Female Histology Flashcards
Order of female follicle types
- primordial follicle (thin outer layer)
- primary follicle (single granulosa layer)
- secondary follicle (pieces of antrum)
- mature/Graafian follicles (confluent antrum)
Primordial follicles
cell stage
1˚ oocyte
prophase I
Histology of primordial follicles
distinct nucleolus
1˚ follicles
cell stage
1˚ oocyte
prophase I
2˚ follicles
cell stage
1˚ oocyte
prophase I
What signals final maturation of Graafian follicles
LH
1˚ oocyte –> 2˚ oocyte
2˚ oocyte arrested in metaphase II
2˚ oocyte arrested in which phase
metaphase II
until comes in contact with sperm
Difference between 2˚ follicles and Graafian follicles
2˚ follicle: non-confluent antrum
Graafian: confluent antrum
How/where are androgens produced in follicles
LH stimulates thecal growth and androgen production
granulosa cells convert androgen –> estrogen via aromatase
Corpus luteum
temporary structure after oocyte expelled
releases estrogen and progesterone via LH stimulation
How long does the corpus leuteum last in the case of pregnancy
first trimester
hCG stimulates LH receptors on corpus leuteum to produce androgens
converted by granulosa cells to estrogen via aromatase
How long does corpus leuteum last in case of non-pregnancy
14 days (leuteal phase is always about 2 weeks, follicular phase varies among individuals)
Which hormone is responsible for repair of the uterus after menstruation
estrogen
Inhibin is produced by
and controls
FSH loop
Inhibin b is actually important in women
why
keeps FSH at near normal levels during LH spike
after estrogen spike causes LH spike
Two cell types lining fallopian tubes
Peg cells: secrete mucus
ciliated: transfer cells
Two layers of endometrium
basal: does not shed
functional: deep spongy w/ edema and glands, superficial
Types of vessels in:
basal endometrium
functional endometrium
basal: straight vessels
functional: tortuous vessels
How many layers of sm muscle in myometrium
3
Epithelium in cervix
inner: simple columnar
outer: stratified squamous
* abrupt transition zone is where most cervical cancers are
Epithelium in vagina
stratified squamous non-keratinizing
What is the interesting thing stored in vaginal epithelium
glycogen!
when it is shed, metabolized by vaginal bacteria to make acidic environment
prevents other infections
Function of glycogen in vagina
cells storing glycogen are shed into vagina
glycogen is metabolized to lactate to make acidic environment
prevents colonization by other bacteria
