Histology of the Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the function of the ovaries?
produces gametes; produce steroids
What is found within the medulla of the ovaries?
loose connective tissue; contorted arteries, veins and lympathatics
What is the medulla of the ovaries continuous with?
hilum of the organ
What is found in the cortex of the ovaries?
scattered ovarian follicles in a highly cellular connective tissue stroma
What is the outer shell of the ovarian cortex?
dense connective tissue layer called the tunica albuginea
What is the germinal epithelium of the ovary?
single layer of cuboidal cells covering the cortex
What other name is the germinal epithelium of the ovary called?
ovarian surface epithelium
What are oogonia?
germ cells from the yolk sac that have invaded the ovaries and proliferated by mitosis
What is oogenesis?
development of oocytes from oogonia (by meiosis)
What is folliculogenesis?
growth of the folicle- oocyte and supporting cells
What is loss of oogonia and oocytes called?
atresia
What stage of meiosis occurs in the oocytes before birth?
prophase I
What significant event occurs at prophase I?
crossing over
What cells are associated with primary oocytes?
pregranulosa cells
What is the difference between the pregranulosa cells (follicle cells) associated with primordial follicles and when follicle enters growth phase?
change from squamous to cuboidal
What defines primary follicles?
cuboidal granulosa cells
What is the name for the layer of cuboidal granulosa cells in primary follicles?
zona granulosa
What begins to form between the oocyte and granulosa cells in primary follicles?
zona pellucida
What is the zona pellucida?
layer of special extraceullar matrix
What happens with the stromal cells in the primary follicles?
stromal cells are asosicating with the outside of the follicle
What happens to the granulosa cells layer in the late primary follicle?
proliferates
What do the stromal cells around the follicle form in the late primary follicle?
theca folliculi
What happens to the inner layer of the theca folliculi?
transform to form the theca interna
What is the function of the theca interna?
secrete oestrogen precursors
What layer of cells in follicle converts oestrogen precursors to oestrogen?
granulosa cells
What happens to the outer layers of the theca folliculi?
remain fibroblast-like and form theca-externa
What defines the secondary follicle?
antrum develops in the granulosa cell