Female Repro System Histology Flashcards
What are the main layers of the uterus?
Endometrium: The innermost mucosal layer, which undergoes cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle.
Myometrium: The thick middle muscular layer, composed of smooth muscle.
Perimetrium: The outermost serosal layer, derived from the visceral peritoneum.
Describe the histological appearance of the ovary.
The ovary is composed of:
Cortex: Contains follicles at various stages of development, stromal cells, and corpora lutea.
Medulla: Contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
Surface Epithelium: Simple cuboidal cells covering the ovary.
Tunica Albuginea: Dense connective tissue beneath the epithelium.
What are the phases of the menstrual cycle as seen in the endometrium?
The endometrium undergoes the following phases:
Proliferative Phase: After menstruation, characterized by rapid regrowth of the endometrium under the influence of estrogen.
Secretory Phase: Post-ovulation, dominated by progesterone, where the endometrial glands become tortuous and secrete glycogen.
Ovulation
Luteal phase
Menstrual Phase: If no pregnancy occurs, the functional layer of the endometrium is shed.
What is the function of the corpus luteum, and what happens to it if fertilization does not occur?
The corpus luteum secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining for implantation. If fertilization does not occur, it degenerates into the corpus albicans.
What are the key histological features of the fallopian tube?
The fallopian tube has:
Mucosa: Lined with ciliated and non-ciliated (peg cells) columnar epithelial cells.
Muscularis: Inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers.
Serosa: Outer layer of connective tissue.
What are the stages of follicular development in the ovary?
The stages of follicular development include:
Primordial Follicle: Contains a primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flattened granulosa cells.
Primary Follicle: Characterized by a single layer of cuboidal granulosa cells and the formation of the zona pellucida.
Secondary (Antral) Follicle: Multiple layers of granulosa cells, formation of an antrum, and the presence of theca interna and externa.
Tertiary (Graafian) Follicle: A large antrum, prominent theca layers, and a mature oocyte ready for ovulation.
What is the role of granulosa cells in the ovarian follicle?
Granulosa cells are responsible for:
Supporting the developing oocyte.
Producing estrogen during the follicular phase.
Forming the corpus luteum after ovulation to secrete progesterone.
What changes occur in the endometrium during the secretory phase?
During the secretory phase:
The endometrial glands become coiled and secrete glycogen-rich fluid.
The stromal cells become edematous.
The spiral arteries elongate and coil more tightly.
Describe the histological differences between the cervix and the vagina.
Cervix: Lined with simple columnar epithelium in the endocervix and stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium in the ectocervix. Contains cervical glands.
Vagina: Lined with stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium, lacks glands, and has a thick muscularis layer.
What are the main components of the mammary gland, and how do they change during lactation?
The mammary gland consists of lobules made of alveoli lined with milk-secreting epithelial cells. During lactation:
The alveoli become distended with milk.
The ducts enlarge.
The stroma becomes less prominent as the glandular tissue proliferates.
Describe the history features of the germinal epithelium
Simple squamous mesothelial layer
define oogenesis, ovarian cycle, menstrual cycle
Expl the process of oogenesis
What is the arterial supply of the endometrium
histology of cervix
histology of vagina
What is the histology of labia minora
What is the histology of labia major
