Block 10 - Histology 1, 2, 3 Flashcards
On a section of ovarian cortex, how do the stroma and follicles appear?
The follicles are small circular structures embedded in the stroma.
What lines the ovarian cortex?
Mesothelium (aka germinal epithelium)
List the stages of the ovarian follicle.
- Primoridal follicle
- Primary follicle
- Secondary follicle
- Graafian follicle
What is the difference between a primoridal and primary ovarian follicle?
Primordial - prior to puberty
Primary - after puberty
Describe the structure of a primary ovarian follicle.
Primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of squamous (granulosa) cells embedded in ovarian stroma
Describe the structure of a secondary ovarian follicle.
Increased thickness of granulosa cells and formation of the theca folliculi (stroma cells around the follicle)
Describe the structure of a mature Graafian (pre-ovulatory) follicle.
- Large antrum filled with fluid (liquor folliculi)
- Granulosa cells directly surround the oocyte
- Just prior to release, the oocyte resumes meiosis and then arrests as a secondary oocyte
The mature Graafian follicle releases the oocyte in response to what signal?
LH surge
What is the corona radiata?
Granulosa cells that directly surround the oocyte in a mature Graafian follicle
What is the corpus luteum?
A hormone-secreting structure that develops in an ovary (from the remaining wall of the Graafian follicle) after an ovum has been discharged but degenerates after a few days unless pregnancy has begun.
Describe the structure of the corpus luteum.
The wall is folded and contains granulosa lutein cells (derived from granulosa cells).
What do granulosa cells secrete?
Progesterone
In the absence of fertilization, the corpus luteum degenerates, decreases in size, and forms the ___.
Corpus albicans
Describe the structure and appearance of the corpus albicans on H&E.
Dense connective tissue; appears as an amorphous pink blob
What are the fallopian tubes?
Two open-ended tubes that receive the ovum and provide the ideal environment for fertilization
Fertilization occurs most often in the ___.
Ampulla
The wall of the fallopian tubes is composed of what three layers?
- Mucosa
- Muscularis layer
- Serosal layer
What cells make up the mucosa of the fallopian tubes?
- Ciliated cells
2. Secretory (peg) cells
What is the role of the ciliated cells of the fallopian tubes?
Help sweep the oocyte towards the uterus
What is the role of the non-ciliated peg cells of the fallopian tubes?
Produce secretions to promote the oocyte and promote fertilization
What is the uterus?
Relatively large organ between the fallopian tubes and the vagina that functions as the site of implanatation and placentation
What are the three anatomic regions of the uterus?
- Fundus
- Body
- Cervix
What are the three layers of the uterus?
- Endometrium
- Myometrium
- Serosa
What are the two layers of the endometrium of the utuers?
- Functionalis
2. Basalis
What is the function of the functionalis of the endometrium?
Gland near the lumen that responds to hormones; shed during menstruation
What is the function of the basalis of the endometrium?
Produces new cells to replace the endometrium that was shed during menstruation
Describe the major changes of the endometrium through the menstrual cycle.
- Menstruation
- Proliferative phase (endometrium is growing + follicle is developing into a Graafian follicle)
- Ovulation (oocyte released)
- Secretory phase (glands prepare for implanation)
- Corpus luteus forms and regresses if implantation does not occur
Describe the appearance of the endometrium during the proliferative phase.
- Early post-menstrual phase - sparse glands, predominant basalis
- Early proliferative - endometrium thicker under the influence of estrogen, glands are straight and thin
- Lateral proliferative - darker more compact basal layer
Describe the appearance of the endometrium during the secretory phase.
Glands become tortuous and more curvilinear under the effect of progesterone; mucoid secretions are stored within the glands, pending a possible embryo implantation