Female Reproductive Sytem Flashcards
What are the two main functions of the ovaries?
- oogenesis (production of gametes)
2. production of steroid hormones estrogen + progesterone
what is the function of estrogen
- promotes growth/maturation of internal and external sex organs
- responsible for female sex characteristics
- acts on mammary glands to promote breast development
What is the function of progesterone
- prepares the uterus for pregnancy by promoting changes in endometrium
- prepares the mammary gland for lactation by promoting the proliferation of lobules
what are the ovaries covered by?
- tunica albudinea (dense collagenous layer)
2. layer of mesothelium (cuboidal/almost squamous)
what is the general organization of the ovaries
outer cortex + inner medulla
Describe the cortex of the ovaries
outer portion that is beneath the tunica albuginea; it consists of ovarian follicles and derivatives that are embedded in the stroma;
what makes up the stroma of the ovaries?
CT with collagen, ground substance, SMC and fibroblast like cells
Describe the medulla of the ovaries
central core
has loose CT with blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves
is there a distinct boundary between the ovarian cortex and medulla?
NO
What is a primordial follicle
the least developed of the ovarian follicles
does the early growth of the primordial follicle depend on hormone stimulation
NO
what does the primordial follicle contain? (define the layers)
a primary oocyte + a single layer of SQUAMOUS cells (follicular cells) that is surounded by basal lamina, which is surrounded by the stroma of the ovarian cortex
what is a primary oocyte
an oocyte that is is arrested in meiosis I at the diplotene stage of the prophase I
What does a primary follicle derive from?
primordial cells
What distinguishes a primary follicle from a primordial follicle
primordial follicle contains a single layer of simple squamous cells (follicular cells); the primary follicle contains 1 layer a of simple cuboidal (granulosa cells) = unilaminar or many layers of cuboidal cells = multilaminar
the Primary oocyte secretes a new layer between it and the granulosa cells called the ______,
zona pellucida
What makes up the zona pellucida? how does it stain?
made up of 4 main glycoproteins: ZP-1, ZP-2, ZP-3, ZP-4; and stains eosinophilically
What can be found in the ooplasm of the primary oocyte in the primary follicle?
cortical granules
what is the function of the cortical granules of the primary follicle? where are they located?
located in the ooplasm of the primary oocyte in the primary follicles; contain proteases that are released if the oocyte is fertilized by sperm (mechanism to block polyspermy)
How do the ganulosa cells and the oocyte communicate?
processes from the granulosa cells closest to the zona pellucida extend through it and make contact with microvilli on the oocyte forming GAP JUNCTIONS
what is the function of the gap junctions between the granulosa cells and the primary oocytes in the primary follicle?
facilitates the transfer of metabolites from the granulosa cells to the oocyte
What are Theca cells?
CT curounding the basal lamina of the primary follicle
what is the theca interna? what function does it take on?
innermost layer of the theca cells; it is well vascularized as will take on an endocrine function
What is the theca extena?
outer layer of the theca cells; it is less vascularized than the theca interna; it blends with the CT of the stroma of ovarian cortex
when does theca development begin?
primary follicle
What does the secondary follicle contain?
- primary oocyte arrested in meiosis I
- Zona pellucida
- Antrium
what factors are required for growth of the primary follicle to the secondary follicle (growth of granulosa cells)
- Follicle Stimulating Homong (FSH)
- Growth factors
- Calcium
what is the antrum? what is it surrounded by? It is characteristic of which follicle?
characteristic of the secondary follicle; it is a fluid-filled space that appears among the granulosa cells
What is the secondary follicle completely surrounded by?
Theca interna/ externa
What happens to the oocyte from primary to secondary follicle?
it becomes eccentrically located in the follicle in a mound of granulosa cells (cumulus mass/oophorus)
what is secreted by the granulosa cells into the antral fluid? what does it cause?
oocyte maturation inhibitor (OMI); it inhibits growth of the oocyte
what is the cumulus mass?
mound of granulosa cells that the oocyte migrates into
what is the coronoa radiata?
cells of the cumulus oopohorus that immediately surround the oocyte and remain with it at ovulation
what is the antrum filled with (be specific)
fluid = “liquour folliculi” composed of mostly HYALURONIC ACID + hormones + growth factors
How does the theca interna act as in an endocrine function?
it has LH RECEPTORS that when stimulated, the theca interna synthesizes and secretes ANDOSTENEDIONE (andgrogen) and PROGESTERONE;
the androgens pass through the basal lamina to the granulosa cells
What is the function of the granulosa cells?
under the influence of FSH, they convert andostenedione (from theca interna) into ESTRADIOL (main form of estrogen)
How does estrogen effect the follicle?
it simulates the granulosa cell proliferation which increases the size of the follicle
During the secondary follicular stage, granulosa cells gradually acquire ___ receptors in addition to ____ receptors
LH and FSH
What are the defining characteristics of a Graafian Follicle?
large antrium, zona pellucida, DETACHMENT OF OOCYE + CORONA RADIATA FROM CUMULUS MASS
what causes the resumption of meiosis I of primary oocytes in mature (Graafian) follicles? what is the result ?
LH surge from anterior pituitary causes resumption of meisosi I of primary oocytes of mature follicles; this results in formation of ONE secondary oocyte and the FIRST polar body
describe the secondary oocyte (chromosomes etc)
has 23 chromosomes, each of 2 sister chromatids; halted at the metaphase II stage of Meioisis II
What is the DNA content in the first polar body? what happens to it?
has 23 chromosomes, but very little cytoplasm therefore it eventually degenerates
Ovulation causes the release of:
- secondary oovyte
- granulosa cells from corona radiata
- granulosa cells of cumulus mass from ovary
ALL OTHER ELEMENTS OF MATURE FOLLICLE REMAIN IN THE OVARY
what happens to the oocyte during fertilization?
membranes of the secondary oocyte and the sperm fuse and THEN the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II into a TRUE HAPLOID CELL; the fertilized ovum (w/ male + female pronucleus) = embryo
What marks the completion of meiosis II?
formatinon of an ovum + second polar body
what happens to the 2nd polar body
nonfunctional
How does the corpus luteum form?
after ovulation, the theca + granulosa cells remaining in the ovary collapse to become corpus luteum
what happens to the antrum of the follicle?
it becomes the lumen of corpus luteum, which is later replaced by a blood clot and then by CT
what happens to the granulosa / theca cells in the corpus luteum?
become granulosa lutein cells (large + eosinophilic) and theca lutein cells (smaller, less cytoplasm, more basophilic); the theca lutein cells forms stands among the granulosa lutein cells
** note: the granulosa cells at this stage have LH receptors, so they undergo luteinization (become filled with lipid) and produce mainly progesterone and some estrogen
what is the result of the increased progresterone secretion from the granulosa cells in the corpus luteum?
stimulates growth and secretory activity of endometrium to prepare it for implantation in the event of fertilization
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization DOES take place?
it continues to grow and produce progesterone/estrogen under the stimulation of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) from the placenta
what happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization DOES NOT take place?
it regresses to the corpus albicans and CT eventually replaces the degenerating luteal cells, producing an irregular, highly folded, glossy (hyalinized) eosinophilic form with the only of the few cells present being macrophages
what is atresia with respect to follicle growth?
degeneration of follicles because many primary follicles begin to develop but only one follicle completes the development per uterine cycle
What are atretic follicles?
degenerating follicles
what changes are associated with atretic follicles?
- granulosa cell apoptosis
- invasion of granulosa cell layer by neutrophils + macrophages
- granulosa cells slough into antrum
- theca interna cells hypertrophy
- follicle collapses as degeneration continues
- CT invades follicle cavity
How can you ID the corpus albicans (corpus luteum CT remainder) from the Atretic Follicle?
The atretic follicle is smaller, thinner, and HAS A ZONA PELLUCIDA PRESENT
what is the function of the uterine tube?
to receive the ovum following ovulation and transport it to the uterus, and provide the proper environment for fertilization,
What is the infundibulum of the uterine tube?
its the funnel shaped segment adjacent to the ovary
where are fimbrae found?
they extend from the infundibulum of the uterine tube towards to ovary
what is the function of fimbrae?
at ovulation, they move close to the ovary surface and direct the oocyte into the uterine tube
where does fertilization typically take place?
in the ampulla of the uterine tube
what is the longest segment of the uterine tube?
the ampulla
what is the isthmus of the uterine tube?
the narrow region of the uterine tube, near the uterine wall
what part of the uterine tube opens up into the cavity of the uterus?
intramural segment
Describe the epithelium of the uterine tube wall
simple columnar with ciliated columnar cells and non-ciliated secretory cells (peg cells) + an underlying LP
Where are there more mucosal folds of the uterine tube?
in the ampulla compared to the isthmus/intramural segment
What happens to the epithelium cell of the uterine tube during the uterine cycle?
they undergo cyclic hypertrophy during the follicular phase and atrophy during the luteal phase in response to changes in estrogen levels
what effect does estrogen have on the epithelial cells of the uterine wall? progesterone?
estrogen stimulates ciliogenesis
progesterone stimulates increase number of secretory (peg) cells)
How does the epithelium of the uterine tube differ at ovulation vs. menstruation?
At ovulation the epithelium = max height
At menstruation the epithelium = 1/2 max height
where are peg cells located? what do they secrete?
located in the epithelium (mucosa) of the uterine tube wall; they secrete nutrients for spermatozoa and ova
Describe the muscularis layer of the uterine tube wall
inner circular + outer longitudinal SMC
What facilitates movement of the ovum towards the uterus (through the uterine tube)
Beating of cilia towards the uterus (cilia of uterine tube epithelium) + peristaltic contractions of the muscularis
are there any glands in the oviduct?
NO
what covers the uterine tube?
a serosa of peritoneal covering
What is the uterus?
a hollow, pear shaped muscular organ that provides an attachment site for the developing embryo
What are the regions of the uterus?
- Body = expanded upper region (bulk of organ)
- Fundus = round part where oviducts join
- Cervix = lower part that protrudes into the upper vagina
What are the layers of the Body/fundus of the uterus?
- Endometrium = mucosa of uterus
- Myometrium = 3 layers of SMC
- Perimetrium
Where are the large vessels of the uterus found?
in the middle layer of the SMC of the myometrium (stratum vascularue)
What happens to the myometrium of the uterus during pregnancy? during menopause?
it undergoes hypertrophy (increase in cell size) and hyperplasia (increase in cell number).. but it atrophies during the abscense of estrogen (menopause)
What type of epithelium is found in the endometrium?
simple columnar with ciliated and secretory cells
Describe the glands found in the uterus. Where are they found?
found in the endometrium (mucosa) of the uterus; lined by simple columnar epithelium of ciliated + secretory cells; they are simple tubular or simple branched tubular glands that may extend to almost the myometrium
what surrounds the glands in the endometrium of the uterus?
stroma (cellular collagenous CT)
What are the two layers of the endometrium?
- Upper layer = functional layer (stratum functionale, lamina functionale, stratum functionalis)
- Basal layer (stratum basale, lamina basale, stratum basalis)
Which layer of the endometrium changes due to the uterine cycle? how does it change?
the functional layer (upper) undergoes changes in appearance and function of the uterine glands, endometrial stroma, and blood vessels during the uterine cycle;
IT IS THE LAYER THAT IS SHED DURING MENSTRUATION!
What is the function of the basal layer? is it lost during menstruation?
It doesn’t change with the uterine cycle and is not lost during menstruation because its function is to regenerate the functional layer
where is the basal layer of the endometrium located? (adj to what?)
located adjacent to the myometrium
How is the uterus supplied with blood?
the uterine artery branches into arcuate arteries that supply the endometrium and the arcuate arteries course circumferential within the myometrium to give off 1. straight arteries and 2. spiral (helical) arteries
what do the straight arteries of the uterus supply? spiral arteries?
straight supply the basal layer of the endometrium
spiral supply the functional layer of the endometrium
which arteries are affected by the uterine cycle? how?
spiral arteries (supply the functional layer) are affected NOT the straight arteries; the spiral arteries degenerate/regenerate with each uterine cycle
what does the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle correspond to in the follicular cycle?
growth/maturation of follicules due to increase in estrogen secretion
What happens during the Proliferative Phase of the Uterine Cycle?
the functional layer of the endometrium is being rebuilt by mitotic divisions of cells in the basal layer;
what happens to the stroma during the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?
increase in number of stromal cells and ground substance
what do the urterine glands appear like histologically during the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?
straight with a narrow opening
What does the Secretory Phase of the Uterine Cycle correspond to in the follicular cycle?
corpus luteum activity and its secretion of progesterone
what do the uterine glands appear like histologically during the Secretory Phase of the Uterine Cycle
enlarge and take on corkscrew shape;
become filled with glycogen and glycoproteins produced by the secretory cells
What do the spiral arteries appear like in the Secretory Phase of the Uterine Cycle
they are more coiled and extend to the uterine surface
Up to where do the spiral arteries extend to in the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?
through the upper 2/3 endometrium
what happens to the endometrial stroma during the Secretory Phase of the Uterine Cycle? what happens to the stromal cells if implantation occurs?
the stromal cells enlarge due to accumulation of glycogen; if implantation occure then they become the decidua basalis (due to influence of estrogen/progesterone)
what does the menstrual phase of the uterine cycle coincide with in the follicular cycle?
corpus luteum degeneration and decrease in estrogen/progesterone
what happens to the secretory epithelial cells of the endometrium during the menstrual phase of the uterine cycle
they stop secreting glycogen
what happens to the stoma during menstrual phase of the uterine cycle
there is a loss of fluid in the stroma, so the stromal cells become more densely packed
what happens as a result of periodic contractions of the wall of the spiral arteries during the menstrual phase of the uterine cycle
they cause the functional layer to become ischemic; eventually the spiral arteries close off, shutting off blood flow to the functional layer
where does blood continue to flow during the menstrual phase of the uterine cycle
ONLY IN THE BASAL LAYER (functional layer cuts off blood supply)
What causes “menstruation”
continued interruptions in blood flow resulting in the sloughing of stromal and epithelial cells, blood, and uterine fluid
what is endometriosis?
the presence of endometrial tissue in the pelvis or peritoneal cavity;
**extrauterine endometrial tissues can undergo cyclic changes similar to the endometrium associated with the uterus and if hemorrhaging occurs, it may result in adhesions and pain
what is the endocervix canal?
canal that runs between the uterine and vaginal cavities
describe the epithelium of the endocervix
simple columnar and mainly mucus secreting cells with some ciliated cells
what are the cervical glands? what is their function?
deep branched invaginations of surface epithelium that create a large surface area for secretion
does the endocertvix undergo any histological changes during the uterine cycle?
NO
what are the cervical glands secretions regulated by?
estrogen
how do the cervical gland secretions change with the uterine cycle?
there are no histological changes, but the mucus secreted changes in viscosity such that: during ovulation the mucus is relatively thinner (less viscous) and more alkaline pH in order to provide for favorable conditions for sperm to migrate;
After ovulation the mucus is MORE viscous (thicker) and acidic pH (harmful environment for sperm to thrive)
what are nabothian cysts?
when ducts of cervical gland become occluded with secretions
Describe the epithelium of the exocervix
stratified squamous non-keratinized (SSNK) epithelium
How does the epithelium of the endocervix change in the exocervix?
simple columnar epithelium of the endocervix that changes abruptly to the stratified squamous non-keratinized (SSNK) epithelium of the exocervix
What is a pap smear?
a diagnostic tool for detecting cervical cancer performed by aspirating cervical fluid from the vagina or by taking scrapings directly from the cervix (tissue examined on a slide for variations)
what epithelium is associated with carcinoma in situ?
SSNK of cervix (cervical carcinoma)
Describe the muscosa of the vagina
- epi = SSNK
- superficial cells store glycogen
- NO GLANDS OR MUSCULARIS MUCOSAE
Describe the muscularis layer of the vagina
bundles of circular SMC + prominent outer longitudinal SMC
Describe the adventitia of the vagina
collagenous tissue containing elastic fibers, large blood vessels + nerves
what do the mammary glands develop from? what type of gland are they?
develop from epidermis;
classified as compound tubuloalveolar, modified apocrine sweat glands
How do the mammary gland lobes radiate?
from the nipple and empty onto the surface of the nipple through lactiferous sinus and duct
what type of tissue makes up the interlobular CT (between the lobules)
dense irregular CT
what type of tissue makes up the intralobular CT (within the lobules)
loose CT
Describe the epithelium found in a non-pregnant mammary gland
simply cuboidal epithelium + myoepithelium between the epithelium and basal lamina
what happens due to increase in estrogen during the uterine cycle with respect to the INACTIVE mammary gland?
some proliferation of the ducts and transient edema
What changes occur in the epithelium of the mammary gland of a pregnant patient to prepare for lactation?
epithelium of intralobular ducts proliferates and differentiates into milk secreting cells;
they form secretory alveoli within the lobules (still lined by simple cuboidal epi)
what happens due to increase in estrogen during the uterine cycle with respect to the PREGNANT mammary gland? increase in progesterone?
estrogen stimulates duct proliferation
progesterone stimulations secretory alveoli growth
What happens to adipose tissue and CT in the pregnant mammary gland?
the amount decreases due to growth of secretory alveoli
What causes breast enlargement in a pregnant patient?
proliferation of ductal and alveolar cells, hypertrophy of secretory cells, accumulation of secretions in alveoli
What is the difference (histologically) between a lactating and a proliferating (pregnant) mammary gland?
the lumen of secretory alveoli dilate due to accumulation of milk in the lactating gland
describe the epithelium of alveoli and intralobular ducts in the lactating mammary gland
simple cuboidal + myoepithelial cells
what do the secretory cells of the alveoli of the mammary gland contain?
lipid droplets + milk protein-containing secretory vesicles
How are milk proteins released from the mammary gland?
via merocrine secretion
How are lipid component of milk released from the mammary gland?
via apocrine secretion: individual lipid droplets coalesce and pass to apical region of the cell where they are released with some plasma membrane and cytoplasm
What does the first milk/colostrum contain?
more proteins, fewer lipids than actual milk
also release secretory IgA and IgG
(it is the milk released by the alveoli in the first few days after birth);
What is the effect of secretory IgA and IgG released from the mammary glands?
it provides passive immunity to the newborn
what produces secretory IgA and IgG?
produced by plasma cells
What inhibits the release of prolactin during pregnancy?
Estrogen/progesterone
when is the release of prolactin stimulated? what does prolactin cause?
after birth; stimulates production of lipid-rich milk
What does a baby sucking on the mother’s breast cause?
neural hormonal reflex for oxytocin release from the neurohypophysis which stimulates myoepithelial cell contraction of the alveoli and lactiferous ducts leading to the ejection of milk
what happens to the mammary gland with menopause?
it atrophies/involutes
what is the difference between ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma?
they are both forms of breast cancer; ductal carcinoma involves the ductal cells, lobular carcinoma involves the terminal ductules
What happens to adipose tissue and CT in the pregnant mammary gland?
the amount decreases due to growth of secretory alveoli
What causes breast enlargement in a pregnant patient?
proliferation of ductal and alveolar cells, hypertrophy of secretory cells, accumulation of secretions in alveoli
What is the difference (histologically) between a lactating and a proliferating (pregnant) mammary gland?
the lumen of secretory alveoli dilate due to accumulation of milk in the lactating gland
describe the epithelium of alveoli and intralobular ducts in the lactating mammary gland
simple cuboidal + myoepithelial cells
what do the secretory cells of the alveoli of the mammary gland contain?
lipid droplets + milk protein-containing secretory vesicles
How are milk proteins released from the mammary gland?
via merocrine secretion
How are lipid component of milk released from the mammary gland?
via apocrine secretion: individual lipid droplets coalesce and pass to apical region of the cell where they are released with some plasma membrane and cytoplasm
What does the first milk/colostrum contain?
more proteins, fewer lipids than actual milk
also release secretory IgA and IgG
(it is the milk released by the alveoli in the first few days after birth);
What is the effect of secretory IgA and IgG released from the mammary glands?
it provides passive immunity to the newborn
what produces secretory IgA and IgG?
produced by plasma cells
What inhibits the release of prolactin during pregnancy?
Estrogen/progesterone
when is the release of prolactin stimulated? what does prolactin cause?
after birth; stimulates production of lipid-rich milk
What does a baby sucking on the mother’s breast cause?
neural hormonal reflex for oxytocin release from the neurohypophysis which stimulates myoepithelial cell contraction of the alveoli and lactiferous ducts leading to the ejection of milk
what happens to the mammary gland with menopause?
it atrophies/involutes
what is the difference between ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma?
they are both forms of breast cancer; ductal carcinoma involves the ductal cells, lobular carcinoma involves the terminal ductules
