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Two layers:
• Cortex – contains follicles &
postovulatory structures (Corpus
luteum, etc)
• Medulla – Loose Connective
Tissue, Blood vessels, nerves,
lymphatics
• Continuous with mesovarium ->
ovarian ligament
Ovary
Ovary
• Germinal Epithelium
• (Simple cuboidal epithelium)
• Tunica albuginea
• (fibrous connective tissue)
• Primordial follicles
• Single layer of flattened follicular cells
• Contains a primary oocyte
Primary Follicle
(+) Zona pellucida
Doc My: “No need to identify as unilaminar or multilaminar.
Just write ‘Primary follicle’ and that’s it.”
Follicular cells are cuboidal
(+) Liquor folliculi, which will organize to form the
antrum (single fluid-filled space)
(+) theca folliculi composed of stromal cells
• Theca interna – secrete androstenedione
(converted to Estradiol in granulosa cells via
aromatase)
• Theca externa – with smooth muscles &
fibroblasts; merges with stroma
Much larger than secondary follicle
Still contains a primary oocyte
Corona radiata – granulosa cells immediately
surrounding oocyte; will accompany the
oocyte once released from the ovary during
ovulation
Events in atresia:
1. Apoptosis & detachment of
granulosa cells
2. Autolysis of oocyte
3. Collapse of ZP
Takes place before birth until a few
years before menopause
Most prominent just after birth
Decline of maternal hormones
(puberty & pregnancy)
Postovulatory structures
Note: Confirmed with Doc My using this exact
same picture
Corpus luteum
Temporary endocrine structure
Tip of arrow: degenerated antrum
Composed of Granulosa lutein and theca lutein
cells
Function: secrete hormones, primarily
progesterone (needed to maintain endometrial
lining)
CL of menstruation: lasts only one menstrual
cycle; requires LH
CL of pregnancy: requires hCG; maintained up to
4-5 months
Corpus albicans
Degenerated Corpus luteum (of menstruation)
Composed of dense connective scar tissue
Oviduct
Uterine tube, Fallopian tube
Function: conduit/transport of oocyte
from ovary to uterus
Ampulla: common site of fertilization
Oviduct
Mucosa:
o Simple columnar epithelium with cilia
o Secretory cells (nonciliated) – Peg cells
o Lamina propria: Loose connective
tissue
Muscularis
Consists of an inner circular muscle
layer and an outer longitudinal layer.
o Peristalsis for transport of sperm and
oocyte
Thin serosa covered by visceral
peritoneum with mesothelium.
Oviduct
Mucosa:
o Simple columnar epithelium with cilia
o Function: assists in transport of oocyte
o Secretory cells (nonciliated) – Peg cells
o Secretes mucus/glycoproteins for nurture of
oocyte/sperm & for capacitation (sperm activation)
o May have an apical bulge to lumen (mistaken for cilia)
o Lamina propria: Loose connective tissue
Uterus
Identify organ: Uterus
Identify layers:
• Endometrium
• Myometrium
• Perimetrium
At what stage is this specimen?
• Follicular/proliferative stage
Myometrium
• Thick wall of smooth muscle
• Function: contraction during childbirth
• Responds to oxytocin
Endometrium (functional layers):
• Functionalis
• Sloughed off during menstruation
• Vascular supply: coiled/helical arteries
• Basalis
• Not sloughed off; regenerates the functionalis
• Vascular supply: straight arteries
Uterus
Proliferative/Follicular Secretory/Luteal
Areas/regions:
• Endocervix
• Mucosa: Simple columnar epithelium
• Contains cervical glands (mucous
secretion) – function: lubrication
• Transition zone
• Region where epithelium changes
between endocervix & ectocervix
• Common site of neoplasia (tumor
growth)
• Ectocervix
• Mucosa: Stratified squamous, non-
keratinized epithelium
Endocervix
Cervical glands
Cellular components:
• Syncytiotrophoblasts
• Darker staining peripheral cells
• Cytotrophoblasts
• Large, pale staining cells
surrounding the blood vessels
Mammary glands
• Identify organ: Mammary glands,
or breast
• Modified apocrine sweat glands
• They are compound branched
alveolar glands, which consist of
15-25 lobes separated by dense
interlobar connective tissue and
fat.
• At what stage is this specimen
seen? Lactation
Mammary glands
• Secretory alveoli (simple cuboidal),
lactiferous ducts (stratified cuboidal)
• Secretion: breastmilk
• Protein: Merocrine secretion
• Lipids: Apocrine secretion
• Hormones:
• Milk production: Prolactin
• Milk ejection: Oxytocin
• Stimulus: sucking of newborn