Histology Of The Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Function of ovaries?
To produce gametes and to produce steroids (mainly oestrogen and progesterone)
General structure of an ovary?
Cortex and medulla
What does medulla contain?
Highly cellular connective tissue, contorted arteries, veins, lymphatics and is continuous with hilum of organ
Outer shell of cortex structure?
Denses connective tissue layer called tunica albuginea, which is covered by single layer of cuboidal cells called germinal epithelium
What is oogenesis?
Development of oocytes
Term for growth of follicle?
Folliculogenesis
How many oocytes are in ovaries by puberty?
500000
How many layers does the uterus have?
3
What is the endometrium?
Inner secretory mucosa of uterus
This is shed in menstruation
What is the myometrium?
Coat of 3 layers of smooth muscle, combined with collagen and elastic tissue
Name of layer which is outer visceral covering of loose connective tissue covered by mesothelium?
Perimetrium
How many layers of endometrium are there?
2
What happens to stratum functionalis monthly?
Growth, degeneration and loss
What tissue regenerates the stratum functionalis?
Stratum basalis (reserve tissue)
Which is the only layer with spiral arterioles?
Stratum functionalis
What happens to spiral arterioles in menstrual phase?
Undergo constriction depriving tissue of blood and causing ischaemia with resultant tissue breakdown and leakage of blood and tissue sloughing
What happens in the proliferative phase?
Stratus Basalis proliferates and glands, stroma and vasculature grow and this increases thickness of endometrium by reconstituting the SF
What happens to glands in secretory phase?
Glands become coiled and secrete glycogen
