Histology 1

Question: 1 of 2
Theme:Epithelium of the female reproductive system
A Keratinising stratified squamous epithelium
B Non-keratinising stratified squamous epithelium
C Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
D Simple columnar epithelium
E Simple cuboidal epithelium
F Transitional epithelium
Which of the epithelial types described are present in the anatomical regions below?
Ectocervix
Keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Incorrect - The correct answer is Non-keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Endocervical canal
Keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Incorrect - The correct answer is Simple columnar epithelium

Cervical ectropion
Keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Incorrect - The correct answer is Simple columnar epithelium

Transformation zone of cervix

Keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Incorrect - The correct answer is Non-keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Vagina

Histology 2
Keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Incorrect - The correct answer is Non-keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Uterus
Keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

Incorrect - The correct answer is Simple columnar epithelium

At puberty the endocervical epithelium, which is simple columnar epithelium, extends distally into the
vagina, and forms an ectropion.
The ectropion can sometimes be a cause of post-coital bleeding or mucoid vaginal discharge, and is
most common during pregnancy or if the woman is taking the combined oral contraceptive pill.
The acidity in the vagina causes the ectropion's epithelium to undergo metaplastic change to a nonkeratinsised squamous epithelium. This new epithelium is called the transformation zone.
Since the transformation zone is the most common site for cervical carcinoma, it is important to brush
this site adequately when performing a cervical smear.

Question: 2 of 2
Are the following correct regarding the vagina and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN)?
Colposcopic features of VAIN are similar to CIN
Intracavity radiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for VAIN
The vaginal epithelium has crypts

Correct
Correct
Incorrect answer selected

VAIN is commonly seen as an isolated vaginal lesion

Incorrect answer selected
VAIN may progress to frank invasive cancer, although it is never seen after radiotherapy for
cervical cancer
Incorrect answer selected
VAIN is seldom seen as an isolated vaginal lesion and it is more usual for it to be seen as a vaginal
extension of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
There are no crypts within vaginal epithelium and therefore abnormal epithelial changes remain
superficial until invasion occurs.
VAIN 3 may progress to cancer, and may be seen years after radiotherapy for cervical cancer.
Both surgery and radiotherapy are effective treatments for VAIN.