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Normal Myometrium (Low power)
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Normal Myometrium (Low power)

This low power view of the myometrium shows interlacing bundles of smooth muscle cells.
The nuclei are spindly with blunt tips.
The cells stain with desmin and smooth muscle actin.
(Description By:Melinda Sanders, M.D. )
(Image Contrib. by:Melinda Sanders, M.D. UCHC )
Normal Myometrium
Etiology

Not applicable.
Pathogenesis

Not applicable.,
Epidemiology

Not applicable.
General Gross Description

Muscular wall varying in thickness dependent on patient's age and gravidity
Tan, firm and rubbery
General Microscopic Description

Composed of smooth muscle cells in interweaving fascicles.
Collagen and elastin are also present but most prominent in the cervix which has a much less muscular stroma.
In labor the myometrium contracts to passively dilate the cervix which has had collagen and elastin digestion by collagenase and elastase.
Clinical Correlation

Not applicable.
References

Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th ed. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 1034-1035.
Normal Myometrium
Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T85000M00100)[262]
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