Histology of the Female Reproductive System

The lower, neck-like portion of the uterus is known as the [blank_start]cervix[blank_end].

The ovaries produce an array of steroids, however the main steroid they produce is called [blank_start]Progesterone[blank_end]

The ovary is split into two sections - a cortex and a medulla: [blank_start]Cortex[blank_end]: Where development of the follicle occurs [blank_start]Medulla[blank_end]: Where the contorted blood vessels are located

The dense, outer connective tissue layer of the ovarian cortex is called the

The Tunica Albuginea of the Ovarian Cortex is covered by a single layer of [blank_start]cuboidal[blank_end] cells called the [blank_start]germinal[blank_end] epithelium

The development of which structure within a primary follicle allows it to then be classed as a secondary follicle? The development of the follicular [blank_start]antrum[blank_end]

Label the layers of the ovarian cortex shown below

Ovarian stromal cells associate with the secondary follicle, forming layers around the follicle called the internal and external [blank_start]theca[blank_end] layers.

The Theca [blank_start]Interna[blank_end] layer is the main produce site for hormones in the follicle (mainly progesterones and oestrogen), secreting hormone precursors for the granulosa cells to activate into active hormones.

The largest antral follicles can become are around 2cm in size.

One day before ovulation, an oocyte will complete meiosis 1, but instead of producing two equal cells it will produce a secondary oocyte and one tiny polar body that carries the second nucleus away to degenerate. The secondary oocyte will then begin the second phase of meiosis, however will stop at [blank_start]Metaphase II[blank_end], only completing Meiosis II upon fertilisation via a sperm.

The part of the ovary that bulges before releasing a mature oocyte into the fallopian tube is called the follicular [blank_start]stigma[blank_end]

After ovulation (rupture of follicle releasing oocyte), the empty follicle becomes a structure called the [blank_start]corpus luteum[blank_end], which secretes oestrogens and progesterone thus preparing the uterus for implantation of a foetus.

As the corpus luteum begins degrading following unsuccessful implantation (no egg was fertilised) it begins to stop producing hormones and loses its yellow colour, becoming more of a white structure. At this point it is aptly named the corpus [blank_start]albicans[blank_end]

If however implantation does occur, the placenta secretes which hormone in order to prevent degeneration of the corpus luteum? (This hormone thus maintains progesterone levels and in turn maintains the pregnancy.)

Fertilisation usually occurs in which part of the fallopian tube? The [blank_start]Ampulla[blank_end]

From superficial to deep, name the three layers of the uterus: [blank_start]Perimetrium[blank_end] [blank_start]Myometrium[blank_end] [blank_start]Endometrium[blank_end]

Which of the uterine layers is covered by mesothelium?

The Myometrium is a layer consisting of [blank_start]3[blank_end] rather indistinct layers of smooth muscle.

The endometrium has both superficial and deep layers. Which layer typically thickens over a 28 day period and is shed during menstruation?

A nabothian cyst is a mucus-filled cyst on the surface of the [blank_start]cervix[blank_end]. This tends to occur due to blockage of glands in this structure which causes them to expand with secretions.

The Vagina has four layers. Arrange them in order of deep to superficial: [blank_start]Adventitia[blank_end] [blank_start]Fibromuscular layer[blank_end] [blank_start]Lamina propria[blank_end] [blank_start]Non-keratinized stratified squamous[blank_end]

During reproductive years, the superficial stratified squamous layer of the vagina becomes thickened due to accumulation of which substance? [blank_start]Glycogen[blank_end]

The rounded eminence of skin anterior to the pubic symphysis upon which highly oblique hair follicles (pubic hairs) grow on is called the [blank_start]mons pubis[blank_end]