Histology of the Female Reproductive Tract

Question 1

4 internal organs of the female reproductive system

Answer 1

• Ovaries
• Oviducts (Fallopian tubes)
• Uterus
• Vagina

Question 2

Define menarche

Answer 2

The first menstrual flow. At 13 years, this monthly cycle involves the ovary and endometrium in a 28-day hormonally controlled cycle of histological changes

Question 3

Cause of menopause

Answer 3

Depletion of ovarian follicles and reduction in estrogen production

Question 4

2 functions of the ovary

Answer 4

• Gametogenesis (i.e. oogenesis)
• Steroidogenesis (estrogen, progesterone)

Question 5

Effect of estradiol on the endometrium

Answer 5

Proliferation and thickening

Question 6

Effect of progesterone on the endometrium

Answer 6

Appearance of glycogen secreting glands

Question 7

Concentration of estradiol and progesterone to trigger mensis and why

Answer 7

Decreased concentration in circulation (absence = blood vessels supplying the endometrium constrict –> reduced blood supply –> deteriorate endometrium)

Question 8

Consequence of low ovarian secretions on the pituitary gland

Answer 8

Secretion of significant levels of FSH

Question 9

Effect of FSH on the ocarian follicles

Answer 9

• Stimulation of granulosa cells to proliferate
• Induction of an aromatizing enzyme, which allows production of estradiol from androgen (from thecal cells)

Question 10

Day of the menstrual cycle where one follicle becomes dominant and commited to further development

Answer 10

Day 8

Question 11

Define atresia in terms of the menstrual cycle

Answer 11

In response to FSH drop, remaining follicles in the cohort are arrested await a later FSH stimulus in order to develop further, or begin to degenerate

Question 12

Effect of the growing follicle’s estradiol on the uterine endometrium

Answer 12

• Proliferation and thickening
• Induction of receptors for progesterone

Question 13

Effect of the estradiol produced by the granulosa cells of the developing follicle on the pituitary system (3)

Answer 13

• Shut off FSH
• Step up in production of LH (however, inhibits LH release)
• Increase sensitivity of the pituitary to LHRH

Question 14

Major event of day 14 of the menstrual cycle

Answer 14

Pituitary releases pent-up LH into circulation –> Rupture of follicle –> ovum release and ruptured follicle becomes a corpus luteum

Question 15

When is the endometrium fully prepared to receive and support the development of a growing embryo?

Answer 15

WHen it becomes glandular under the influence of progesterone

Question 16

Consequence of lack of fertilization on the female reproductive system

Answer 16

The egg degenerates and the system enters the luteal phase for a constant 14 days

Question 17

Consequence of absence of implantation of the female reproductive system

Answer 17

• The corpus luteum involutes (degenerates)
• Steroid levels drop
• The pituitary is ready to produce FSH

Question 18

Consistency of secretions from the cervix at various phases of the menstrual cycle

Answer 18

• Estradiol of late follicular phase (days 10-14) = watery and low viscosity
• Progesterone of early luteal phase = thick viscous (impenetrable by sperm)