1. Pathology of the Female Repro Tract

Question 1

Histology of the Vulva and Vagina

Answer 1

Stratified Squamous epithelium

Question 2

How does the vagina change during puberty?

Answer 2

Rise in oestrogen from ovary -stimulates maturation of squamous cells

Glycogen is formed within mature squamous epithelial cells

Glycogen in cells shed from the surface is a substrate for vaginal anaerobic organisms (dominated by lactobacilli)

Lactobacilli produce lactic acid - vaginal pH <4.5

Question 3

Histology of ectocervix

Answer 3

stratified squamous epithelium

Question 4

Histology of endocervix

Answer 4

Single layer of tall, mucin producing columnar cells

Question 5

Formation of the transformation zone

Answer 5

During puberty the cervix changes shape
The lips of the cervix grow
The distal end of the endocervix opens
Endocervical mucosa becomes exposed to the vaginal environment

Question 6

Histology of endometrium in the proliferative phase before ovulation

Answer 6

Tubular glands
Specialised stroma
Blood vessels

Mitoses in glands

Question 7

Histology of endometrium in the secretory phase after ovulation

Answer 7

Cork screw glands
Specialised stroma
Blood vessels

Secretions in glands

Question 8

What is a fibroid?

Answer 8

Leiomyoma of the myometrium

• benign neoplasm of smooth muscle
• localised
• slow growing
• closely resembles parent tissue

Question 9

What is the difference between carcinoma and dysplasia?

Answer 9

invasion through basement membrane

Question 10

High risk HPV

Answer 10

16, 18

Question 11

Low risk HPV

Answer 11

6,11