Histology of the female reproductive system

Question 1

Main organs of the female reproductive system?

Answer 1

Fallopian tubes (uterine tubes)
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina
External genitalia

Question 1

Main 2 functions of the ovary?

Answer 1

Produce gametes (termed oogenesis in females)

Produce steroids, mainly oestrogens and progestogens (mainly progesterone).

Question 2

2 main parts of the ovary?

Answer 2

Medulla
Cortex

Question 3

What is the medulla of the ovary?

Answer 3

forms the core of the organ and contains loose connective tissue, contorted arteries, veins and lymphatics, and is continuous with the hilum of the organ.

Question 4

What is the cortex of the ovary?

Answer 4

has scattered ovarian follicles in a highly cellular connective tissue stroma.

The outer ‘shell’ of the cortex is a dense connective tissue layer called the tunica albuginea.

Tunica albuginea is covered by a single layer of cuboidal cells called the germinal epithelium

Question 5

Medulla contains follicles and connective tissue with stromal cells and scattered smooth muscle fibres. True/false?

Answer 5

False

This is the cortex

The medulla contains highly vascular, connective tissue, nerves, lymphatics

Question 6

Where are the ovarian follicles located and their function?

Answer 6

embedded in the connective tissue (stroma) of the cortical region

to supply the egg with nutrients as well as to release oestrogen.

Question 7

What are oocytes and where are they located?

Answer 7

Located in the ovarian follicles

Functions to fuse with sperm after fertilization, transform into an embryo, then a blastocyst, and undergo a process called implantation where it attaches to the wall of the uterus.

Question 8

most internal part of the ovary?

Answer 8

medullary region

Question 9

What is responsible for the whitish colour of the ovary?

Answer 9

Tunica albuginea

Question 10

What layer lies on top of the tunica albuginea and what cell type does it consist of?

Answer 10

Germinal epithelium consisting of a simple squamous or cuboidal epithelium.

Question 11

What is the stroma composed of?

Answer 11

composed of characteristic spindle-shaped fibroblasts that respond to hormonal stimuli in a different way than do fibroblasts of other organs.

Question 12

A group of helicine arteries enter the hilum from the broad ligament and supply blood to the organ. true/false?

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Oocyte = immature egg/ovum?

Answer 13

Yes

Question 14

Oogenesis definition?

Answer 14

is development of oocytes, the female germ cells, from oogonia.

Question 15

Folliculogenesis definition?

Answer 15

is growth of the follicle, which consists of the oocyte and any associated support cells.

Question 16

As primordial follicles begin to grow, surrounding follicular cells change from flat to cuboidal and proliferate to produce a stratified
epithelium of granulosa cells, and the unit is called a primary follicle.
True/false?

Answer 16

True

Question 17

What are pre-antral follicles?

Answer 17

Pre-antral follicles can be primordial, primary, or secondary

Question 18

What is follicular atresia?

Answer 18

the degeneration and resorption of several follicles and their ovules (a form of apoptosis) prior to the maturation and release of one ovule from a healthy follicle.

Question 19

What are antral follicles?

Answer 19

Antral follicles can be secondary or mature graafian follicles.

Question 20

Pre-antral phase of follicular development is Gn dependant. true/false?

Answer 20

False

Pre-antral phase = gonadotrophin (Gn) independent growth

Antral phase = gonadotrophin (Gn) dependant growth

Question 21

that if the oocyte fails to associate with pregranulosa cells (follicle cells), it will die.
True/false?

Answer 21

True

Question 22

The primordial follicles are the basic reproductive units at puberty. true/false?

Answer 22

true

Question 23

Formation of corpeus luteum?

Answer 23

After ovulation the follicle transforms into a corpus luteum with the theca and granulosa cells secreting oestrogens and progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus for implantation.

Assuming no implantation occurs, it will become a white coloured connective tissue called the corpus albicans.

If implantation occurs, the placenta secretes HCG which prevents degeneration of the corpus luteum for a time and so maintains progesterone levels, which in turn maintains the pregnancy hence why B-HCG is raised in pregnancy

Question 24

How does the ovum travel through the fallopian tube?

Answer 24

The ovum moves down the tube propelled by gentle peristalsis and currents created by the ciliated epithelium.

Question 25

Purpose of secretory cells in the epithelium?

Answer 25

secrete nutrients

Question 26

Location of fertilisation and insertion?

Answer 26

Fertilization usually occurs in the ampulla and the fertilized ovum is then transported to the uterus for implantation

Question 27

Surface and components of ampulla of fallopian tube?

Answer 27

The mucosa is highly folded and lined by simple columnar epithelium with ciliated cells and secretory cells. This is surrounded by smooth muscle (SM).

Question 28

What is the endometrium divided into?

Answer 28

Stratum Functionalis (F) which undergoes monthly growth, degeneration and loss.

Stratum Basalis (B) which is a reserve tissue that regenerates the functionalis.

Stratum basalis is deeper than the stratum functionalis

Question 29

What is the cervix?

Answer 29

short cylinder with a small lumen that projects into the upper vagina.

Question 30

Types of cells in the cervix?

Answer 30

It is mostly fibrous connective tissue covered by stratified squamous epithelium on its vaginal surface, but transitioning to mucous secreting simple columnar epithelium.

Question 31

This transition zone is a common site of dysplasia, and neoplastic changes leading to cervical cancer. true/false?

Answer 31

True

Question 32

What are endocervical glands?

Answer 32

The mucous secreting epithelium of the canal is deeply furrowed, forming what appear to be glands called endocervical glands

Question 33

Name used when endocervical gland output is blocked causing glands to expand with secretions

Answer 33

Nabothian cyst

Question 34

4 layers of the vagina?

Answer 34

Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. During reproductive years, this layer is thicker and cells are enlarged due to glycogen accumulation.

Lamina propria: connective tissue rich in elastic fibres and thin-walled blood vessels.

Fibromuscular layer: inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle.

Adventitia

Question 35

There are glands in the wall of the vagina. true/false?

Answer 35

false

it is lubricated by mucous from the cervical glands and fluid from the thin walled blood vessels of the lamina propria.

Question 36

What is the mons pubis?

Answer 36

Skin which contains highly oblique hair follicles (produce coarse, very curly hair characteristic of pubic hair), overlying a substantial subcutaneous fat pad, which itself overlies the pubic symphysis.