What is the inner layer of the uterus called?

The inner layer of the uterus is known as the endometrium. This layer plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy. It is the tissue that sheds during menstruation if no fertilization occurs. If a fertilized egg implants, the endometrium provides the necessary environment for the developing embryo, supporting early stages of pregnancy by providing nutrients and a suitable environment.

On the other hand, the myometrium is the thick muscular layer of the uterus that is responsible for contractions during childbirth. The perimetrium is the outermost layer that provides an outer covering around the uterus. The placenta, while it plays an essential role during pregnancy, is an organ that develops in the uterus but is not a layer of the uterus itself.

Understanding these layers is fundamental in the field of gynecology and reproductive health, particularly in contexts such as menstrual disorders, pregnancy complications, and uterine pathologies.