Histology of the female reproductive tract Flashcards
What are the functions of ovaries
To produce oocytes and produce steroid hormones oestrogen and progesterone
What is the medulla of the ovary
Loose connective tissue which is highly vascular
contains lymphatics and is continuous with the hilum
What is the cortex of the ovary
Highly cellular connective tissue stroma
contains the ovarian follicles
What is the tunica albuginea
dense connective tissue layer immediately surrounding the cortex
What is the germinal epithelium
simple cuboidal cell lining immediately surrounding the tunica albuginea
What is oogenesis
Development of oogonia to oocyte
What is folliculogenesis
Growth of the follicle which contains the oocyte and any support cells
when do females have the highest number of gametes they’ll ever have
7 months gestation
After this the number declines due to atresia
What is the order of follicular development
Primordial follicles Early primary follicle Late primary follicle Secondary follicle Graafian follicle Corpus luteum Corpus albicans
Features of primary follicles
Zona pellucida
Granulosa cell layer
Thecal cell layer - very vascular
when does a follicle become a secondary follicle
When it develops an antrum = fluid filled space
What is the Graafian follicle
Follicle formed after completion of meiosis 1 and before ovulation occurs
When does ovulation occur
14 days before the end of the cycle
eg day 14 in a 28 day cycle
day 21 in a 35 day cycle
day 7 in a 21 day cycle
What happens to the corpus luteum if no fertilisation occurs
It becomes corpus albicans which eventually degenerates
What epithelium lines the uterine tubes
ciliated and secretory epithelium
simple columnar epithelium
Where does fertilisation occur
in the ampulla of the uterine tube
What are the 3 layers of the uterus
Endometrium
Myometrium
Perimetrium
Describe the endometrium
Consists of:
Stratum functionalis - sheds during menstruation
Stratum basalis - remains constant throughout the whole cycle and helps to regenerate SF
consists of glandular epithelium and connective tissue (stroma)
Describe the myometrium
3 layers of smooth muscle with collagen and elastic tissue
Highly vascular
Describe the perimetrium
outer visceral covering of loose connective tissue covered by mesothelium
Describe the histology of the proliferative phase of the endometrium
stratum baslis proliferates
growth of glands, stroma and vasculature
this regenerates the stratum functionalis
oestrogen dependant
pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Describe the histology of the secretory phase in the endometrium
glands become coiled - corkscrew appearance
glycogen is secreted
become effective glandular tissue
Describe the histology of the menstrual phase in the endometrium
Vasoconstriction of arterioles occurs depriving the stratum functionalis of oxygen causing ischaemia and tissue breaks down resulting in period bleeding and tissue sloughing
Describe the histology of the cervix
simple columnar epithelium transitions to stratified squamous epithelium on vaginal surface of cervix
What are endocervical glands
deep furrows of epithelium that secrete mucus for lubrication
- undergoes cyclical changes
What are the 4 layers of the vagina
- Non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium
- Lamina propria - connective tissue
- Fibromuscular layer - inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers
- Adventitia
There are glands in the vagina, true or false
FALSE
lubrication comes from the endocervical glands
what is the mons pubis
skin which contains highly oblique hair follicles and contains substantial subcutaneous fat pad over the pubic symphysis
what glands are contained in the labia majora
apocrine and sebaceous glands
labia minora lacks hair follicles, true or false
TRUE
what is the clitoris
2 tubes of erectile tissue covered by a fibrocollagenous sheath with rich innervation and thin epidermis
