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Hannah's Reproductive > Histology of the Male and Female Reproductive Tracts > Flashcards

Histology of the Male and Female Reproductive Tracts Flashcards

1
Q

What changes result in reduced functioning of the ovary at menopause?

A

Ovary stops producing gametes and becomes less reactive

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2
Q

Describe the location and anchoring of the ovary

A

Attached to posterior face of broad ligament

Anchored to uterus by ovarian ligament and to pelvic wall by suspensory ligament

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3
Q

Describe the structure of the ovary

A

Inner medulla: loose connective tissue, blood vessels

Outer cortex: primordial and maturing oocytes, highly cellular connective tissue, scattered smooth muscle cells

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4
Q

Describe the surface of the ovary

A

Irregular surface with scar tissue from previous development and release of oocytes
Simple squamous or cuboidal epithelium, continuous with mesothelium

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5
Q

What is the most common site of ovarian tumours?

A

70% of ovarian tumours are from the surface epithelium

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6
Q

What lies beneath the surface epithelium of the ovary?

A

Tunica albuginea (dense connective tissue)

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7
Q

How many oocyes are present in the embryo? By birth? How many undergo maturation and how many are released into the uterine tube?

A

5 million/ovary in the embryo
0.5 million by birth
Most degenerated over life; few thousand undergo most of maturation cycle
~500 are released

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8
Q

Describe the structure of the primordial oocyte

A

Squamous follicle cells on outside, surrounded by common basal lamina

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9
Q

In what phase of meiosis is the primordial oocyte arrested?

A

Prophase of meiosis I

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10
Q

Describe the structure of the primary oocyte

A

Surrounded by zona pellucida (within the follicle cell layer)
Follicular cells become cuboidal as the oocyte enlarges, and divide to form multi-layered granulosa cells (this supportive cell layer is called the stratum granulosum)
Surrounding stromal cells start to form theca interna and externa (surround stratum granulosum)

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11
Q

Describe the changes that occur in the transition between primary oocyte and secondary follicle

A

Stratum granulosum thickens
Fluid filled cavity called the antrum appears
Oocyte suspended on stalk of granulosa cells called the cumulus oophorus

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12
Q

What change occurs to the structure of the secondary follicle following its release during ovulation?

A

Granulosa cells around oocyte form corona radiata

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13
Q

What is the mature follicle called? What is its diameter?

A

Graffian follicle

10mm diameter

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14
Q

What changes to the follicle occur with the LH surge?

A

Completes 1st meiotic division to become the secondary oocyte

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15
Q

What occurs following rupture of the follicle?

A

The smooth muscle in the ovary contracts to aid oocyte release into the peritoneal space, where it can then enter the uterine tube

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16
Q

What happens to the follicle following release of the oocyte?

A

Formation of the corpus luteum

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17
Q

What changes occur during the formation of the corpus luteum?

A

Stromal, granulosa and thecal cells invade the cavity and differentiate into luteal cells
Cells contain lipid and are highly vascularised

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18
Q

What is the role of the luteal cells?

A

Production of progesterone and oestrogen to prepare the endometrium for implantation

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19
Q

What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilisation does not occur?

A

Lack of hormonal signal: becomes corpus albicans and involutes over 14 days
Scar remains

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20
Q

What is the role of the uterine tube?

A

Collects released oocytes
Unites sperm and egg
Provides environment for fertilisation and initial development

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21
Q

Describe the gross structure of the uterine tube

A

Expanded opening (infundibulum) with fimbriae (collects oocyte)
Ampulla
Isthmus (joins uterus)

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22
Q

Describe the histological structure of the uterine tube

A

Serosa: mesothelium with thin connective tissue layer
Smooth muscle (muscularis)
Mucosa: connective tissue with epithelium

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23
Q

What kind of epithelium is found in the uterine tube?

A

Ciliated columnar

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24
Q

How is the oocyte moved towards the isthmus of the uterine tube?

A

Peristalsis (produces waves of fluid pumping oocyte towards isthmus)

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25
Q

What is the role of the fluid secreted by the epithelium of the uterine tube?

A

Provides nutrients for oocyte

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26
Q

Where does fertilisation usually occur?

A

Ampulla of uterine tube

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27
Q

What happens in the isthmus of the uterine tube?

A

Zygote remains here for 3 days, continues to divide

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28
Q

How big is the uterus outside pregnancy?

A

~Fist-sized

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29
Q

Describe the structure of the uterine wall

A

Endometrium: mucosa
Myometrium: inner and outer longitudinal layer, highly vascular circular middle layer
Outer perimetrium: mesothelium and underlying elastic tissue

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30
Q

Which layers of the uterine wall respond to cyclic changes in reproductive hormones?

A

Endometrium and myometrium

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31
Q

What changes occur to the uterus during pregnancy?

A

Individual smooth muscle cells in the myometrium are enlarged
More smooth muscle cells are generated
Connective tissue is increased
N.B. Changes do not fully reverse after birth (thickened wall is retained)

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32
Q

Describe the structure of the endometrium

A

Mix of ciliated and secretory simple columnar epithelium
Secretory glands penetrating into lamina propria (dense connective tissue)
Supplied by helical arteries
Functional layer (sloughed off every menstrual cycle)
Basal layer (regenerates functional layer)

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33
Q

What changes occur with endometrial growth?

A

Epithelial, stromal (lamina propria) and vascular cells proliferate vigorously
Secretion (mucoid with glycogen) accumulates

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34
Q

Describe the structure of the endocervix

A

Simple columnar epithelium

Cervical glands

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35
Q

Describe the secretions of the endocervix

A

Serous and copious at ovulation

Thick and plug-like at other times

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36
Q

What type of epithelium lines the ectocervix?

A

Stratified squamous epithelium

37
Q

What is the location of the boundary between the ecto- and endo-cervix?

A

Varies between reproductive and non-reproductive females, and with stage of menstrual cycle

38
Q

Describe the structure of the vagina

A

Mucosa: Stratified squamous epithelium (undergoes cyclic changes with menstrual cycle) with partly erectile lamina propria that becomes engorged with intercourse
Smooth muscle: thin inner, thick outer (continuous with uterine muscle)

39
Q

Does the vagina contain glands?

A

No

40
Q

What is the difference between the stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina and the skin?

A

Epithelium in the vagina is non-keratinised (the most superficial cells retain their nuclei, even when shed - they can be examined in a pap smear)

41
Q

Describe the structure of the breast

A

Multiple mammary glands with separate openings
Dense connective tissue
Abundant adipose tissue

42
Q

What changes occur in male and female breast tissue during puberty?

A

Males: testosterone causes regression of glandular tissue
Females: oestrogen and progesterone cause growth of mammary glands, more adipose tissue accumulates, breast enlarges

43
Q

What is the status of the glandular breast tissue in non-pregnant females?

A

Inactive (due to negative influence of stromal cells)

44
Q

Describe the structure and number of the mammary glands

A

Modified sweat glands
Lactiferous ducts form branching network, ending in terminal duct lobular units (TDLU)
TDLUs composed of interlobular collecting ducts and terminal ductules or acini
15-20 lobes (separate glands) per breast

45
Q

What is the difference between the mammary glands in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and before and during menstruation?

A

Follicular: stroma less dense, lumen invisible and surrounded by cuboidal epithelial cells
Luteal: cells more columnar, some secretions (lumen appears), fluid accumulates in stroma connective tissue
Before and during menstruation: gland involutes, some cells apoptose

46
Q

What changes occur in the breast during pregnancy when the glands are active?

A

Terminal ductules elongate and branch
Epithelial and myoepithelial cells proliferate from progenitor cells
By term, large cuboidal epithelial cells containing lipid and secretory product in lumen
Breasts are enlarged as a result of changes

47
Q

Describe the composition of breastmilk

A

Mixture of lipid, CHO and protein with high IgA

48
Q

Describe the composition of breastmilk

A

High in protein, low in CHO and lipid

49
Q

Where does the IgA in breastmilk come from?

A

Plasma cells that have invaded intralobular connective tissue

50
Q

What is the effect of suckling on lactation?

A

Initiates a reflex resulting in inhibition of prolactin-inhibiting hormone in the hypothalamus to increase prolactin release from the pituitary
Oxytocin also released, acts on myoepithelial cells to cause milk ejection
Squeezes TDLUs and lactiferous sinuses to release milk

51
Q

How is milk stored and ejected?

A

Stored in lactierous ducts

Myoepithelial cells form network around sinuses and secretory cells, and contract to cause ejection

52
Q

What changes to the breast tissue occur following menopause?

A

Mammary glands involute
Secretory cells disappear, leaving only duct system
Connective tissue loses elastic and collagen fibres, and fibroblasts

53
Q

Describe the structure of the testis

A

Surrounded by thick tunica albuginea
Septa from tunic divides testis into ~250 incomplete compartments
Each lobule contains 1-4 highly convoluted seminiferous tubules ~50cm long
Seminiferous tubules within testis connect via rete testis and efferent ductules to epididymis

54
Q

Describe the structure of the seminiferous tubules

A

Stratified epithelium

Tunica (lamina) propria: lacks fibroblasts, contains myoid cells and Leydig cells

55
Q

What is the function of the seminiferous tubules?

A

Site for spermatogenesis

56
Q

What is the role of Sertoli cells?

A

Support for spermatogenesis

57
Q

What happens to spermatogonia produced in the seminiferous tubules?

A

Divide: 1 daughter cell remains deepest in the epithelium to act as a SC to maintain spermatogenesis, 1 matures eventually forming a spermatid with head embedded in wall and tail pointing out to lumen

58
Q

What is the role of the tunica propria in the seminiferous tubules?

A

Can contract to provide peristaltic movement of fluid containing sperm down seminiferous tubule

59
Q

What is the role of the Leydig cells?

A

Produce testosterone

60
Q

When are the Leydig cells active?

A

First 5 months of fetal life, then inactive until puberty

61
Q

What is the final part of the seminiferous tubule called and what is its structure?

A

Tubuli recti
Straight structure lined only with Sertoli cells and then simple cuboidal epithelium
Connects to the rete testis

62
Q

What is the rete testis?

A

Interconnected set of channels lined with ciliated cuboidal cells

63
Q

What is the epididymus and vas deferens derived from?

A

Mesonephric (Wolffian) duct (temporary kidney in embryonic development)

64
Q

What connects the rete testis to the singled coiled ductus epididymus?

A

~20 surviving mesonephric tubules (efferent ductules)

65
Q

Describe the structure of the epididymus

A 
Ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium (also lines efferent ductules)
Smooth muscle (continuous with vas deferens)
4-6m long, highly coiled
Head, body and tail (ductules connect to head)
66
Q

What is the function of the epididymus?

A

Sperm mature as they move along the epididymus (process includes decapacitation)
Also absorbs most testicular fluid around sperm and cleans up debris

67
Q

What is decapacitation?

A

Inhibition of the ability of the sperm to fertilise an egg (prevents release of enzymes involved in fertilisation), achieved by inhibitory factors secreted by the epididymus
This is reversed when sperm reach the vagina

68
Q

Where does the vas deferens run?

A

Into the abdomen via inguinal canal, as part of the spermatic cord
Travels over lip of pelvis and descends to prostate at base of bladder

69
Q

When does the vas deferens become the ejaculatory duct?

A

When it enters the substance of the prostate

70
Q

Describe the structure of the vas deferens

A

Ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Thick smooth muscle coat

71
Q

Does the ejaculatory duct carry the same thick smooth muscle coat as the vas deferens?

A

No

72
Q

Where are the seminal vesicles located?

A

On vas deferens near the prostate

73
Q

Describe the structure of the seminal vesicles

A

Thick mucosa

Thin smooth muscle coat

74
Q

What is secreted by the seminal vesicles and what is its role? What % of the semen volume does it constitute?

A

Fructose and prostaglandin rich fluid with an alkaline pH to support sperm and help modify the acidic environment of the vagina
50% of semen volume

75
Q

What is the normal pH of the vagina? Why?

A

4

Provides a barrier against infection

76
Q

Where is the prostate located?

A

On anterior rectal wall, inferior to bladder

77
Q

Describe the gross structure of the prostate

A

30-50 tubuloalveolar glands opening into the urethra and prostatic sinuses

78
Q

Describe the drainage of the prostate

A

Main prostatic glands drains into urethra via long ducts
Submucosal glands drain via prostatic sinuses
Tiny mucosal glands open directly into urethra

79
Q

What are the 4 zones of the prostate?

A

1) Central zone: surrounds (lateral to) ejaculatory duct
2) Peripheral zone: surrounds central zone
3) Transitional zone: surrounds prostatic urethra
4) Periurethral zone: immediately adjacent to urethra

80
Q

Describe the histology of the prostate

A 
Heterogenous epithelium (may be columnar or cuboidal, pseudostratified)
Separated by connective tissue with abundant smooth muscle (helps drive out secretions)
81
Q

What are prostatic concentrations?

A

Accumulation of protein, calcium phosphate, cholesterol and cellular debris
Can be found in the prostatic lumen
More common with age

82
Q

What is the composition and role of the prostatic secretions?

A

Complex secretion with acid phosphatase, fibrolysin and coagulating factors
Causes initial clotting of the ejaculate, followed by its dissolution by fibrolysin, freeing the sperm to move

83
Q

Describe the anatomy of the penis

A

3 masses of cavernous tissue surrounded by tunica albuginea
2x corpora cavernosa
Corpus spongiosum (surrounds urethra)

84
Q

What is the difference between the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum?

A

Corpus spongiosum less dense

85
Q

Describe the histology of the cavernous tissue of the penis

A

Contains many potential vascular spaces surrounded by smooth muscle and connective tissue

86
Q

Explain the process of penile tumescence and detumescence

A

Parasympathetic stimulation relaxes cavernosal smooth muscle and dilates arteries, supplying blood (due to ACh and NO)
Swelling of cavernous bodies compresses veins in superficial tissue and restricts outflow
Sympathetic stimulation restricts inflow and contracts cavernosal smooth muscle to cause detumescence

87
Q

Describe the anatomical structure of the clitoris

A 
Short shaft (body) parallel to but distinct from urethra
Crus reflects 90° and runs in opposition to the puboischial rami, extending inferiorly along the pelvis
Extra masses of cavernous tissue lateral to the vestibule (called the bulbs of the clitoris)
88
Q

Describe the histology of the clitoris

A

Body has bilateral cavernous tissue surrounded by tunica albuginea, similar to males
Bulbs have less dense connective tissue, more extensive cavernous spaces, and their role is unclear

89
Q

Is clitoral function affected by the same drugs as penile function?

A

Yes (e.g. sildenafil)

Hannah's Reproductive (5 decks)

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