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HISTOLOGY  4  BIMONTHLY  DOC  LAFUENTE                                                               CEBALLOS,  FRANCISCO,  LAURON,  LUCERO,  MASONG  

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
3 stages of follicular development:
1. Primordial follicles (unilaminar follicles)
- located in the cortex below tunica albugenia
- oocyte = single layer of squamous follicular cells
- large vesicular nucleus
- well developed golgi apparatus surrounded by small
mitochondria

2. Primary follicles
- occurs from infancy to menopause
- uninterrupted by anovulatory cycles or pregnancies
- as oocyte enlarge= follicular cells become cuboidal or low
Menarche columnar
- 13 y/o - mitosis= stratified epithelium of granulosa cells
- secondary sex characteristics
Granulosa cell- from the corona radiata
ovaries and endometrium undergo regulatory repeated cycle of Zona pellucida- noncellular glycoprotein layer between
hormonally controlled histologic changes the corona radiata and oocyte

Menopause
- depletion of ovarian follicles
- reduction in estrogen

Ovaries
- slightly flattened, ovoid
- paired
- 2.5 to 5 cm in length
1.5 to 3 cm in width
0.6 to 1.5 cm thickness
- one section
> attached to broad ligament by mesovarium
- another section
> attached to uterine wall by ovarian ligament
- histologic picture 3. Secondary follicles (antral follicles)
1. Cortex - follicle becomes oval
- thick peripheral zone - oocyte= eccentric
- embedded are ovarian follicles - when follicle reaches a diameter of 0.2 mm or has 6-12
2. Medulla layers of cells
- consists of loose Ct and a mass of contorted BV that > irregular spaces are filled with clear fluid, liquor
are large in proportion to the size of the ovary folliculi -> antrum
- paler staining - by the time the formation of anttrum begins, oocyte size is
- covered by germinal epithelium 125-150 um
- tunica albugenia -> dense CT

oocyte of antral follicle is located in the cumulus

oophorus, local thickening of the mass of granulosa cells
that projects into the antrum
theca interna
- vascular layer of capillaries and epitheloid cells
Ovarian follicles that later acquire features typical of steroid secreting
- in the stroma of the cortex cells
- deep to the tunica albugenia ● theca externa
- in normal young adult: - composed mainly of fusiform stromal cells and
> over 400 000 primordial and primary follicles CT
> fewer than 500 will complete maturation and release an
ovum 4. Mature follicle (graafian follicle)
- each menstrual cycle: - 10 to 14 days
> 5-15 follicles -> 1 - occupy full thickness of the ovariam cortex
> others degenerate -> follicular atresia - bulges 1 cm from thee free surface of the ovary
- during menopause; - measure 15-20 mm in diameter
> follicles decreases progressively

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HISTOLOGY  4  BIMONTHLY  DOC  LAFUENTE                                                               CEBALLOS,  FRANCISCO,  LAURON,  LUCERO,  MASONG  
HISTOPHYSIOLOGY OF OVARIAN FOLLICLES b. Non-ciliated – secretory
- Granulosa cells of developing follicles have receptors for FSH,
LH, Estrogen and testosterone. - True Glands
- LH induce/stimulates secretion of progesterone Ø absent in the oviduct
- FSH acting upon the granulosa cells induces the conversion of - Ciliated Cells
Androgen to estrogen w/c stimulates: Ø Increase in height during follicular phase
Ø Granulosa cell proliferation Ø Decrease in height during Luteal phase
Ø Growth of follicles - Steroid hormones affect the rate of ciliary beat:
Ø Estrogen à prepares the ciliated surface destined
VESTIGIAL ORGANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OVARY to transport the ovum.
1. Epoophoron Ø Progesterone à accelerates the ciliary beat at
- Consists of transverse tubules running in the the time an ovum is available to be transported
mesovarium from the hilus of the ovary toward the - Lamina propria of the mucosa of FT consists of:
oviduct. Ø Network of reticular fibers
- The upper end of the longitudinal duct ends in a Ø Limited number of lymphocytes, monocytes, mast
cyst-like enlargement à HYDATID OF cells
MORGAGNI - No true muscularis mucosa can be distinguished in the
- Its other end may extend far toward the uterus as Oviduct.
the Duct of Gartner
- Homologue of ductuli efferentes and epididymis During ovulation, the Oviduct exhibits active movements:
1. Blood vessels are engorged with blood
2. Paroophoron 2. Turgescence of the fimbriae
- Group of irregular fragments of epithelial tubules 3. Contraction of their intrinsic muscle
found between the epoophoron and the uterus in 4. Bring the opening of the tubal infundibulum into contact with
the tissue of broad ligament. the surface of the ovary.
- Remnant of the caudal part of mesonephros and
corresponding to the vestigial paradidymis of the Blood vessels, Lymphatics and Nerves
male. - Abundant in the serosa and in the mucosa and folds that are
continuations of uterine and ovarian vessels.
VESSELS AND NERVES
Ovarian Artery OVULATION
- Reach the ovary through the infundibulo-pelvic ligament - Process by which follicle ruptures
- Anastomose with uterine artery which courses upward along - 14th day of the 28-day cycle
the lateral aspect of the uterus from the cervix. - Appearance of a pale oval area on the bulging outer pole of
the follicle à stigma or macula pellucida
Helicine Arteries - Usually only one ovum is released/cycle
- Branches of the anastomoses of the ovarian and uterine - Enzymes necessary for ovulation:
arteries. Ø Collagenase
Ø Plasminogen
Ovarian Plexus and Uterine Nerve - With pre-ovulatory increase in LH à granulosa cells produce
- Enter the ovary through the hilus increase amount of Plasminogen activator à Plasmin
- Plasmin
FALLOPIAN TUBE/OVIDUCT Ø Capable of degrading the basal lamina around the
- Muscular tube follicle and of converting procollagenase to the
- 12 cm long active enzyme.
- Segments: Ø Escape of the ovum
1. Pars interstitialis
2. Isthmus Hormonal Control of Ovulation
3. Ampulla - Dependent upon the relation between the:
4. Infundibulum 1. Hypothalamus (GnRH)
5. Fimbriae 2. Hypophysis (FSH & LH)
3. Ovary
- Layers of the wall:
1. Mucosa FERTILIZATION
2. Muscular layer - Depends of the presence of specific protein in the membrane
3. External serous layer covering the sperm head à is recognized by receptors on the
zona pellucida around the ovum
Mucosa - Zona Pellucida is responsible for:
- In the Ampulla à thick and forms branched folds 1. Sperm binding
- In the isthmus à shorter longitudinal folds and less highly 2. Initiating the acrosome reaction
branched Ø Depolymerization of IC substance by enzymes
- In interstitial part à folds are reduced to low ridges 3. After its modification by cortical reaction, for the block to
polyspermy.
Epithelium
- Oviduct: - Triggers completion of the 2nd meiotic division of the ovum
Ø Simple columnar to pseudostratified with production of a second small polar body.
Ø Epithelium is highest in the Ampulla and low in - Fusion of the nucleus of the ovum with the sperm nucleus à
height towards the uterus restore diploid chromosome number

- 2 kinds of cells in the epithelium: UTERUS

a. Ciliated Cells – numerous on the fimbriae and - Single pear-shaped organ
ampulla - Thich muscular wall
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HISTOLOGY  4  BIMONTHLY  DOC  LAFUENTE                                                               CEBALLOS,  FRANCISCO,  LAURON,  LUCERO,  MASONG  
- Flattened dorsoventrally 2. Basalis
- Contains a flattened uterine cavity o Deeper portion
- Non-pregnant: that remains and
Ø 6.5 cm long regenerates the
Ø 3.5 cm width functionalis
Ø 3.5 cm thick during the first
half of the next
- Fxns: cycle
1. Receives fertilized ovum
2. Provides attachment
3. Establish the vascular relations for substance of the
embryo

- Parts:
1. Body or Corpus Uteri
2. Fundus
3. Isthmus
4. Cervix or Portio Vaginalis
BLOOD SUPPLY OF ENDOMETRIUM
PERITONEUM
• A serous membrane
• Covers the fundus and posterior aspect From uterine arteries
• Forms 2 leaves of broad ligaments

MYOMETRIUM Braches penetrate into the Stratum vasculare of

the myometrium
• Smooth muscle fivers of the muscular layer are arranged in
cylindrical or flat bundles separated by thin septa of
connective tissue
• Layers: Arcuate arteries
1. Stratum submucosum
o Beneath the mucosa which forms distinct
muscular rings Cross the myometrial-endometrial junction
o Fibers are predominantly longitudinal
2. Stratum vasculare
o Thickest
o Contains large blood vessels which gives a small basal arteries
spongy appearance
3. Stratum supravasculare
o Fibers mainly circular and longitudinal supply the deep portion of the endometrium;
the basalis or stratum basale
4. Stratum subserosum
o Outermost layer
o Thin longitudinal muscle layer ISTHMUS AND CERVIX
• In gravid uterus:
Ø Smooth muscle hypertrophy ISTHMUS
Ø Increase number of muscle fibers • Thick and no evidence of
Ø Increase amount of CT and collagen cyclic change
• Lack coiled arteries
Histophysiology of Myometrium
• Maintenance of normal uterine size -> estrogen CERVIX
• During pregnancy -> reduced activity of myometrium due to • 3 cm in length,
increase progesterone • 2-3 mm thick
• lined with mucosa with highly irregular surface consists of
ENDOMETRIUM branching folds -> Plica Palmatae
• Simple columnar • canal lined by tall columnar epithelium
• Preparation for the implantation of fertilized ovum • greater part of cytoplasm is filled with mucous
• Participates in implantation and formation of maternal portion • mucosa is extensively branched and lined by tall mucus
of the placenta secreting columnar epithelium
• Removal of the ovaries -> Atrophy of Endometrium • ducts of some of the glands become occluded
• Beginning in Puberty (11-15 y.o.) • accumulation of mucus -> Nabothian Cysts – 5-6 mm
o Uterine mucosa undergoes monthly cyclic changes
in its structure Portio-vaginalis of the Cervix
o At the end of the cycle: • outer surface is covered with stratified squamous epithelium
Ø Partial degeneration • transistion between the columnar mucus-secreting epithelium
Ø Sloughing of endometrium accompanied of cervical canal and stratified squamous epithelium of portio
with, vaginalis is abrupt
Ø Abundant extravasations of blood • borderline = inside the external os of the cervix
Ø ===MENSTRUAL FLOW • after childbearing
o patches of columnar epithelium of endocervix may
2 Zones in the Endometrium extend onto portio-vaginalis = Cervical Erosions
1. Functionalis o inflammation = Leukorrhea
o Upper half to 2/3 will be sloughed off at the next • the superficial cells of cervical epithelium are constantly
menstruation exfoliated into the vaginal fluid -> paps smear
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HISTOLOGY  4  BIMONTHLY  DOC  LAFUENTE                                                               CEBALLOS,  FRANCISCO,  LAURON,  LUCERO,  MASONG  
Histopathology of the Cervix
• the cervical muscosa does not take pare in menstrual changes
• there are cyclic changes in the secretory activity
• at midcycle :
o 10 fold increase in secretion rate due to estrogen
o change in consistency of mucus from highly viscous
to less viscous, more highly hydrated condition
• in pregnancy:
o cervical glands enlarge, proliferate and accumulate
large quantities of mucus
o CT between them is reduced to thin partitions
• In late pregnancy:
o Softening of the cervix
o Dilatation of cervix during labor

ENDOCRINE REGULATION OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE

SYSTEM

Cyclic activities of ovary are under the

control of Anterior Lobe of Hypophysis

Vagina is devoid of glands

LH FSH True vaginal fluid

àtransudates from capillaries of the lamina propria
àincrease in abundance during sexual stimulation

• The intercellular space of the epithelium contain mononuclear

together with FSH is required
for ovulation and for early Responsible for the leukocytes, lymphocytes and langerhan cells
development of Corpus growth of follicle up to • Superficial cells are desquamated late in the luteal pahse and
Luteum the point of ovulation
during menstruation
• Glycogen from exfoliated cells à rich substrate for the
bacterial flora which breaks it down to lactic acid...
• In luteal phase à less glycogen are formed à pH rises
VAGINA
• Distensible muscular tube extending from the vestibule of the
Vestibular Glands:
female external genitalia to the cervix
• Small glands around the opening of the urethra and clitoris
• In a virgin
• Resembles the glands of littre in male urethra and contain
o Lower end of the vagina is masked by transverse
mucus cells
semicircular fold or fenestrated membrane ->
HYMEN
Glands of Bartholin:
1) Large glands, 1 cm in diameter
3 Layers of Vaginal Wall
2) In lateral walls of the vestibule
3) Are of tubuloalveolar type
1. ADVENTITIAL COAT
4) Corresponds to bulbourethral gland of male
o Thin layer of dense CT which joins the vagina to
the surrounding structures
EXTERNAL GENITALIA
o Extensive venous plexus, nerve bundles and small
groups of nerve cells
1. Clitoris
o 2 small erectile corpora cavernosa ending in a
2. MUSCULAR LAYER
rudimentary glans clitoridis
o Interlacing smooth muscle bundles arranged
circularly and longitudinally
2. Vestibule
o Striated fibers of the bulbocavernous muscle forms
o Space into which the vagina and urethra opens
a sphincter around the vagina
o Lined by stratified squamous epithelium
3. MUCOSA
3. Labia Minora
o Consists of stratified squamous epithelium and an
o Stratified squamous epithelium
underlying lamina propria
o Have a center of CT filled with elastic networks,
o Superficial cells contain keratohyaline granules and
numerous blood vessels and sebaceous glands on
cytoplasm in rich in glycogen especially at midcycle
its surface.

4. Labia Majora
o Folds of skin containing SC adipose tissue, thin
layer of smooth m.
o Corresponds to tunica dartos of the scrotum

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HISTOLOGY  4  BIMONTHLY  DOC  LAFUENTE                                                               CEBALLOS,  FRANCISCO,  LAURON,  LUCERO,  MASONG  
o Outer surface covered by hair • Distention of alveoli with eosinophilic secretion rich in
o Inner surface is hairless lactoproteins, but poor in lipid à Colostrum
o Sebaceous and sweat glands are numerous on
surface
Histologic appearance
Nerve supply to External Genitalia: - Secretory portions are filled with milk
o Supplied by sensory nerve ending: - Epithelial cells varies from flat to low columnar
o Meissner’s corpuscles = scattered in the
epithelium
o Genital corpuscles = in subpapillary layer
o Pacinian corpuscles = found on deeper parts of
CT of libia majora and cavernous bodies of the
clitoris

MAMMARY GLAND
o Specialized accessory glands of skin
o Paired glands
o Are laid down in the embryo along 2 lines:
Ø Mammary lines = from axilla to the groin on either side of
the midline on the ventral aspect of the thorax and abdomen.
Endocrine control of mammary gland function:
Resting Mammary Gland: - Growth of duct system
Ø Compound tubule-alveolar gland consisting of 15-25 irregular - Complete dev’t of alveoli
lobes radiating from the mammary papilla or nipple. - Hypophysis secretes prolactin and oxytocin
- Prolactin, progesterone, estrogen, somatotropic adrenal
Lobes corticoids to obtain full morphological
Ø Separated by layers of dense CT and surrounded by abundant development of the gland
adipose tissue
Ø With lactiferous duct 2.4 – 5 mm diameter
àstratified squamous epithelium
àopens on the nipple
Ø Beneath the areola – each ducts has a local dilatation àSinus
lactiferous

Alveolar ducts and alveoli

Ø Secretory portions
Ø Cuboidal or low columnar secretory cells resting on a basal
lamina and a discontinuous layer of processes of
myoepithelial cells.

Nipple and Areola

v Epidermis is invaded by long dermal papillae, where • Placenta – secretes estrogen, progesterone and prolactin-like
capillaries bring blood close to the surface hormone
v Bundles of smooth muscles are disposed longitudinally along • Continued secretion of prolactin – maintenance of lactation
the lactiferous ducts and circumferentially both within the • Secretion of normal levels of prolactin – dependent upon
nipples and around its base. neurohormonal reflex

ü Accessory areolar glands of Montgomery Stimulus of suckling:

• Are intermediate in their structure between sweat glands - Act upon supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei in the
and true mammary glands hypothalamus
§ Release of prolactin
ü Skin at the tip of the nipple § Release of oxytocin
• Innervated with free nerve endings and Meissner’s - milk secreted between suckling remains within
corpuscles in the dermal papillae. alveoli and alveolar ducts

ü Few superficial nerves or nerve end organs on the sides of Regression of Mammary Gland:
the nipple or areola - Suckling lactation maintained

ü Skin beyond the areola à has neural plexuses around hair If milk is not removed
follicles as well as nerve endings. - Glands become distended
- Milk production stops due to interruption of
ACTIVE MAMMARY GLANDS: neurohormonal refles mechanism for prolactin secretion

1st half of gestation Few days after

• Rapid growth and branching from terminal portion of the duct - Secretions remaining in alveolar spaces and duct is
system of the resting gland. absorbed
• Increase infiltration of interstitial tissue with lymphocytes, - Glandular elements gradually return to resting state
plasma cells, and eosinophils.

Later months of pregnancy

• Actual hyperplasia of glandular tissue slows down
subsequent enlargement of parenchymal cells
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HISTOLOGY  4  BIMONTHLY  DOC  LAFUENTE                                                               CEBALLOS,  FRANCISCO,  LAURON,  LUCERO,  MASONG  

Few days after weaning

- Alveoli is distended with secretory products
- Epithelium is flattened
Later
- Gradual collapse of alveoli and increase in perialveolar
CT and adipose tissue
- Increased macrophages in interstitial tissue
10 days after weaning
- Glandular tissue replaced by CT and adipose tissue
- The remaining alveoli appear as scattered solid cords of
epithelial cells

Involution of mammary gland

- Atrophy of epithelium of secretory portions, and partly of
excretory ducts
- Few scattered ducts

Chronic cystic disease

- Women 30-50 yrs.
- Terminal ducts and acini lose their continuity with the
remainder of the duct system and form fluid filled cysts

Blood and Lymphatic vessels:

- Anterior thoracic artery (Internal mammary)
- Thoracic branches of axillary artery
- Intercostal arteries
Veins:
- Axillary and anterior thoracic veins
Innervation:
- Noradrenaline containing nerve fibers
- Abunndant among smooth m. cells of the nipple
- At interface between media and adventitia of the arteries
of the breast

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