PROLIFERATIVE/FOLLICULAR/PREOVULATORY PHASE

• Starts at the end of menstrual phase

• Lasts from 5th/6th day to 14th day of cycle

Ovarian events:• Maturation of follicles

• Till ovulation

DEVELOPMENT OF FOLLICLE

Endometrial events:

Estrogenic phase

Proliferation of all elements

Glands

Tubular

lie perpendicular to surface

Lined by columnar epithelium with nuclei at base with evident mitoses and epithelium of 1 gland is continuous with another

Stromal cells Spindle shaped

Evidences of mitoses

Compact with expansion of stromal ground substance

Blood vessels

Spiral arteries

Evidence of sub epithelial congestion

Later stages intense vascularity with more coiled and spiral arteries

Thickness

3.5-5mm

Phase ends with ovulation of secondary oocyte