9) Histology of Reproductive Tracts Flashcards
Describe the epithelium of the testis:
Stratified squamous with Sertoli and germ cells
Describe the location and function of Sertoli cells:
Fixed to BM and form blood-testis barrier to protect gametes from systemic environment
Describe the layers in the testis:
Epithelium of seminiferous tubule,inner BM, surrounded by layer of CT with flattened myofibroblasts
When do testicular tumours commonly present?
In early life (15-49)
What types of tumours can affect the testis?
Germ cell tumours (seminoma)
Can also have teratoma and embryological carcinoma
What is the epithelium of the rete testis?
Simple cuboidal epithelium
What is the epithelium of the ductus efferents?
Scalloped epithelium - cuboidal and columnar cells
What microscopic structures allow sperm transport in the ductus efferents?
Cilia and myoid contraction
Describe the layers of the epididymis:
Pseudostratified epithelium - basal and principal cells (stereocilia)
Smooth muscle layer
Describe the layers of the vas deferens:
Pseudostratified columnar, 3 layers of SM (longitudinal, circular, longitudinal)
What is the epithelium of the seminal vesicle?
Secretory epithelium, ranging from simple columnar to pseudostratified
What allows secretion of contents of seminal vesicle?
SM (IC, OL) in lamina propria and sympathetic innervation
Describe the layers of the prostate gland:
Cuboidal, columnar or pseudostratified epithelium
Fibromuscular stroma
What are the zones of the prostate?
What pathologies can occur in these zones?
Central, transition and peripheral zone
Transition = BPH
Peripheral = prostatic adenocarcinoma
What is the epithelium of the ovary?
Simple squamous to cuboidal epithelium
Where are the majority of ovarian tumours and what predisposes this?
90% due to epithelium due to continuous rupture and repair leading to carcinogenesis
How is the oocyte attached to the granulosa cells of the mature follicle?
Cumulus oophorus and corona radiata
What are the sections of the uterine tube?
Fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus
What is the epithelium of the uterine tube?
Simple columnar which can be ciliated
What are infections of the uterine tube called?
Salpingitis
What are the two sections of endometrium?
Stratum functionalis and basalis
What can the stratum functionalis be split into?
Stratum spongiosum (loose glands) and stratum compactum (by lumen)
How does stratum functionalis change over the menstrual cycle?
Grows under influence of oestrogen
Coiled glands in secretory stage due to progesterone
‘Saw tooth’ appearance in late secretory
What are the different epithelial lined parts of cervix? What junction splits them?
Endocervical canal - mucus secreting simple columnar
Ectocervix - non-keratinized stratified squamous
Describe the structure of the vagina:
Glycogen producing non-keratinized strat squamous
Submucosa
Adventitia
What are the majority of breast cancers?
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Describe breast tissue:
Single lactiferous duct opens from multiple lobes
Describe inactive breast tissue:
Limited development of duct-alveolar system
Dense fibrous interlobular tissue
Describe active breast tissue:
Highly developed with milk secretions in alveolar lumen
Interlobular tissue reduced to thin septa
