Histology of the Ovary Flashcards
Ovary
Oval in shape, smaller than the testis
Composed of dense fibrous tissue embedded with Ova
Mesovarium
Suspends the ovary
Comes from the posterior leaf of the broad ligament by this double fold of peritoneum
Ovarian Veins
Vast plexus within the mesovarium, Occompany the ovarian artery through the broad ligmanet
Germinal Epithelium (Previously called)
Layer of simple cuboidal cellscovers the fibrous stroma of the ovary
Previously thought to be germ cells
Now called superficial epithelium
Primordial Germ Cells
Actually develop in the embryonic yolk sace,
Mirgrate up the umbilical cord and find the tissues that will ultimately form the ovaries
Remain dormant throughout childhood
Oogenesis
Development of the Ova
Start when puberty begins
Each ovary contrains 400,000 Ova at birth
15,000 are actually ovulated.
Primordial Follicles
Start of each menstrual cycle, cells turn into primary follicles
Thecal cells
Surrounds the primary follicles
Antrum
a fluid filled chamber around the Primary follicles. As the follicles continue to grow the thecal cells undergo mitosis to form a double layer surrounding a fluid filled chamber
Seconardy Follicles
When the antrum is present
Mature (Graafian) Follicles
Secondary follicles continue to grow
Corona Radiata
Cluster of cels surrounding the ovum
Layer of cells cling to the ovum even after ovulation
Stratum Granulosum
The remaining outer cells of the antrum
Corpus Luteum (Yellow Body)
When the mature ovum is released and hemorrhage occurs within the collapsed follicle, statum grnulosum grows into the blood clot, creting a yellow color
Perist for about 12 days if fertilization of the ovulated ovum does not occur, or for approx three months if pregnancy is successful.
Corpus Luteum (function)
Producing progesterone and estrogens that help to maintain the placenta in the endometrium of the uterus
Provide essential hormones until the placenta can completely fullfill this requirement, by the 12th week of pregnancy.
