Female Reproductive System

Question 1

what attaches the ovaries to the broad ligament?

Answer 1

mesovary

Question 2

what attaches the ovaries to the uterus?

Answer 2

utero-ovarian ligament

Question 3

what attaches the ovaries to the pelvic wall?

Answer 3

suspensory ligament

Question 4

describe the histological structure of the ovaries

Answer 4

• covered by peritoneum
• poorly defined tunica albuginea
• stroma

Question 5

what is the peritoneum?

Answer 5

single layer of modified mesothelium

Question 6

what is the tunica albuginea?

Answer 6

fibrous connective tissue layer

Question 7

what is the stroma divided into?

Answer 7

• cortex

- medulla

Question 8

what does the ovarian cortex contain?

Answer 8

• spindle stromal cells arranged in whorls
• ovarian follicles
• some leutinised cells

Question 9

where are ovarian follicles found?

Answer 9

ovarian cortex

Question 10

what does the ovarian medulla contain?

Answer 10

• loose fibroelastic tissue

- rete ovarii

Question 11

what configuration do granulosa cells have?

Answer 11

squamous

Question 12

what stimulates follicular development?

Answer 12

FSH

Question 13

what is the effect of FSH on primordial follicles?

Answer 13

• → primary follicles

- causes oocyte and granulosa cells to enlarge (squamous → cuboidal/columnar)

Question 14

what forms around the oocyte after maturation?

Answer 14

zona pellucida

thin ring of pink material

Question 15

what is the antrum?

Answer 15

space filled with follicular fluid between granulosa cells

Question 16

in secondary follicles, which layers form around the granulosa cells?

Answer 16

• theca interna

- theca externa

Question 17

what are theca internal cells?

Answer 17

• stromal cells that have enlarged and accumulated lipid

- secrete oestrogen

Question 18

what are theca externa cells?

Answer 18

small stromal cells

Question 19

what is the oocyte in the antrum supported by?

Answer 19

stalk of granulosa cells (Cumulus oophorus)

Question 20

what are the mature follicles called?

Answer 20

Graafian follicles

Question 21

describe the structure of mature (graafian) follicles

Answer 21

• ovum surrounded by thick zona pellucida
• layer of granulosa cells surround oocyte (corona radiata)
• Theca interna and Theca externa

Question 22

what happens at ovulation?

Answer 22

• follicle ruptures onto ovary surface
• bleeding into remaining antral space
• blood clot organised into fibrous connective tissue

Question 23

when does regression start?

Answer 23

8-9 days after ovulation of pregnancy does not occur

Question 24

what happens during regression?

Answer 24

• 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