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Female Reproductive System
self-explanatory
89
Histology
Professional
04/04/2011

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Term
ovarian follicles
Definition
consist of oocyte and epithelial cells surrounding it
Term
atresia-controlled loss
Definition
explains why the number of oocytes per ovary decreases from 3.5 million during fetal life to only 200,000 at puberty
Term
ovaries
Definition
site of oocyte production, storage, and maturation in the female; composed of cortex and medulla; tunica albuginea (outer connective tissue layer) gives organ its white color
Term
ovarian cortex
Definition
contains ovarian follicles and the fibroblastic connective tissue stroma surrounding them
Term
ovarian medulla
Definition
vascular core of ovary
Term
follicular epithelium
Definition
considered mesothelium, relatively tall cells, will proliferate during follicle maturation
Term
primary oocytes
Definition
stage of development of oocytes after oogonia when meiosis is arrested, nucleolus is nearly as big as epithelial cells surrounding it
Term
atresia
Definition
slow, continuous degenerative process which results in the loss of oocytes; cells in this stage can still be seen in same field as developing oocytes
Term
theca folliculi
Definition
differentiated mesenchymal stroma adjacent to an ovarian follicle
Term
theca interna
Definition
portion of the theca folliculi containing endocrine cells, produce steroid hormones, including androstenedione during the secondary follicle stage
Term
theca externa
Definition
vascular and connective tissue layer of the theca folliculi
Term
primordial follicle
Definition
immature oocyte, arrested in 1st meiotic prophase, surrounded by flattened and significantly smaller single layer of epithelial cells
Term
developing follicle
Definition
term includes unilaminar and multilaminar primary follicles; follicular epithelial cells become cuboidal and proliferate into granulosa cells (which rest on a prominent basement membrane); oocyte increases in size during this stage
Term
zona pellucida
Definition
forms between oocyte and granulosa cells; collects glycoproteins and polysaccharides from oocyte and granulosa cells; cytoplasmic processes communicate across this zone via gap junctions
Term
secondary/antral follicle
Definition
granulosa cells begin to form follicular fluid, which accumulates in the follicular antrum and contains steroid binding proteins; estrogens and progesterone are concentrated around the oocyte in this fluid; theca interna cells are differentiated and producing androstenedione; oocyte attains full size (150-200 um)
Term
granulosa cells
Definition
formed in the primary follicle stage, produce follicular fluid in the secondary stage, convert androstenedione to estradiol, produce factor that helps regulate progression through meiosis
Term
mature/Graafian follicle
Definition
fully developed follicle that is actually ovulated, has corona radiata and cumulus oophorus, first polar body is cast off as meiosis 1 is completed, arrests at metaphase 2
Term
corona radiata
Definition
rim of granulosa cells adherent to zona pellucida, accompany the oocyte as it leaves the ovary
Term
cumulus oophorus
Definition
stalk of granulosa cells holding the oocyte near the wall of the follicle
Term
plasminogen activator
Definition
produced by granulosa cells; converts plasminogen to plasmin; plasmin activates collagenases and contributes to the weakening of connective tissues surrounding the follicle and its ultimate escape
Term
oocyte maturation factor
Definition
produced by the granulosa cells, acts to inhibit premature continuation of meiosis
Term
FSH
Definition
initiation of primordial follicle maturation regulated by this hormone; estrogen has a negative feedback on it
Term
follicular regulatory protein
Definition
released by FSH-stimulated, dominant follicle; inhibits maturation of other follicles by signaling atresia and blocking primary follicle development
Term
ovulation
Definition
large mature primary oocyte escapes from the ovary; cumulus oophorus breaks down, oocyte within corona radiata free within antrum; FSH and LH surge necessary for this process; granulosa cells weaken and follicle wall ruptures
Term
LH
Definition
release from pars distalis stimulated by estrogen released from ovarian follicle
Term
stigma
Definition
locally ischemic site of ovarian stroma, has pale appearance at ovarian surface
Term
corpus luteum ("yellow body")
Definition
endocrine unit differentiating from granulosa and theca interna cells immediately following ovulation, contains loose connective tissue in its center
Term
granulosa lutein cells
Definition
enlargement of granulosa cells in response to LH (form 80% of parenchyma of corpus luteum), acquire steroid secretory morphology and produce progesterone to keep potential gestation going; new capillaries perfuse cells
Term
theca lutein cells
Definition
continue production of estrogen precursors but are now part of corpus luteum
Term
corpus luteum of menstruation
Definition
degeneration of cell cluster if LH levels fall and fertilization/pregnancy does not happen
Term
glassy membrane
Definition
zona pellucida and basement membrane left behind in atretic follicles
Term
corpus luteum of pregnancy
Definition
chorionic gonadotrophin from fetus maintains the tissue, granulosa lutein cells produce progesterone and relaxin (opposes oxytocin, targets fibrocartilage of pubic symphysis to weaken articulation) as well as smooth muscle relaxation factor at parturition
Term
corpus albicans
Definition
long-lasting collagenous scar tissue produced by atresia or dissolution of corpus luteum of pregnancy
Term
uterine tubes
Definition
aka oviducts or Fallopian tubes, muscular tubes about 12 cm long extending from the body of the uterus to the ovary, pick up oocyte and carry it to the uterus, site of fertilization of oocyte
Term
interstitial segment of oviduct
Definition
pierces uterine wall
Term
isthmus of oviduct
Definition
medial 1/3
Term
ampulla of oviduct
Definition
dilated intermediate segment
Term
infundibulum of oviduct
Definition
bears osteum, has finger-like fimbriae to coax oocyte inward
Term
layers of oviduct
Definition
mucosa, lamina propria, muscularis, and serosa
Term
mucosal layer of oviduct
Definition
mucosal folds increase epithelial surface area, lined by simple columnar epithelium, ciliated cells and Peg (secretory) cells, estrogen increases cell height, progesterone stimulates ciliary activity
Term
lamina propria of oviduct
Definition
highly vascular layer, smooth muscle is prominent in fimbriae, which become very active at ovulation; also produce factors which activate/capacitate sperm
Term
muscularis layer of oviduct
Definition
two or more interwoven layers of muscle, including inner circular/spiral and outer longitudinal layers; usually thick layer, uses peristaltic contractions to move oocyte into uterus
Term
serosa layer of oviduct
Definition
thin layer covered by visceral peritoneum with mesothelium
Term
uterus
Definition
approximately fist-sized organ made of fundus, body, isthmus, and cervical portions, contains 3 layers of tissue within
Term
fundus of uterus
Definition
rounded superior end between Fallopian tubes
Term
body of uterus
Definition
main portion, receives the Fallopian tubes
Term
isthmus of uterus
Definition
constricted mid-portion more inferior than the tubes
Term
cervix
Definition
cylindrical portion, projects into vagina, has unique junction of cell types that goes from simple columnar to stratified squamous epithelium towards the vagina
Term
epimetrium
Definition
outermost layer of the uterine wall, consists of serosa and adventitia, has mesothelium
Term
myometrium
Definition
middle layer of uterine wall, contains smooth muscle arranged in many directions, responsible for expulsion of fetus during birth, undergoes both hyperplasia and hypertrophy during pregnancy
Term
endometrium
Definition
innermost layer of uterine wall, consists of uterine mucosa, whose consistency changes throughout the menstrual cycle; lamina propria contains mostly Type 3 collagen fibers; cells are simple columnar and has both ciliated and secretory cells; uterine glands penetrate the full thickness of this layer
Term
basal layer of endometrium
Definition
layer adjacent to myometrium, contains highly cellular lamina propria and deep basal ends of the uterine glands, used to regenerate endometrium following menstruation
Term
functional layer of endometrium
Definition
has more spongy and less cellular lamina propria, is richer in ground substance, contains most of the length of the uterine glands, and has most of the surface epithelium; undergoes profound changes during the menstrual cycle and is shed at menstruation
Term
arcuate arteries
Definition
located in the middle layer of the myometrium, send 2 sets of arteries to the endometrium
Term
radial arteries
Definition
cross from the arteries in the myometrium into the endometrium
Term
straight (basal) arteries
Definition
supply endometrial basalis
Term
spiral (coiled) arteries
Definition
are progesterone sensitive, extend farther into the endometrium and bring blood throughout the endometrial functionalis
Term
vascular lacunae
Definition
formed from the spiral arteries giving off numerous arterioles that supply a rich capillary bed
Term
uterine glands
Definition
maintained after menstruation, simple and tubular in structure, commonly branched, produce fluid that is sent to outer endometrium; composed of simple columar epithelium, including ciliated and non-ciliated cells
Term
menstruation
Definition
occurs at the beginning of the cycle (days 1-5), functionalis is shed, menstrual bleeding occurs, glands are retained in stratum basalis
Term
proliferative phase
Definition
days 6-15 of cycle, driven by estrogen that is produced by ovaries, torn endometrium is resurfaced and thickened by epithelial and stromal proliferation, uterine glands lengthen/coil, cells accumulate glycogen, and coiled arteries grow toward functionalis layer; antral follicle develops in ovary and ovulation occurs
Term
secretory phase
Definition
starts as a result of progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum, endometrium continues to thicken, apocrine secretion of glycogen and glycoprotein-rich products occurs, uterine glands become torturous/swollen/irregular, coiled arteries elongate, and endometrial stroma accumulates fluid; if fertilization has occurred, the ovum will find its way into the uterus
Term
Ischemia/menstrual phase
Definition
if pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum fails and hormone levels fall; coiled arteries constrict, allowing the stroma to lose fluid and lymphocytes and macrophages to invade; the opening and closing intermittently of the coiled arteries shuts of nutrient flow and allows functionalis to be removed
Term
cervical mucosa
Definition
layer not shed at menstruation, part of cervix, simple columnar epithelium on a thick lamina propria
Term
cervical myometrium
Definition
less smooth muscle than uterine body, abundant in collagenous connective tissue and elastic fibers
Term
cervical endometrium
Definition
denser stroma than uterus proper w/ more fibers, simple columnar epithelium, has branched glands that often dilate and form Nabothian cysts, mucosa has longitudinal folds (plicae)
Term
mid-cycle cervical mucus
Definition
estrogen-stimulated, watery, promotes sperm motility, contains lysozyme to kill invading microbes, can extend into vagina as stringy units
Term
late-cycle cervical mucus
Definition
progesterone-stimulated, more viscous secretion
Term
pregnancy-induced cervical mucus
Definition
particularly dense, forms a protective plug whose loss is the first sign of dilation during birth
Term
ectocervix
Definition
region at os (mouth) where cells change from simple columnar to stratified squamous epithelium, exists at juncture of cervix and vagina (portio vaginalis of cervix); frequent site of dysplasia, neoplasia, and invasive carcinoma; Pap smear samples cells from this region
Term
vagina
Definition
consists of mucosa, lamina propria, and muscularis layers...function is obvious
Term
vaginal mucosa
Definition
contains stratified squamous non-keratinizing epithelial cells that are responsive to estrogen, accumulate glycogen and stain poorly
Term
vaginal lamina propria
Definition
no glands found here
Term
vaginal muscularis
Definition
interlacing bundles of smooth muscle whose function once again is obvious
Term
mammary gland
Definition
compound tubuloalveolar in structure, has 15-25 individual glands called lobules, exists as a duct system
Term
duct system of mammary gland
Definition
made of stratified cuboidal epithelium, lactiferous ducts lead to lactiferous sinuses (have dilated reservoirs); substantial smooth muscle sphincter exists between duct and sinus
Term
lactiferous ducts
Definition
80% of breast cancers arise from these cells
Term
secretory elements of mammary glands
Definition
alveoli that form as outgrowths from lactiferous ducts, consist of cuboidal alveolar epithelium with subjacent myoepithelial cells; do not exist in inactive breast; plasma cells around alveoli provide secretory IgA to milk
Term
mammary gland at puberty
Definition
estrogen stimulates lactiferous duct formation (in the presence of prolactin), alveolar buds form and regress with each ovarian cycle
Term
mammary gland in pregnancy
Definition
estrogen plus prolactin, placental lactogen, and progesterone stimulate further development of alveolar ducts and alveoli; lactogenesis and galactopoiesis occur and breast milk is formed
Term
lactogenesis
Definition
establishment of milk secretion, regulated by estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin
Term
galactopoiesis
Definition
maintenance of milk production, regulated by prolactin and oxytocin
Term
colostrum
Definition
"first milk," lactoprotein and immunoglobulin-rich secretion but is relatively nutrient poor and has a low lipid content
Term
merocrine constituents of breast milk
Definition
casein, alpha-lactalbumin, PTH-RP in secretory granules; also lactose
Term
apocrine constituents of breast milk
Definition
triglycerides, cholesterol
Term
transcytotic constituents of breast milk
Definition
dimeric IgA from adjacent plasma cells
Term
oxytocin
Definition
suckling stimulates its release, it in turn stimulates myoepithelial cells surrounding alveolar ducts and alveoli
Term
afferent signals to CNS
Definition
stimulated by suckling, trigger suppression of prolactin-inhibitory hormone from hypothalamus, thus increased prolactin stimulates lactation (weaning reverses this process)
Term
multiple neuroendocrine factors
Definition
trigger relaxation of smooth muscle sphincter between lactiferous ducts and sinuses, eliminates need for suckling
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