9) Histology of Reproductive Tracts

Question 1

Describe the epithelium of the testis:

Answer 1

Stratified squamous with Sertoli and germ cells

Question 2

Describe the location and function of Sertoli cells:

Answer 2

Fixed to BM and form blood-testis barrier to protect gametes from systemic environment

Question 3

Describe the layers in the testis:

Answer 3

Epithelium of seminiferous tubule,inner BM, surrounded by layer of CT with flattened myofibroblasts

Question 4

When do testicular tumours commonly present?

Answer 4

In early life (15-49)

Question 5

What types of tumours can affect the testis?

Answer 5

Germ cell tumours (seminoma)

Can also have teratoma and embryological carcinoma

Question 6

What is the epithelium of the rete testis?

Answer 6

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Question 7

What is the epithelium of the ductus efferents?

Answer 7

Scalloped epithelium - cuboidal and columnar cells

Question 8

What microscopic structures allow sperm transport in the ductus efferents?

Answer 8

Cilia and myoid contraction

Question 9

Describe the layers of the epididymis:

Answer 9

Pseudostratified epithelium - basal and principal cells (stereocilia)
Smooth muscle layer

Question 10

Describe the layers of the vas deferens:

Answer 10

Pseudostratified columnar, 3 layers of SM (longitudinal, circular, longitudinal)

Question 11

What is the epithelium of the seminal vesicle?

Answer 11

Secretory epithelium, ranging from simple columnar to pseudostratified

Question 12

What allows secretion of contents of seminal vesicle?

Answer 12

SM (IC, OL) in lamina propria and sympathetic innervation

Question 13

Describe the layers of the prostate gland:

Answer 13

Cuboidal, columnar or pseudostratified epithelium

Fibromuscular stroma

Question 14

What are the zones of the prostate?

What pathologies can occur in these zones?

Answer 14

Central, transition and peripheral zone
Transition = BPH
Peripheral = prostatic adenocarcinoma

Question 15

What is the epithelium of the ovary?

Answer 15

Simple squamous to cuboidal epithelium

Question 16

Where are the majority of ovarian tumours and what predisposes this?

Answer 16

90% due to epithelium due to continuous rupture and repair leading to carcinogenesis

Question 17

How is the oocyte attached to the granulosa cells of the mature follicle?

Answer 17

Cumulus oophorus and corona radiata

Question 18

What are the sections of the uterine tube?

Answer 18

Fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus

Question 19

What is the epithelium of the uterine tube?

Answer 19

Simple columnar which can be ciliated

Question 20

What are infections of the uterine tube called?

Answer 20

Salpingitis

Question 21

What are the two sections of endometrium?

Answer 21

Stratum functionalis and basalis

Question 22

What can the stratum functionalis be split into?

Answer 22

Stratum spongiosum (loose glands) and stratum compactum (by lumen)

Question 23

How does stratum functionalis change over the menstrual cycle?

Answer 23

Grows under influence of oestrogen
Coiled glands in secretory stage due to progesterone
‘Saw tooth’ appearance in late secretory

Question 24

What are the different epithelial lined parts of cervix? What junction splits them?

Answer 24

Endocervical canal - mucus secreting simple columnar

Ectocervix - non-keratinized stratified squamous

Question 25

Describe the structure of the vagina:

Answer 25

Glycogen producing non-keratinized strat squamous
Submucosa
Adventitia

Question 26

What are the majority of breast cancers?

Answer 26

Infiltrating ductal carcinoma

Question 27

Describe breast tissue:

Answer 27

Single lactiferous duct opens from multiple lobes

Question 28

Describe inactive breast tissue:

Answer 28

Limited development of duct-alveolar system

Dense fibrous interlobular tissue

Question 29

Describe active breast tissue:

Answer 29

Highly developed with milk secretions in alveolar lumen

Interlobular tissue reduced to thin septa