Histology of Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the name of the outer covering of the Ovary?
Germinal Epithelium (Simple Squamous to Cuboidal Mesothelium)
What is the name of the thick connective tissue layer that is just deep to the Germinal Epithelium?
Tunica Albuginea
Where are you going to find the vascular, neural, and lymphatic supply in the Ovary?
Medulla
- Space was provided for these structures by degeneration of the PRIMARY sex cords
What is the precursor of the Ovarian Cortex? Which structures are located within the cortex?
- Secondary sex cords
- Houses the Follicles with oogonia
List the three phases of the Ovarian Cycle.
- Follicular Phase
- Ovulatory Phase
- Luteal Phase
Describe the histological features of the Primordial Follicle.
Single layer of squamous follicular (granulosa) cells
Which hormone will stimulate the Primordial Follicles to mature?
FSH
Describe the histological features of an Unilaminar (Early) Primary Follicle.
- Single layer of Simple CUBOIDAL follicular (granulosa) cells
- Zona Pellucida separates the oocyte and follicular cells
Describe the histological features of a Multilaminar (Late) Primary Follicle.
- Follicular cells proliferate into a STRATIFIED CUBOIDAL epithelium known as the ZONA GRANULOSA
- Zona Pellucida enlarges and is clearly seen
- Theca interna (Flattened cells just Outside of the Granulosa Cells)
- Theca Externa (Round cells outside of the Theca Interna cells)
Describe the histological features of the Secondary Follicle?
- Follicular Antrum within the Granulosa Layer
- Increase in cell layers of the ZONA Granulosa
- Thicker Zona Pellucida
- Theca Interna is much more evident (contributes to production of estrogens)
What creates the antrum within the Zona Granulosa?
Fusion of the CALL-EXNER Bodies
What is a meiotic state of the Preovulatory (Graffian) Follicle? Is it formed before or After Ovulation? What is its diploidy?
Metaphase II
BEFORE Ovulation
Oocyte is now 2N
In which cell will the Follicular Antrum reach its maximum size?
Preovulatory (Graffian) Follicle
List and describe the different types of Granulosa Cells that are going to be present in the Preovulatory Follicle. (3)
- Cumulus Oophorous - Anchors oocyte to wall of follicle and is the nutrient delivery channel
- Mural Granulosa Cells - Lining the wall of the Follicle
- Corona Radiata - Granulosa cells firmly anchored to zona pellucida and secretes HYALURONIC acid-rich product that will AID in the fallopian tube uptake
Describe what happens during Follicular Atresia
- Granulosa Cells undergo apoptosis and are replaced by a fibrous material
- GLASSY MEMBRANE: made from the Basement Membrane and the Zona Pellucida