Male & Female Reproductive system

Question 1

Describe the microscopical structures and layers (tunica) of the testis

Answer 1

1- Tunica vaginalis; outer serous membrane with parietal and visceral layers
2- Tunica albuginea; tough fibrous capsule, forms septae dividing the testes into lobules
3- Seminiferous tubules; located within lobules, site of sperm production
4- Rete testis; network of tubules collecting sperm from seminiferous tubules
5- Efferent ducts; transport sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis

Question 2

Describe the microscopical structures and functions of the seminiferous tubules (including Leydig cells, spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells and Myoid cells)

Answer 2

Leydig cells- large polygonal, eosinophilic, lipid droplet containing cells that produce testosterone
Spermatogenic cells- complex stratified epithelium that line seminiferous tubules, regularly replicate and develop into spermatozoa
Sertoli cells- column-shaped cells extending through the full thickness of the seminiferous epithelium, supportive nutrient function
Myoid cells- smooth muscle like cells that support the release and flow of cells

Question 3

Describe the lining of the genital ducts, prostate, seminal vesicles and bulbourethral gland (type of epithelium, type of cells present)

Answer 3

Gential ducts- pseudostratified columnar epithelium, with principal and basal cells
Prostate- simple/ pseudostratified columnar epithelium, with secretory columnar and basal cells
Seminal vesicles- psuedostratifed columnar epithelium, with columnar secretory and some basal cells
Bulbourethral gland- simple cuboidal/ columnar epithelium, with secretory and basal cells

Question 4

Describe the microscopical structure and functions of the layers of the prostate

Answer 4

1- Capsule; dense fibrous connective tissue surrounding the prostate that provides structural support and protection
2- Stroma; loose connective tissue beneath the capsule that provides support for the glandular structures
3- Glandular tissue; numerous small, tub alveolar glands embedded within the stroma
4- Lumen: central cavity of each gland that stores prostatic fluid

Question 5

Describe the microscopical structures of the penis

Answer 5

Tunica Albuginea- dense fibrous connective tissue capsule surrounding the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum
Corpora Cavernosa- paired erectile tissues located dorsally in the penis
Corpus Spongiosum- single erectile tissue surrounding the urethra, located ventrally to the corpora cavernosa

Question 6

Describe the microscopical structures and layers of the ovary

Answer 6

Germinal epithelium- single layer of cuboidal- to- squamous cells
Tunica albuginea- dense connective tissue, covers the cortex
Cortex- contains ovarian follicles embedded in richly cellular connective tissue
Medulla- contains loose connective tissue, large contorted blood vessels, lymphatic blood vessels and nerves

Question 7

Describe the histological changes associated with the maturation of the ovarian follicles

Answer 7

Primordial- squamous follicular cells around oocyte, remain in cortex until they’re activated for development
Primary- cuboidal grnaulosa cells
Secondary- multiple granulosa layers; antrum forms; theca interna/ externa develop

Question 8

Describe the microscopical structures of the corpus luteum

Answer 8

Granulosa and theca cells are found within the collapsed follicle wall
Granulosa lutein cells are large and pale-stainign that secrete progesterone and estrogen
Theca cells are smaller and darker-staining and assist in hormone production

Question 9

Describe the microscopical structures of the corpus albicans

Answer 9

Fibrous scar tissue- replaces degenerated corpus luteum
Collagen- rich stroma- dense connective tissue with few cells
Gradually phagocytosed lutein cells

Question 10

Describe the microscopical structures of the uterine tubes

Answer 10

Mucosa- highly folded, lined by simple columnar epithelium with ciliated and peg cells
Muscularis- 2 smooth muscle layers (inner circular and outer longitudinal)
Serosa- outer layer of visceral peritoneum

Question 11

Describe the microscopical structures and layers of the uterus

Answer 11

Consists of 3 layers:
1- Endometrium which line the uterine cavity
2- Myometrium which is smooth muscle
3- Perimetrium, outer serosal layer

Question 12

Describe the changes to the microscopical structures of the uterine lining during the different phases of the menstrual cycle

Answer 12

Menstrual phase- shedding of stratum
Proliferative phase- regrowth of stratum functional, straight glands, mitotic activity, and dense stroma, stimulated by oestrogen
Secretory phase- glands become coiled and secrete glycogen- rich fluid, edematous stroma and prominent spiral arteries, stimulated by progesterone

Question 13

Describe the microscopical structures and layers of the vagina

Answer 13

3 mucosal layers:
1- Stratified squamous epithelium, 3 different layers distinguishable in the cervix
2- Mucosal layer
3- Muscular layer

Question 14

9. The histological structures of the inactive and lactating mammary glands