Reproductive Tract Histology Flashcards by Hugh Murray

Where in the fallopian tube does fertilisation occur?

In the ampulla

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At what stage of the menstrual cycle are the breast at their largest?

During the luteul phase

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What is the surface layer of the ovary?

Simple stratified or cuboidal epithelium

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How does the endometrium change in preparation for implantation?

Glands increase in size and start secreting mucoid with glycogen

Epithelial, stromal and vascular cells proliferate

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What do the follicular cells of the primordial oocytes become in the primary oocytes?

Granulosa cells of the stratum granulosum

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What is contained in the prostatic secretion?

Acid phosphatase, fibrolysin and coagulating factors

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What is in the inner medulla of the ovaries?

Loose connective tissue

Blood vessels

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What are TDLUs?

Terminal duct lobular units - made up of interlobular collecting ducts and terminal ductules or acini

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In which part of the penis does the urethra run?

Corpus spongiosum

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What is the epitheliun of the ectocervix?

Stratified squamous epithelium

Non-glandular

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How is the vagina lubricated?

By cervical glands

Or glands in the vestibule

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Why are Leydig active for the first 5 months of fetal life?

To produce testosterone required for sex determination

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Describe the histological structure of the clitorus

Bilateral cavernous tissue surrounded by tunica albuginea

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At what follicular stage does the antrum arise?

The secondary follicle

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Where does the tunica albuginea lie in the ovaries?

Between the epithelium and stromal connective tissue

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What is the name of the structure that connects the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis?

Rete testis

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Which layer of the endometrium is sloughed off during menses?

The functional layer

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What cells line the lumen of the efferent ductules and epididymis?

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

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What is the function of the prostatic secretion?

Causes the ejaculate to clot (immobilising it) then fibrolysin dissolves the clot and frees the sperm

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What can occur if a oocyte is fertilised outside of the fallopian tube?

Ectopic pregnancy

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What happens to sperm and semen in the epididymis?

They mature

They are decapacitated to prevent them damaging the wall

Fluid and debris is absorbed

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What is cortical stroma made up of?

Highly cellular connective tissue

Scattered smooth muscle cells

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What lines the internal layer of the fallopian tube?

A serosa that is mesothelium plus a thin layer of connective tissue

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What prostatic zone surrounds the prostatic urethra?

The transitional zone

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What happens to the antrum in the development of the corpus luteum?

Cells of the stratum granulosum, theca layers and stroma invade into it

How many lobes (separate glands) are there per breast?

15-20

At what stage of the oocyte complete its first meiotic division?

Under the LH surge

What does the corpus luteum become if fertilisation doesn't occur?

The corpus albicans

What is the name of the thick layer of connective tissue that surrounds the testis?

Tunica albuginea

Where are the seminal vesicles located?

On the ductus deferens near the prostate

What are myoid cells?

Contractile smooth muscle like cells, myofibroblasts

Why the surface of the ovary irregular?

Due to scars from release of oocytes

How does the myometrium accommodate the developing fetus?

Increases the size of individual smooth muscle cells Increases the number of smooth muscle cells Increases the amount of connective tissue

Is the vagina epithelium keratinised?

Describe the structure and composition of the endometrium

A simple epithelium made up of columnar and secretory cells punctuated by secretory glands Helical arteries support the epithelium

Describe the structure of the prostate

Lobular glands with centrally located urethra and inferior paired ejaculatory ducts

What surrounds the primordial oocytes?

Layer of follicle cells then basal lamina

What is the function of the myoid cells?

Contract to create a constant perstaltic movement to propel spermatids down the tubule

Which aspect of the fallopian tube has thicker SM wall?

Isthmus

From which cell line are most ovarian tumours derived from?

The simple epithelium

What are the efferent ductules that connect the rete testis to the epididymis derived from?

Mesonephric duct

What is epithelium of the endocervix?

Simple columnar with glands

What makes up the stalk of cells (cumulus oophorus) that suspends the oocyte into the antrum?

Cells of the stratum granulosum

How does the composition of milk change over the breast feeding period?

Initially it's high in protein - particularly IgA, with relatively lower lipid and carbohydrates It becomes more balanced in its composition over time

How are the oocyte propelled down the uterine tube?

Action of the ciliated membrane Peristalsis

Which hormone causes growth of the mammary glands at puberty?

Oestrogen Progesterone

How do the breasts change doing pregnancy?

Terminal ductules elongate and branch Epithelial and myoepithelial cells proliferate Cuboidal epithelials contain lipid and secrete products into the lumen

What is the purpose of the scattered smooth muscle cells in the cortical stroma of the ovaries?

Help eject oocyte from the ovary

What do the seminal vesicles produce?

A fructose and prostaglandin rich secretion with alkaline pH to support the sperm

What is the mechanism of action of oxytocin?

It acts on myoepithelial cells causing them to contract to eject milk

Which hormone stimulates milk production?

Prolactin

What structure feature of the vagina allows it to become erect in stimulation?

It's erectile lamina propria

How are the muscle fibres of the myometrium arranged?

The inner and outer layers are longitudinal The middle layer is circular

What surrounds the stratum granulosum in the primary oocyte?

Theca interna and externa

What is contained in the central zone of the prostate?

The ejaculatory ducts

Are prostatic concretions pathological?

No, they accumulate normally with age and consist of protein, calcium phosphate, cholesterol and cellular debris

What is the name of the ducts that produce the milk in the breasts?

Lactiferous

What is the hormonal response in the mother to the suckling/smell or crying of her baby?

Inhibition of prolactin release-inhibiting hormone in the hypothalamus Oxytocin release

What is the mechanism of penile erection?

Parasympathetic stimulation relaxes the cavernosal smooth muscle and dilates arteries supplying blood (via ACh and NO) Swelling of cavernous bodies compress veins, restricting outflow

Is the transition between simple columnar and stratified squamous epithelium fixed in position?

No, its position depends on the stage of menstration

Explain the process of metaplasia that occurs at the transitional zone of the cervix

During the reproductive years, the squamo-columnar junction is at the external os. Under the influence of oestrogens, expansion of the cervical stroma occurs, partly as a result of increased water in the ground substance, resulting in eversion of the columnar endocervical epithelium near the os out onto the ectocervix. Here it is exposed to the more hostile vaginal environment and it undergoes metaplasia to the more protective stratified squamous epithelium.