HISTOLOGY - Non-Pregnant Female Reproductive System

Question 1

What is the zona pellucida?

Answer 1

A thick, transparent coating rich in glycoproteins that surrounds the ovum

Question 2

What are the four histological layers of the ovary?

Answer 2

1. Epithelium
2. Tunica albuginea
3. Cortex
4. Medulla

Question 3

What is the first stage of folliculogenesis that is quiescent until the follicle begins to grow?

Answer 3

Primoridal follicle

Question 4

During the primordial stage of folliculogenesis, what type of cells surround the ovum?

Answer 4

Quiescent flattened pre-granulosa cells

Question 5

When do primordial follicles begin to form?

Answer 5

Primordial follicles begin to form during mid to late gestation of the female foetus

Question 6

What are the three factors which determine the number of developing primordial follicles?

Answer 6

Species
Breed
Nutritional status

Question 7

What is the second stage of folliculogenesis that begins after recruitment?

Answer 7

Primary follicle

Question 8

During the primary stage of folliculogenesis, what type of cells surround the ovum?

Answer 8

Cuboidal granulosa cells

Question 9

What is the third stage of folliculogenesis?

Answer 9

Pre-antral follicle

Question 10

What are the layers surrounding the ovum within pre-antral follicles?

Answer 10

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)

Question 11

What is the fourth stage of folliculogenesis?

Answer 11

Antral follicle

Question 12

What is the antrum surrounding the ovum in antral follicles?

Answer 12

The antrum is a central area of follicular fluid

Question 13

What is the cumulus oophorus?

Answer 13

The cumulus oophorus is the cluster of cumulus cells surrounding the ovum within the antrum

Question 14

What is the name of the granulosa cells that surround the antrum?

Answer 14

Mural granulosa cells

Question 15

What is the follicle stage seen directly before ovulation?

Answer 15

Pre-ovulatory follicle/Selected dominant follicle

Question 16

Describe the appearance of follicles undergoing early atresia

Answer 16

The presence of necrotic granulosa cells

Question 17

Describe the appearance of follicles undergoing late atresia

Answer 17

Marked degeneration of the granulosa cell layer
Ovum shrinkage
Pyknotic nuclei
Presence of Call-Exner bodies

Question 18

What are Call-Exner bodies?

Answer 18

Small eosinophilic fluid-filled spaces between granulosa cells seen in late atresia

Question 19

What are the histological layers of the oviduct?

Answer 19

Myosalpinx (submucosa)
Endosalpinx (mucosa)

Question 20

Describe the endosalpinx (mucosal) layer of the oviduct wall

Answer 20

The endosalpinx is made up of ciliated and non-ciliated columnar epithelial cells which extend into the oviductal lumen

Question 21

What is the function of the ciliated columnar epithelial cells found in the endosalpinx of the oviduct?

Answer 21

The cilia move in a wave like fashion to propel and rotate the ovum through the oviduct and towards the uterus

Question 22

What is the function of the non-ciliated columnar epithelial cells found in the endosalpinx of the oviduct?

Answer 22

These are secretory cells which secrete fluid into the oviductal lumen to create a suitable environment for ovum and sperm transport

Question 23

What are the histological layers of the uterus?

Answer 23

Perimetrium
Myometrium
Endometrium