The Nikon MicroscopyU confocal microscopy image gallery was created with a PCM-2000 confocal scanning system interfaced to a Nikon Eclipse E600 upright microscope. Images were recorded in successive z-axis serial sections with C-Imaging Systems software with excitation illumination provided by an argon-ion and/or a helium-neon laser.

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Back to the first confocal sequence of human uterus.

From "whence we came" could certainly apply to the human uterus or womb, the muscular, pear-shaped organ of female reproduction. The human uterus is a specialized organ designed for containing and nourishing a developing embryo from implantation to birth. If fertilization of the egg or ovum occurs, the epithelial lining of the uterus undergoes physiological changes that make it hospitable for the attachment and nurturing of the early embryo. The muscular and elastic elements of the uterus are built for expansion to accommodate the growing fetus and for expulsion of the new baby at birth.

A uterus that has not experienced pregnancy is about 8 centimeters in length and approximately 5 centimeters in width. The uterine cavity is triangular in shape and is widest at the fundus where the Fallopian tubes enter and narrowest at the cervix leading to the vagina. The Fallopian tubes connect the pair of ovaries to the uterus and allow the ripened eggs to move into position for successful fertilization.

The uterus is composed of three layers: the outer perimetrium, composed of connective tissue; the thick smooth muscle and elastic tissue of the myometrium in the center; and the mucosal epithelial lining called the endometrium. Functionally, the endometrium can be divided into two zones: the functionalis which is built up and sloughed monthly during menstruation; and the basalis which consists of the epithelium and glandular elements, which remain and supply the replicative cells to generate the next month's functionalis tissue.

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, closely matching the lunar cycle, starting at the age of 12 to 15 and continuing until menopause (approximately age 45-50). Problems may occur in the human uterus including cancer, endometritis, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and hormonal imbalances that may affect a woman's ability to bear children or could threaten her life. Regular gynecological check-ups can lead to medical treatment before these problems become serious.