Female Repro Histology Flashcards
What happens to the ovary at menopause
Reduced function - reduced response to pituitary hormones, reduced hormone production
Which ligaments stabilise the ovary
Ovarian and suspensory ligaments
T/F The follicles are found in the medulla of the ovary
False, they are found in the cortex. Medulla is largely connective tissue and blood vessels
What cells are found in the cortical stroma?
highly cellular connective tissue
scattered smooth muscle cells
oocytes
Why is there scar tissue at the ovary cortex
scar tissue is made due to ovulation (tear due to oocyte)
What layers are found superficial to the ovarian cortex
single layer of epithelium on the outside, followed by tunica albuginea
What cells surround the primordial oocyte
squamous follicle cells surrounded by common basal lamina (type IV collagen)
T/F Meiosis has already begun in a primordial oocyte
True, it is arrested in the prophase of meiosis 1
T/F zona pellucida sits superficial to the follicle cells
False, they sit between the oocyte and the follicle cells
Which cell matures into granulosa cell?
follicular cells
What’s stratum granulosum
multilayered, cuboidal granulosa cells
T/F Theca cells sit superficial to the granulosa cells
True
Which cells mature into theca cells?
the outer stromal cells
What is the antrum of the secondary oocyte?
it’s a fluid filled cavity that surrounds the oocyte
What is the cumulus oophorus
a stalk of granulosa cells that suspend the oocyte in the antrum
What is the corona radiata?
granulosa cell layer surround the oocyte after ovulation
What is the name given to a mature follicle?
Graafian follicle
How is corpus luteum formed?
after ovulation, stromal, granulosa and thecal cells invade the inner cavity and differentiate into luteal cells, forming the CL
What is involution
atrophy with time
What are the three layers of fallopian tube?
outer serosa, middle smooth muscle muscularis and inner mucosa
Why is the fallopian tube epithelium ciliated?
It can beat the peritoneal fluid and move the oocyte
How is isthmus structurally different to ampulla
it has more smooth muscle and less mucosal lining
How does the oocyte get nutrients when moving down the fallopian tube?
epithelium secrets fluid that provides nutrients
What are the three layers of uterine wall?
outer perimetrium
middle myometrium
inner endometrium
How many layers of smooth muscle can be found in the myometrium
three: inner and outer longitudinal muscle, with a middle circular layer
T/F The thickened wall regress after pregnancy
False, the thickened wall is retained after first pregnancy
T/F The entire endometrial is covered by ciliated simple epithelium
False, there are spots of non-ciliated, secretory columnar cells connective to glands
How far does the secretory gland extend in the endometrium
penetrates into lamina propria
What artery supplies the endometrial mucosa
helical arteries from the myometrium
How does the endometrium change microscopically from proliferative to secretory phase
glands enlarge, and secretion accumulates
epithelial, stromal and vascular cells proliferate
What is the main function of the cervix
acts as a barrier to isolate the fetus to the outside world
What are the two parts of the cervix
endocervix
ectocervix
What cell type lines the endocervix
simple columnar epithelium
glandular cells
Does the endocervix respond to hormone?
yes, the secretion can change its nature. During ovulation, it’s watery, while other time it is thick and acts as a plug
What cell type lines the ectocervix
stratified squamous cells
non-secretory, non-glandular
Which part of the cervix is prone to malignancy
the ectocervix, and it sheds cells and is a layer that’s constantly proliferating
What cell types line the vagina
stratified squamous with erectile lamina propria
T/F The longitudinal uterine muscles extend down to as far as the vagina
True
Which glands lubricate the vagina?
cervical glands and glands of vestibule
T/F Testosterone cause atrophy of the breast
True, and oestrogen + progesterone stimulate its growth
What is a terminal duct lobular unit?
The terminal portion of a lactiferous duct. It’s a functional metabolic unit that produces milk
What happens to the stromal cells in breast during the luteal phase
they become more columnar with secretion. Fluid will accumulate and cause breast enlargement
T/F Myoepithelial cells surround the glands in breast
True, they can squeeze the glands
What does breast milk contain?
lipid, carbohydrate, protein, IgA
Which hormone stimulates milk production?
Prolactin
What signals actively trigger lactation?
suckling and baby’s smell/cry, which inhibits prolactin releasing hormone and stimulates release of oxytocin
What are the cellular changes in breast during menopause
secretory cells disappear
connective tissue loses elasticity
