Female Reproductive System Flashcards
what attaches the ovaries to the broad ligament?
mesovary
what attaches the ovaries to the uterus?
utero-ovarian ligament
what attaches the ovaries to the pelvic wall?
suspensory ligament
describe the histological structure of the ovaries
- covered by peritoneum
- poorly defined tunica albuginea
- stroma
what is the peritoneum?
single layer of modified mesothelium
what is the tunica albuginea?
fibrous connective tissue layer
what is the stroma divided into?
- cortex
- medulla
what does the ovarian cortex contain?
- spindle stromal cells arranged in whorls
- ovarian follicles
- some leutinised cells
where are ovarian follicles found?
ovarian cortex
what does the ovarian medulla contain?
- loose fibroelastic tissue
- rete ovarii
what configuration do granulosa cells have?
squamous
what stimulates follicular development?
FSH
what is the effect of FSH on primordial follicles?
- → primary follicles
- causes oocyte and granulosa cells to enlarge (squamous → cuboidal/columnar)
what forms around the oocyte after maturation?
zona pellucida
thin ring of pink material
what is the antrum?
space filled with follicular fluid between granulosa cells
in secondary follicles, which layers form around the granulosa cells?
- theca interna
- theca externa
what are theca internal cells?
- stromal cells that have enlarged and accumulated lipid
- secrete oestrogen
what are theca externa cells?
small stromal cells
what is the oocyte in the antrum supported by?
stalk of granulosa cells (Cumulus oophorus)
what are the mature follicles called?
Graafian follicles
describe the structure of mature (graafian) follicles
- ovum surrounded by thick zona pellucida
- layer of granulosa cells surround oocyte (corona radiata)
- Theca interna and Theca externa
what happens at ovulation?
- follicle ruptures onto ovary surface
- bleeding into remaining antral space
- blood clot organised into fibrous connective tissue
when does regression start?
8-9 days after ovulation of pregnancy does not occur
what happens during regression?
- granulosa cells decrease in size, develop pyknotic nuclei and accumulate abnormal lipid
- cells undergo dissolution and are phagocytosed
- progressive fibrosis by ingrowth of connective tissue
