Histology of the female reproductive tract

Question 1

At what stage in development do germ cells from the yolk sac invade the ovaries and begin to proliferate?

Answer 1

Week 6

Question 2

What is oogenesis?

Answer 2

The development of oocytes from oogonia

Question 3

What is folliculogenesis?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Before birth; at what stage does meiosis halt?

Answer 4

Prophase 1

Question 5

At what stage is meiosis halted prior to fertilisation?

Answer 5

Metaphase 2

Question 6

What type of cells in the ovary are responsible for the production of oestrogen?

Answer 6

Theca cells

Question 7

Where in the fallopian tube does fertilisation occur?

Answer 7

Ampulla

Question 8

What kind of mucosa lines the ampulla of the uterine tube?

Answer 8

Simple columnar epithelium with ciliated and secretory cells. this is surrounded by a layer of smooth muscle.

Question 9

What is epithelium of the isthmus of the fallopian tube?

Answer 9

Secretory with a few ciliated cells.

Question 10

What are the two types of tissue in the endometrium and what is their function?

Answer 10

1. Stratum Functionalis: This undergoes monthly growth, degeneration and loss
2. Stratum Basalis: This is reserve tissue that regenerates the functionalis.

Question 11

What name is given to the part of the endometrium that undergoes monthly growth, degeneration and loss?

Answer 11

Stratum Functionalis

Question 12

What is the name given to the part of the endometrium that acts as a reserve tissue that regenerates the functionalis?

Answer 12

Stratum Basalis

Question 13

What do the glands secrete during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 13

Glycogen

Question 14

What happens to cause the shedding of the lining in the uterus? (On a histological level)

Answer 14

Arterioles in the functionalis undergo constriction; depriving the tissue of blood and causing ischaemia.

Question 15

What is the most common part of the cervix to undergo neoplastic change?

Answer 15

Transition zone

Question 16

Describe the two parts of the epithelium of the cervix.

Answer 16

On the vaginal side; stratified squamous spithelium

Mucous secreting simple columnar epithelium

Question 17

What glands secrete cervical mucus?

Answer 17

Endocervical glands

Question 18

At what time in the menstrual cycle in cervical mucous thin and watery?

Answer 18

Proliferative (to allow passage of sperm)

Question 19

At what time in the menstrual cycle is cervical mucous thick and viscous?

Answer 19

Following ovulation (to prevent the passage of sperm and microorganisms)

Question 20

Describe the four histological layers of the vagina

Answer 20

1. Non keratinised stratified squamous epithelium
2. Lamina Propria
3. Fibromuscular layer
4. Adventitia

Question 21

Are there glands in the vagina?

Answer 21

No. It is lubricated by mucous from the cervical glands.

Question 22

Describe the histology of the clitoris?

Answer 22

Two tubes of erectile vascular tissue covered by a fibrocollagenous sheath covered by skin with a rich innervation and a thin epidermis.

Question 23

What is the epithelium of the hymen?

Answer 23

Non keratinised stratified squamous epithelium.