Reproductive Tract Histology Flashcards
Where in the fallopian tube does fertilisation occur?
In the ampulla
At what stage of the menstrual cycle are the breast at their largest?
During the luteul phase
What is the surface layer of the ovary?
Simple stratified or cuboidal epithelium
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
What do the follicular cells of the primordial oocytes become in the primary oocytes?
Granulosa cells of the stratum granulosum
What is contained in the prostatic secretion?
Acid phosphatase, fibrolysin and coagulating factors
What is in the inner medulla of the ovaries?
Loose connective tissue
Blood vessels
What are TDLUs?
Terminal duct lobular units - made up of interlobular collecting ducts and terminal ductules or acini
In which part of the penis does the urethra run?
Corpus spongiosum
What is the epitheliun of the ectocervix?
Stratified squamous epithelium
Non-glandular
How is the vagina lubricated?
By cervical glands
Or glands in the vestibule
Why are Leydig active for the first 5 months of fetal life?
To produce testosterone required for sex determination
Describe the histological structure of the clitorus
Bilateral cavernous tissue surrounded by tunica albuginea
At what follicular stage does the antrum arise?
The secondary follicle
Where does the tunica albuginea lie in the ovaries?
Between the epithelium and stromal connective tissue
What is the name of the structure that connects the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis?
Rete testis
Which layer of the endometrium is sloughed off during menses?
The functional layer
What cells line the lumen of the efferent ductules and epididymis?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
What is the function of the prostatic secretion?
Causes the ejaculate to clot (immobilising it) then fibrolysin dissolves the clot and frees the sperm
What can occur if a oocyte is fertilised outside of the fallopian tube?
Ectopic pregnancy
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
What is cortical stroma made up of?
Highly cellular connective tissue
Scattered smooth muscle cells
What lines the internal layer of the fallopian tube?
A serosa that is mesothelium plus a thin layer of connective tissue
What prostatic zone surrounds the prostatic urethra?
The transitional zone
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?
No
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.
