Journal of anatomy

The superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) and hypogastric nerves (HN) are components of the autonomic nervous system required for sympathetic regulation of the pelvic viscera. Despite their functional importance, the three-dimensional (3D) dist…

Serosal membranes contain secondary lymphoid structures that monitor body cavity fluid and can initiate immune responses. While serosa-associated lymphoid clusters (SALCs) of the omental peritoneum (also known as milky spots) are well studi…

Contractions of the uterus play an important role in menstruation and fertility, and contractile dysfunction can lead to chronic diseases such as endometriosis. However, the structure and function of the uterus are difficult to interrogate …

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to observe and quantitatively analyze the morphology and distribution of uterine nerve fibers using fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST). The goal was to provide an accurate morphologica…

Novel regenerative strategies, stem cell-based therapies or the development of advanced human cell-based in vitro-manufactured preclinical test systems offer great potential to generate advances in clinical practice in the field of women's …

Cell adhesion in endometrial epithelium is regulated to maintain the continuity and protectiveness of the luminal covering cell layer while permitting interstitial implantation of the embryo during a restricted period of about 4 days. Many …

The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS or Mirena®) is an efficient contraceptive device which also brings about a profound reduction in menstrual blood loss. It is therefore a recognised treatment for menorrhagia. A common cause of…

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a heparin-binding growth factor known to act directly on vascular endothelial cells by promoting cell proliferation and permeability. To date, 3 structurally related cell surface receptors for VE…

The human ovarian vein is of particular interest as an adult vessel which changes with the different phases of reproductive life. At the ultrastructural level we have characterised the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle and autonomic inner…

Ultrastructurally, three possible pathways of capillary permeability were observed during the ovulatory process in rabbit ovarian follicles treated with human chorionic gonadotrophin: namely, pinocytotic vesicles, fenestrations, and interen…