Chambers for storing the knives that were used to slaughter the offerings were located on both sides of the Ulam. In the Ulam there were two tables, one of marble and one of gold, which facilitated the changing of the showbread loaves on the Sabbath. The new loaves of showbread were placed on the marble table before Shabbat, before being transferred to the Table of the Showbread in the Kodesh. The outgoing loaves that were removed from the Showbread Table were first placed on the golden table, and afterwards they were distributed to the priests. (Sources: Midot 3:7; Menahot: 11:7; Shkalim 6:4). 
The Ulam Steps
Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII