Histology of the female reproductive system Flashcards
Main organs of the female reproductive system?
Fallopian tubes (uterine tubes)
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina
External genitalia
Main 2 functions of the ovary?
Produce gametes (termed oogenesis in females)
Produce steroids, mainly oestrogens and progestogens (mainly progesterone).
2 main parts of the ovary?
Medulla
Cortex
What is the medulla of the ovary?
forms the core of the organ and contains loose connective tissue, contorted arteries, veins and lymphatics, and is continuous with the hilum of the organ.
What is the cortex of the ovary?
has scattered ovarian follicles in a highly cellular connective tissue stroma.
The outer ‘shell’ of the cortex is a dense connective tissue layer called the tunica albuginea.
Tunica albuginea is covered by a single layer of cuboidal cells called the germinal epithelium
Medulla contains follicles and connective tissue with stromal cells and scattered smooth muscle fibres. True/false?
False
This is the cortex
The medulla contains highly vascular, connective tissue, nerves, lymphatics
Where are the ovarian follicles located and their function?
embedded in the connective tissue (stroma) of the cortical region
to supply the egg with nutrients as well as to release oestrogen.
What are oocytes and where are they located?
Located in the ovarian follicles
Functions to fuse with sperm after fertilization, transform into an embryo, then a blastocyst, and undergo a process called implantation where it attaches to the wall of the uterus.
most internal part of the ovary?
medullary region
What is responsible for the whitish colour of the ovary?
Tunica albuginea
What layer lies on top of the tunica albuginea and what cell type does it consist of?
Germinal epithelium consisting of a simple squamous or cuboidal epithelium.
What is the stroma composed of?
composed of characteristic spindle-shaped fibroblasts that respond to hormonal stimuli in a different way than do fibroblasts of other organs.
A group of helicine arteries enter the hilum from the broad ligament and supply blood to the organ. true/false?
True
Oocyte = immature egg/ovum?
Yes
Oogenesis definition?
is development of oocytes, the female germ cells, from oogonia.
Folliculogenesis definition?
is growth of the follicle, which consists of the oocyte and any associated support cells.
As primordial follicles begin to grow, surrounding follicular cells change from flat to cuboidal and proliferate to produce a stratified
epithelium of granulosa cells, and the unit is called a primary follicle.
True/false?
True
What are pre-antral follicles?
Pre-antral follicles can be primordial, primary, or secondary
What is follicular atresia?
the degeneration and resorption of several follicles and their ovules (a form of apoptosis) prior to the maturation and release of one ovule from a healthy follicle.
What are antral follicles?
Antral follicles can be secondary or mature graafian follicles.
Pre-antral phase of follicular development is Gn dependant. true/false?
False
Pre-antral phase = gonadotrophin (Gn) independent growth
Antral phase = gonadotrophin (Gn) dependant growth
that if the oocyte fails to associate with pregranulosa cells (follicle cells), it will die.
True/false?
True
The primordial follicles are the basic reproductive units at puberty. true/false?
true
Formation of corpeus luteum?
After ovulation the follicle transforms into a corpus luteum with the theca and granulosa cells secreting oestrogens and progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus for implantation.
Assuming no implantation occurs, it will become a white coloured connective tissue called the corpus albicans.
If implantation occurs, the placenta secretes HCG which prevents degeneration of the corpus luteum for a time and so maintains progesterone levels, which in turn maintains the pregnancy hence why B-HCG is raised in pregnancy
How does the ovum travel through the fallopian tube?
The ovum moves down the tube propelled by gentle peristalsis and currents created by the ciliated epithelium.
Purpose of secretory cells in the epithelium?
secrete nutrients
Location of fertilisation and insertion?
Fertilization usually occurs in the ampulla and the fertilized ovum is then transported to the uterus for implantation
Surface and components of ampulla of fallopian tube?
The mucosa is highly folded and lined by simple columnar epithelium with ciliated cells and secretory cells. This is surrounded by smooth muscle (SM).
What is the endometrium divided into?
Stratum Functionalis (F) which undergoes monthly growth, degeneration and loss.
Stratum Basalis (B) which is a reserve tissue that regenerates the functionalis.
Stratum basalis is deeper than the stratum functionalis
What is the cervix?
short cylinder with a small lumen that projects into the upper vagina.
Types of cells in the cervix?
It is mostly fibrous connective tissue covered by stratified squamous epithelium on its vaginal surface, but transitioning to mucous secreting simple columnar epithelium.
This transition zone is a common site of dysplasia, and neoplastic changes leading to cervical cancer. true/false?
True
What are endocervical glands?
The mucous secreting epithelium of the canal is deeply furrowed, forming what appear to be glands called endocervical glands
Name used when endocervical gland output is blocked causing glands to expand with secretions
Nabothian cyst
4 layers of the vagina?
Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. During reproductive years, this layer is thicker and cells are enlarged due to glycogen accumulation.
Lamina propria: connective tissue rich in elastic fibres and thin-walled blood vessels.
Fibromuscular layer: inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle.
Adventitia
There are glands in the wall of the vagina. true/false?
false
it is lubricated by mucous from the cervical glands and fluid from the thin walled blood vessels of the lamina propria.
What is the mons pubis?
Skin which contains highly oblique hair follicles (produce coarse, very curly hair characteristic of pubic hair), overlying a substantial subcutaneous fat pad, which itself overlies the pubic symphysis.
