Histology of Female Reproductive System

Question 1

What is the role of the ovaries?

Answer 1

Produce gametes (oogenesis in females)
Produce steroids, mainly oestrogens and progestons

Question 2

Describe the structure of an ovary

Answer 2

MEDULLA: loose CT at core of ovary
CORTEX: scattered ovarian follicles in CT stroma covered in outer shell of dense CT and a single layer of cuboidal cells

Question 3

State the name of the outer shell of the ovarian cortex

Answer 3

Tunica albuginea

Question 4

State the name for the single layer of cuboidal cells covering the ovarian cortex

Answer 4

Germinal epithelium

Question 5

Define ‘oogenesis’

Answer 5

Development of oocytes, female germ cells, from oogonia during week 6 of embryonal development

Question 6

Define ‘folliculogenesis’

Answer 6

Growth of follicle, consisting of oocyte and any associated support cells

Question 7

Define ‘atresia’

Answer 7

Apoptosis causing loss of oogonia and oocytes

Question 8

Which stage of meiosis do many oocytes remain in for decades?

Answer 8

Prophase 1

Question 9

Primary oocytes are closely associated with which structures? How do these structures change over time?

Answer 9

Squamous pregranulosa cells

When the follicle enters growth phase, they become cuboidal (zona granulosa)

Question 10

As the oocyte enlarges, what forms between the oocyte and granulosa cells?

Answer 10

A layer of extracellular matrix known as the zona pellucida

Question 11

As the granulosa cell layer proliferates, what happens to the adjacent stromal cells?

Answer 11

Stroma cells or theca folliculi form theca interna cells

Question 12

What do theca interna cells secrete?

Answer 12

Oestrogen precursors converted to oestrogen by granulosa cells

Question 13

How does the secondary follicle develop?

Answer 13

Primary follicle enlarges, causing a fluid filled cavity called an antrum to form within the granulosa cell layer

Question 14

The largest antral follicles are known as…

Answer 14

Graafian follicles

Question 15

Following completion of meiosis 1, what structures are produced by the division of the oocyte?

Answer 15

Secondary oocyte, similar to the primary oocyte, and a tiny polar body (carries second nucleus for degeneration)

Question 16

After the 2nd meiosis, what stage does the follicle remain in before ovulation?

Answer 16

Metaphase II

Question 17

Meiosis is completed after…

Answer 17

Ovulation (oocyte release) and fertilisation by a sperm

Question 18

After ovulation, what structural forms within the follicle?

Answer 18

Corpus luteum

Question 19

If there is no implantation, the corpus luteum forms the _________

Answer 19

Corpus albicans

Question 20

If there is implantation, how is the pregnancy maintained?

Answer 20

Placenta secretes HCG preventing degeneration of the corpus luteum and progesterone levels

Question 21

Where does fertilisation occur in the female reproductive sytem?

Answer 21

Ampulla of the uterine tube

Question 22

Where does implantation occur in the female reproductive sytem?

Answer 22

Uterine wall

Question 23

What type of epithelium is the ampulla of the uterine tube composed of?

Answer 23

Simple columnar epithelium with ciliated and secretory cells

Question 24

State and describe the three layers of the uterus from inner to outer

Answer 24

Endometrium - tubular secretory glands, embedded in stroma
Myometrium - 3 layers of SM with collagen and elastin
Perimetrium - loose CT covered by mesothelium

Question 25

The endometrium can be subdivided into…

Answer 25

Stratum functionalis

Stratum basilas

Question 26

Outline the function of each layer of the endometrium

Answer 26

Stratum functionalis: monthly growth and loss

Stratum basilas: reserve tissue that regenerates SF

Question 27

Which layer of the endometrium - stratum functionalis

or stratum basilas - thickens during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 27

Stratum basilas

Question 28

During the secretory phase, what is secreted by the endometrium?

Answer 28

Glyocogen

Question 29

Which layer of the endometrium - stratum functionalis

or stratum basilas - constricts arterioles during the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 29

Stratum functionalis

Question 30

What type of epithelium is the cervix composed of?

Answer 30

Short cylinder of fibrous CT covered by SSE projecting into the vagina, transitioning into mucous-secreting columnar epithelium

Question 31

How does the cervix control the passage of sperm?

Answer 31

Mucous glands secrete thin mucous in proliferative phase for sperm passage which thickens after ovulation

Question 32

Which area of the cervix is prone to dysplastic change and is a common site of cervical cancer?

Answer 32

Transition zone

Question 33

State the four layers of the vaginal wall

Answer 33

1. Non-keratinised SSE
2. Lamina propria (CT)
3. Fibromuscular layer
4. Adventitia

Question 34

There is no glands in the vaginal wall. True/ False?

Answer 34

True

Mucous comes from cervical glands

Question 35

What are the major structures of mons pubis, part of the external genitalia?

Answer 35

Hair follicles

Subcutaenous fat pad

Question 36

What are the major structures of labia majora, part of the external genitalia?

Answer 36

Apocrine sweat glands
Sebaceous glands
Smooth muscle
Outer hair follicles

Question 37

Describe the structure of labia minora, part of the external genitalia

Answer 37

Thin skin folds, lack s/cut fat and hair follicles, rich in vasculature and sebaceous glands
Keratinised to level of hymen –> non-keratinesed SSE

Question 38

Describe the structure of clitoris, part of the external genitalia

Answer 38

Two tubes of erectile vascular tissue, covered by fibrocollagen with rich innervation and thin epidermis

Question 39

State the name for the two tubes of erectile tissue within the clitoris

Answer 39

Corpa cavernosa