T3 L1 &2 :Pathology of the Female Reproductive Tract 1 & 2 Flashcards
what hormone secreted at puberty causes maturation of squamous epithelial cells and of which organ
Oestrogen
Vagina
what is formed within mature squamous epithelial cells
Glycogen
what is the purpose of glycogen in vaginal cells
Glycogen in cells shed from the surface is a substrate for vaginal anaerobic organisms (dominated by lactobacilli)
what is the function of Lactobacilli
Lactobacilli produce lactic acid keeping vaginal pH below 4.5
describe the different components of the cervix
- Ectocervix
- Endocervix
- Transformation zone
What type of cells are within the ectocervix
stratified squamous epithelium
what type of cells are within the endocervix
Single layer of tall, mucin producing columnar cells
what contributes to the large surface area of the endocervix
- Columnar epithelium lines tiny blind ending channels (‘clefts’)
- These radiate out from the endocervical canal into the surrounding stroma
what type of epithelium is the ectocervix covered by
stratified squamous epithelium
what type of epithelium is the endocervix covered by
columnar epithelium
what is the junction between the endocervix and ectocervix called
‘squamo-columnar junction
describe the formation of the transformation zone
- During puberty the cervix changes shape
- The lips of the cervix grow
- The distal end of the endocervix opens
- Endocervical mucosa becomes exposed to the vaginal environment
what is the endocervical columnar epithelium exposed to & what does this cause
Acidic vaginal environment
Reserve cells in this area proliferate and mature to form squamous epithelium: This process is called squamous metaplasia
define metaplasia
a transformation of cell type from one kind of mature differentiated cell type to another kind of mature differentiated cell type
what happens after metaplasia occurs
- At first, the metaplastic squamous epithelium is thin and delicate (lots of proliferation & maturation is incomplete)
- With time, the metaplastic epithelium comes to be as strong and well formed as that on the ectocervix
what is the myometrium
Bundles of smooth muscle, vasculature and nerves of the cervix
when and what is the proliferative phase in the endometrium
-Before ovulation & has mitosis
1) Tubular glands
2) Specialised Stroma
3) Blood vessels
what occurs in the secretory phase in the endometrium
1) Cork screw glands
2) Specialised stroma
3) Blood vessels
define neoplasia
‘new growth’ – abnormal, uncoordinated and excessive cell growth.
persists following withdrawal of stimulus and associated with genetic alterations
what are neoplasms classified according to
Neoplasms are classified according to their behaviour and histogenesis
Behaviour: Benign or Malignant Histogenesis: Recognising the cell of origin
describe benign neoplasms
Remains localised and doesn’t invade surrounding tissues
Generally grow slowly
Good resemblance of parent tissue
give an example of a benign neoplasm
Leiomyoma of the myometrium‘ fibroid ’
It closely resembles parent tissue
what are the consequences of benign neoplasms
- Pressure on adjacent tissue
- Obstruction of lumen of a hollow organ
- Hormone production
- Transformation into a malignant neoplasm
- Symptoms for the patient
what are the clinical problems for benign neoplasms
Pressure on adjacent tissue
-Bladder (frequency) Rectosigmoid (constipation)
Obstruction to lumen of a hollow organ
-Adjacent (ureters) Blocking endocervix
Hormone production
-? Erythropoietin producing polycythaemia
Transformation into a malignant neoplasm
-Probably malignancy arises de novo
Abnormal uterine bleeding, pain
