During the secretory phase, the endometrium is best described as which morphology?

During the secretory phase, the endometrium is best described as which morphology?

• A. Thin and Proliferative
• B. Thickened and Glandular
• C. Sloughing and Irregular
• D. Atrophic

Answer: (B)

During the secretory phase, progesterone from the corpus luteum drives the endometrium to mature for potential implantation. The stroma becomes edematous and the glands enlarge and become more tortuous and secretory, producing mucus and glycogen. This combination results in a endometrium that is thicker and more glandular on imaging, which is why thickened and glandular best describes this phase. By contrast, a thin, proliferative lining reflects estrogen-driven growth before ovulation, shedding corresponds to menses, and an atrophic lining is typical of postmenopause.

During the secretory phase, progesterone from the corpus luteum drives the endometrium to mature for potential implantation. The stroma becomes edematous and the glands enlarge and become more tortuous and secretory, producing mucus and glycogen. This combination results in a endometrium that is thicker and more glandular on imaging, which is why thickened and glandular best describes this phase. By contrast, a thin, proliferative lining reflects estrogen-driven growth before ovulation, shedding corresponds to menses, and an atrophic lining is typical of postmenopause.