implantation of the blastocyst.
Structure of Endometrium-
It consists of two layers: stratum basalis, the basal layer, and the stratum functionalis or the functional layer.
-The stratum basalis is close to the myometrium and gives rise to stratum functionalis; it does not shed during menstruation.
-The stratum functionalis is near to the uterine cavity and is shed off during menstruation. It develops from stratum basalis.
It undergoes cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle. If fertilization does not take place, then the endometrial wall is shed off, but if the fertilization occurs, it implants the zygote and provides nourishment.

                                                                 Layers of uterus


Note:
The fertilized ovum becomes an embryo and attaches to a wall of the uterus, creates a placenta, and develops into a foetus followed by childbirth. The uterus consists of three layers. The outermost layer is called the perimetrium; the middle muscular layer is called the myometrium, which makes the uterine wall bulky.