Sobana D over 7 years ago

Characteristic pattern of fern formation seen during estrogenic phase of menstrual cycle

A specimen of cervical mucus obtained using platinum loop or a pipette is spread on a clean glass slide and allowed to dry. When viewed under a low power microscope, it shows this fern pattern. This disappears after ovulation. Ferning is due to presence of sodium chloride in the mucus secreted under the activity of estrogen.