Histology of Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the role of the ovaries?
Produce gametes (oogenesis in females) Produce steroids, mainly oestrogens and progestons
Describe the structure of an ovary
MEDULLA: loose CT at core of ovary
CORTEX: scattered ovarian follicles in CT stroma covered in outer shell of dense CT and a single layer of cuboidal cells
State the name of the outer shell of the ovarian cortex
Tunica albuginea
State the name for the single layer of cuboidal cells covering the ovarian cortex
Germinal epithelium
Define ‘oogenesis’
Development of oocytes, female germ cells, from oogonia during week 6 of embryonal development
Define ‘folliculogenesis’
Growth of follicle, consisting of oocyte and any associated support cells
Define ‘atresia’
Apoptosis causing loss of oogonia and oocytes
Which stage of meiosis do many oocytes remain in for decades?
Prophase 1
Primary oocytes are closely associated with which structures? How do these structures change over time?
Squamous pregranulosa cells
When the follicle enters growth phase, they become cuboidal (zona granulosa)
As the oocyte enlarges, what forms between the oocyte and granulosa cells?
A layer of extracellular matrix known as the zona pellucida
As the granulosa cell layer proliferates, what happens to the adjacent stromal cells?
Stroma cells or theca folliculi form theca interna cells
What do theca interna cells secrete?
Oestrogen precursors converted to oestrogen by granulosa cells
How does the secondary follicle develop?
Primary follicle enlarges, causing a fluid filled cavity called an antrum to form within the granulosa cell layer
The largest antral follicles are known as…
Graafian follicles
Following completion of meiosis 1, what structures are produced by the division of the oocyte?
Secondary oocyte, similar to the primary oocyte, and a tiny polar body (carries second nucleus for degeneration)
After the 2nd meiosis, what stage does the follicle remain in before ovulation?
Metaphase II
Meiosis is completed after…
Ovulation (oocyte release) and fertilisation by a sperm
After ovulation, what structural forms within the follicle?
Corpus luteum
If there is no implantation, the corpus luteum forms the _________
Corpus albicans
If there is implantation, how is the pregnancy maintained?
Placenta secretes HCG preventing degeneration of the corpus luteum and progesterone levels
Where does fertilisation occur in the female reproductive sytem?
Ampulla of the uterine tube
Where does implantation occur in the female reproductive sytem?
Uterine wall
What type of epithelium is the ampulla of the uterine tube composed of?
Simple columnar epithelium with ciliated and secretory cells
State and describe the three layers of the uterus from inner to outer
Endometrium - tubular secretory glands, embedded in stroma
Myometrium - 3 layers of SM with collagen and elastin
Perimetrium - loose CT covered by mesothelium
The endometrium can be subdivided into…
Stratum functionalis
Stratum basilas
Outline the function of each layer of the endometrium
Stratum functionalis: monthly growth and loss
Stratum basilas: reserve tissue that regenerates SF
Which layer of the endometrium - stratum functionalis
or stratum basilas - thickens during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle?
Stratum basilas
During the secretory phase, what is secreted by the endometrium?
Glyocogen
Which layer of the endometrium - stratum functionalis
or stratum basilas - constricts arterioles during the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle?
Stratum functionalis
What type of epithelium is the cervix composed of?
Short cylinder of fibrous CT covered by SSE projecting into the vagina, transitioning into mucous-secreting columnar epithelium
How does the cervix control the passage of sperm?
Mucous glands secrete thin mucous in proliferative phase for sperm passage which thickens after ovulation
Which area of the cervix is prone to dysplastic change and is a common site of cervical cancer?
Transition zone
State the four layers of the vaginal wall
- Non-keratinised SSE
- Lamina propria (CT)
- Fibromuscular layer
- Adventitia
There is no glands in the vaginal wall. True/ False?
True
Mucous comes from cervical glands
What are the major structures of mons pubis, part of the external genitalia?
Hair follicles
Subcutaenous fat pad
What are the major structures of labia majora, part of the external genitalia?
Apocrine sweat glands
Sebaceous glands
Smooth muscle
Outer hair follicles
Describe the structure of labia minora, part of the external genitalia
Thin skin folds, lack s/cut fat and hair follicles, rich in vasculature and sebaceous glands
Keratinised to level of hymen –> non-keratinesed SSE
Describe the structure of clitoris, part of the external genitalia
Two tubes of erectile vascular tissue, covered by fibrocollagen with rich innervation and thin epidermis
State the name for the two tubes of erectile tissue within the clitoris
Corpa cavernosa
