Female Histology 6

Question 1

What are the layers of the vagina?

Answer 1

• mucosa
• muscularis
• adventitia
• **retroperitoneal so no serosa

Question 2

Describe the general histology of the vagina.

Answer 2

• Epithelium is non-keratinized, stratified squamous
  
  • cells swell with glycogen in response to rising estrogen levels
  • glycogen washes out during preparation to give cells a washed-out appearance
  • Distinctive appearance with pyknotic (small and condensed) nuclei
• Lamina propria is loose connective tissue with an extensive network of veins
• No glands and little sensory innervation
  
  • what appears to be glands are interconnected venous channels
  • function similar to erectile tissue
  • during arousal, fluid passes from epithelium into vaginal lumen

Question 3

Describe the histological features of cervical cancer found in PAP smears.

Answer 3

• slow-growing tumors found near epithelial transition zone
• cancer cell nuclei enlarge, beginning in deeper layers
• often see many neutrophils