Histology of female reproductive system (basic) - cervix, vagina Flashcards
What does the cervix connect?
uterine cavity to the vagina, extending from the internal orifice to the external orifice of the vagina
what is the cervix lined by? up to where?
a simple columnar epithelium up to the internal aspect of the external Os
what happens to the internal aspect of the external Os?
there is a change to non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium
what is the point called when the epithelium changes from simple columnar epithelium to non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium?
this squamocolumnar junction (SCJ)
where is the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) located?
located at any point across the cervix
when does the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) move?
under the influence of hormonal control
what does the cervical canal contain?
mucus secreting glands
what is the vagina lined by?
non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelia
what do the non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelia of the vagina accumulate? under the influence of?
the epithelial cells accumulate glycogen under the influence of oestrogen
why do the epithelial cells accumulate glycogen?
promotes nutrients for the lactobacilli, converting it to lactose, which lowers the vaginal pH
what is the vagina lubricated by?
by the mucus produced from the cervical mucus glands
where do the majority of the cervical neoplasms arise?
the transformation zone adjacent to the SCJ (squamocolumnar junction)
