Question

In uterus, endometrium proliferates in response to
A. Relaxin
B. Oxytocin
C. Progesterone
D. Oestrogen
E. LH

Answer 1

Hint: The endometrium is an epithelial layer that also comprises mucous membrane and is present on the inner side of the mammalian uterus.

Complete Answer:
- The endometrium is made up of columnar epithelium and stroma. The thickness of stroma varies according to the change in hormonal levels. The endometrium becomes thick and rich in blood vessels during the menstrual cycle.
- If fertilization takes place the embryo gets implanted at the endometrium. If fertilization does not take place the endometrium sheds itself. The endometrium is made up of two layers- the functional layer and the basal layer.
- The functional layer is situated close to the uterine cavity and is developed during the beginning of the previous menstrual cycle. It’s proliferation is induced by the hormone oestrogen and later changes in it are brought about by the hormone progesterone.
- This layer provides the appropriate environment for the implantation and growth of the embryo and is completely shed during menstruation. The basal layer is located close to the myometrium and is below the functional layer. This layer is not shed during menstruation. When progesterone is absent the blood vessels in the functional layer constrict, leading to menstruation.

So the correct option is D) Oestrogen.

Note: The endometrium is a very important component of the uterus serving important functions during pregnancy. There are many diseases associated with endometrium that can hinder it’s normal functioning. Few of them are- endometrial cancer, endometriosis, adenomyosis and asherman’s syndrome.