Female Repro Histology

Question 1

Primordial Follicle

Answer 1

4n diploid oocyte arrested in Pro1 Single layer of squamous ells

Question 2

Primary Follicle

Answer 2

4n diploid oocyte with cuboidal epithelium Zona Pellucida: glycoprotein layer between oocyte/granulosa cells Basal lamina surrounds follicle Gap junctions synchronize growth between oocyte/support cells Growth: oocyte grows, granulosa cells differentiate

Question 3

Secondary Follicle

Answer 3

2n haploid oocyte arrested in MetaII; 1st polar body extruded Antrum formation: contains proteins/hormones Thecal layers: Interna=secretes androstenedione (converted to estrogen by follicular cells) Externa: Connective tissue

Question 4

Graffian Follicle

Answer 4

Dominant follicle that makes it to ovulation Contains antrum, corona radiata around oocyte

Question 5

Atresic Follicles

Answer 5

Degeneration of oocyte/granulosa cells “Glassy membrane”: Thickening of basement membrane between theca internal and granulosa cells

Question 6

Corpus Luteum

Answer 6

Follicular cells become corpus lutein cells: secrete progesterone, estrogen Theca internal cells secrete androgens, progesterone Center: blood clot

Question 7

Corpus Albicans

Answer 7

Inactive involuted fibrous mass formed in absence of fertilization Cleared by macrophages

Question 8

Ovary Anatomy

Answer 8

Cortex=follicles

Medulla=High vascularized

Single layer of epithelial cells

Encapusalted by tunica albuginea

Question 9

Fallopian Tubes (oviduct)

Answer 9

Infundibulum(Fimbriae): Receives egg

Ampulla: site of fertilization

• Muscular wall surrounds tube
• Serosa: Vascular supporting tissue
• Mucosal folds with branching core of vascular tissue
• Epithelium: simple cuboidal
  
  • Non-ciliated: produce nutrients for egg protection and spermatozoa activation
  • Ciliated cells: propel secretion towards uterus

Question 10

Layers of Uterus

Answer 10

Outer serosa

Myometrium

Endometrium

Question 11

Myometrium

Answer 11

Smooth Muscle bundles separated by CT

Rich vascular network

During pregnancy:

• Hyperplasia
• Hypertrophy
• Increased collagen

Question 12

Endometrium

Answer 12

Epithelium and tubular glands

1. Functionalis: sloughed off during menstruation
2. Basalis: retained; proliferates and provides new epithelium and lamina propia

Changes in endometrium in response to hormones:

• Proliferative (Increasing estrogen): stroma proliferates and glands extend to surface
• Secretive (Progesterone from CL): glands become tortuous, produce glycogen rich secretions

Question 13

Vaginal Layers

Answer 13

1. Mucosa: stratified squamous epithelium, glycogen, loose CT
2. Muscular: bundles of SM
3. Adventitia: dense connective tissue with lots of elastic fibers

Notes: Mucus from glands in cervix, no glands in vagina