HISTOLOGY - Non-Pregnant Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the zona pellucida?
A thick, transparent coating rich in glycoproteins that surrounds the ovum
What are the four histological layers of the ovary?
- Epithelium
- Tunica albuginea
- Cortex
- Medulla
What is the first stage of folliculogenesis that is quiescent until the follicle begins to grow?
Primoridal follicle
During the primordial stage of folliculogenesis, what type of cells surround the ovum?
Quiescent flattened pre-granulosa cells
When do primordial follicles begin to form?
Primordial follicles begin to form during mid to late gestation of the female foetus
What are the three factors which determine the number of developing primordial follicles?
Species
Breed
Nutritional status
What is the second stage of folliculogenesis that begins after recruitment?
Primary follicle
During the primary stage of folliculogenesis, what type of cells surround the ovum?
Cuboidal granulosa cells
What is the third stage of folliculogenesis?
Pre-antral follicle
What are the layers surrounding the ovum within pre-antral follicles?
The ovum is surrounded by proliferating cuboidal granulosa cells. These granulosa cells are surrounded by a basement membrane. Outside this basement membrane is a layer of proliferating theca cells (theca interna and theca externa)
What is the fourth stage of folliculogenesis?
Antral follicle
What is the antrum surrounding the ovum in antral follicles?
The antrum is a central area of follicular fluid
What is the cumulus oophorus?
The cumulus oophorus is the cluster of cumulus cells surrounding the ovum within the antrum
What is the name of the granulosa cells that surround the antrum?
Mural granulosa cells
What is the follicle stage seen directly before ovulation?
Pre-ovulatory follicle/Selected dominant follicle
Describe the appearance of follicles undergoing early atresia
The presence of necrotic granulosa cells
Describe the appearance of follicles undergoing late atresia
Marked degeneration of the granulosa cell layer
Ovum shrinkage
Pyknotic nuclei
Presence of Call-Exner bodies
What are Call-Exner bodies?
Small eosinophilic fluid-filled spaces between granulosa cells seen in late atresia
What are the histological layers of the oviduct?
Myosalpinx (submucosa)
Endosalpinx (mucosa)
Describe the endosalpinx (mucosal) layer of the oviduct wall
The endosalpinx is made up of ciliated and non-ciliated columnar epithelial cells which extend into the oviductal lumen
What is the function of the ciliated columnar epithelial cells found in the endosalpinx of the oviduct?
The cilia move in a wave like fashion to propel and rotate the ovum through the oviduct and towards the uterus
What is the function of the non-ciliated columnar epithelial cells found in the endosalpinx of the oviduct?
These are secretory cells which secrete fluid into the oviductal lumen to create a suitable environment for ovum and sperm transport
What are the histological layers of the uterus?
Perimetrium
Myometrium
Endometrium
