HISTOLOGI 6.

1. Mention the female reproductive organs involved in this case!

The ovary, the fallopian tube, the uterus and the cervix, and the vagina.

2. Describe the microscopical structure of the ovary!

a. The body of the ovary consists of:

Spindle-shaped cells, fine collagen fibres and ground substance that together
constitute the ovarian stroma.
The stromal cells resemble fibroblasts but some contain lipid droplets.
Bundles of smooth muscle cells are also scattered throughout the stroma.

b. In the peripheral zone of the stroma, known as the cortex, are numerous follicles that
contain female gametes in various stages of development. In addition, there may also
be post-ovulary follicles of various kinds, namely corpora lutea (responsible for
oestrogen and progesterone production), degenerate and former corpora lutea
(corpora albicantes) and degenerate (atretic) follicles.

c. The central zone of the ovarian stroma, the medulla is highly vascular and contains
hilus cells, which are morphologically very similar to leydig cells of the testis.

d. Following ovulation, the ruptured follicle collapses and fills with a blood clot to form
the corpus luteum of menstruation is about the same size as the antedecent
ovulatory follicle (1.5-2.5 cm). In the centre, the remnant of the postovulatory blood
clot is seen surrounded by a broad zone of granulose lutein cells penetrated by septa
containing the larger blood vessels. Peripherally, a thin zone of theca lutein cells can
be seen. Externally, corpus luteum is bounded by a zone of condensed stromal tissue
representing the theca externa of the antedecent Graafian follicle.

3. Describe the microscophical structure of the fallopian tube!

a. Fallopian tube is shaped like an elongated funnel and is divided anatomically into
four parts as shown in the diagram, the infundibulum with fimbriae, the ampulla, the
isthmus and the interstitial part.

b. The infundibulum: at the time of ovulation moves so as to overlie the site of rupture
of the Graafian follicle.

c. Finger-like projections called fimbriae extending from the end of the tube envelop
the ovulation site and direct the ovum into the tube. Movement of the ovum along the
tube is mediated by gentle peristaltic action of the longitudinal and circular smooth
 muscle layers of the oviduct wall. This is aided by a current of fluid propelled by the
action of the ciliated epithelium lining the tube.

d. The mucosal lining of the fallopian tube is thrown into a labyrinth of branching,
longitudinal folds, a feature that is most prominent in the ampulla, which is the
usual site of fertilization.

e. The mucosal folds of the ampulla have a branching core of vascular supporting
tissue and are invested by a single layer of tall columnar epithelial cells which are
of 3 types, ciliated, non-ciliated secretory and intercalated cells. Scattered
intraepithelial lymphocytes are also present.

f. The muscular wall and the vascular supporting tissue of the serosa, which is
continuous with the broad ligament. The serosal layer and broad ligament has a
surface lining of mesothelium.

g. The muscular wall has two layers, an inner circular and an outer longitudinal, not
discernible at this magnification.

h. The mucosal folds of the ampulla have a branching core of vascular supporting
tissue and are invested by a single layer of tall columnar epithelial cells which are
of three types, ciliated, non-cilliated secretory and intercalated cells.

4. Describe the microscopical structure of the uterus and the cervix uterus!

a. The uterus is a flattened pear-shaped organ approximately 7 cm long in the non-

pregnant state. Its mucosal lining, the endometrium, provides the environment for
fetal development; the thick smooth muscle wall, the myometrium, makes up the
bulk of the uterus measuring up to about 20mm in a woman of reproductive age.

b. The endometrial lining of the uterine cavity consists of a pseudostratified columnar

ciliated epithelium forming numerous simple tubular glands supported by the
cellular endometrial stroma.

c. The cycle of changes in the endometrium proceeds through three distinct phases,
menstruation, proliferation and secretion; these changes involve both the
epithelium and supporting stroma.

The menstrual phase: the first day of menstruation is the phase of endometrial
shedding that only occurs if there is failure of fertilization and/or implantation
of the ovum. Initially manifest by degeneration of the superficial layers of
the endometrium and leakage of blood into the stroma; stromal cells
disaggregate and the endometrial glands collapse. These features are
 indicative of early necroses of glands and stroma. Menses is thus composed of
blood, necrotic epithelium and stroma.
The proliferative phase: the endometrial stroma proliferates becoming
thicker and richly vascularised. The simple tubular glands elongate to form
numerous long coiled glands that begin secretion coincident with ovulation.
The secretory phase: the late secretory phase is characterized by a saw-tooth
appearance of the glands that contain copious thick glycogen-rich secretion.

d. The myometrium, is the main bulk of the uterus that consists of smooth muscle,
which is composed of interlacing bundles of long slender fibres arranged in ill-
defined layers.Within the muscle is a rich network of arteries and veins supported
by collagenous supporting tissue.

e. The uterine cervix divided into two parts, which are:

The endocervical canal is lined by a single layer of tall columnar mucus-

secreting epithelial cells. The ectocervix, where the cervix is exposed to the
more hostile environment of the vagina, is lined by thick stratified squamous
epithelium as in the vagina and the vulva. The cells of the ectocervix often
have clear cytoplasm due to their high glycogen content.
The main bulk of the cervix is composed of tough, collagenous tissue
containing a little smooth muscle. At the squamocolumnar junction, the
cervical stroma is often infiltrated with leucocytes forming part of the defence
against ingress of microorganisms.

5. Describe the microscopical structure of the vagina!

The wall of the vagina, consists of a mucosal layer lined by stratified squamous
epithelium, a layer of smooth muscle and an outer adventitial layer.
In the relaxed state, the vaginal wall collapses to obliterate the lumen and the
vaginal epithelium is thrown up into folds.
The fibrous lamina propria contains many elastic fibres, has a rich plexus of
small veins and is devoid of glands.
The vagina is lubricated by cervical mucus, a fluid transudate from the rich
vascular network of the lamina propria and mucus secreted by glands of the labia
minora.
The smooth muscle bundles of the muscular layer are arranged in ill-defined
inner circular and outer longitudinal layers.