File:Human uterine tube ciliated epithelium SEM.jpg

Human Uterine Tube Ciliated Epithelium SEM

Uterine epithelial cilia are responsible for the initial movement of the ooycte and conceptus (zygote, morula, blastocyst). In humans, this is during the first week of development. Uterine epithelial microvilli are involved with the implantation process. Hormones (estrogen and progesterone) regulate both cilia and microvilli.

The differences in size and shape of cilia and microvilli are well illustrated by scanning micrographs of the lumenal surface of the epithelium lining the mammalian oviduct.

• The tufts of cilia associated with individual ciliated cells project several microns above the convex apices of nonciliated cells covered with short microvilli.
• The number of ciliated cells in this epithelium is under hormonal control by estrogens.

Links: Implantation | Menstrual Cycle | Week 1 | Uterus Development

Reference

Don W. Fawcett M.D. The Cell Chapter 13 (Cilia and Flagella) Figure 316.

Copyright

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Original file name: 11618.jpg http://www.cellimagelibrary.org/images/11618

NCBI Organism Classification: Homo sapiens

Cell Type: ciliated epithelial cell, oviduct epithielial cell

Cellular Component: cilium, microvillus