Spiral artery
(Redirected fromSpiral arteries)
Spiral arteriesare small arteries which temporarily supply blood to theendometriumof theuterusduring theluteal phaseof themenstrual cycle.
Inhistology,identifying the presence of these arteries is one of the most useful techniques in identifying the phase of the cycle.
The spiral arteries are converted for uteroplacental blood flow during pregnancy, involving:
- Loss of smooth muscle andelastic laminafrom the vessel wall.
- 5-10 fold dilation at the mouth of the vessel.
Failure of the physiological conversion of the spiral arteries can cause a number of complications, includingintrauterine growth restrictionandpre-eclampsia.[2]
References
[edit]- ^Robertson, W. B. (1976)."Uteroplacental vasculature".Journal of Clinical Pathology.29:9–17.doi:10.1136/jcp.29.Suppl_10.9.PMC1347148.PMID1085779.
- ^Burton GJ, Woods AW, Jauniaux E, Kingdom JC (June 2009)."Rheological and physiological consequences of conversion of the maternal spiral arteries for uteroplacental blood flow during human pregnancy".Placenta.30(6): 473–82.doi:10.1016/j.placenta.2009.02.009.PMC2697319.PMID19375795.
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