Histology

of

Female Reproductive System

By Dr. Mudassar Ali Roomi (MBBS, M. Phil)

Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes).

The oviducts are subdivided into four regions: 1. the infundibulum, which has a fimbriated end 2. the ampulla, which is the most common site of fertilization 3. the isthmus 4. and the intramural or interstitial or uterine portion ,which traverses the wall of the uterus. The wall of each oviduct consists of a mucosa, muscularis, and serosa.

The mucosa has extensive longitudinal folds in the infundibulum. The degree of folding progressively decreases in the remaining three regions of the oviduct. 1. The EPITHELIUM is simple columnar and consists of peg cells and ciliated cells. Lumen of fallopian tube is irregular.

mucosa

a. Peg (secretory) cells:

(1) The cells secrete a nutrient-rich medium that nourishes the spermatozoa (and preimplantation embryo). Uterine tube secretions maintain sperm and enhance capacitation of sperm (2) Their cytoplasm contains abundant RER; a well-developed Golgi complex; and many apically located secretory granules.

b. Ciliated cells:
(1) Ciliated cells possess many cilia, which beat mostly toward the lumen of the uterus. (2) Function. Ciliated cells may facilitate the transport of the developing embryo to the uterus. 2. The LAMINA PROPRIA consists of loose

B. Muscularis The muscularis is composed of an ill-defined inner circular and an outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle. Function: By contracting rhythmically, the muscularis probably assists in moving the embryo toward the uterus. C. The serosa covers the outer surface of the oviduct and is composed of a simple squamous epithelium overlying a thin connective tissue layer.

Ectopic (Tubal) pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of the early embryo in an abnormal site (e.g., wall of the oviduct). Because of its small diameter and inability to expand, the tube cannot contain the growing embryo and will rupture, causing extensive hemorrhage that can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Cervix
The cervix does not participate in menstruation, but its secretions change during different stages of the menstrual cycle. The cervical wall is composed mainly of dense collagenous connective tissue interspersed with numerous elastic fibers and a few smooth muscle cells. The cervix has a simple columnar (mucus-secreting) epithelium except for the inferior portion (continuous with the lining of the vagina), which is covered by a stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium.

transformation zone of cervix

transformation zone, occurs where the simple columnar epithelium undergoes an abrupt transition to stratified squamous epithelium

Cervix
Branched cervical glands secrete a serous fluid near the time of ovulation that facilitates the entry of spermatozoa into the uterine lumen. During pregnancy, cervical glands produce a thick, viscous secretion (mucus plug) that hinders the entry of spermatozoa and microorganisms into the uterus. Prior to parturition, the cervix dilates and softens (ripening of the cervix) due to the lysis of collagen in response to the hormone relaxin.

Papanicolaou (Pap) smear

In a Pap smear, epithelial cells are scraped from the lining of the cervix (or vagina) and are examined to detect cervical cancer. A Pap smear shows variation in cell populations with stages of the menstrual cycle.

Carcinoma of the cervix

Carcinoma of the cervix originates from stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelial cells. It may be contained within the epithelium and not invade the underlying stroma (carcinoma insitu), or it may penetrate the basal lamina and metastasize to other parts of the body (invasive carcinoma). It occurs at a relatively high frequency, but may be cured by surgery if discovered early (by Pap smears) before it becomes invasive.

Vagina
Overview: 1. The vagina is a fibromuscular tube with a wall that is composed of three layers: an inner mucosa, a middle muscularis, and an external adventitia. 2. It is circumscribed by a skeletal muscle sphincter at its external orifice. 3. It lacks glands throughout its length and is lubricated by secretions from the cervix and by seepage of the extracellular fluid from the vascular supply of the lamina propria.

Histology of Vagina

mucosa
The mucosa is composed of a thick, stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium and a fibroelastic connective tissue, the lamina propria. 1. The epithelium contains glycogen, which is used by the vaginal bacterial flora to produce lactic acid; lactic acid lowers the pH during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and inhibits invasion by pathogens. 2. The lamina propria is a fibroelastic connective tissue that is highly vascular in its deeper aspect (which may be considered analogous to a submucosa).

Histology of Vagina (cont..)

C. The muscularis is composed of irregularly arranged layers of smooth muscle (thin inner circular layer and thicker outer longitudinal) interspersed with elastic fibers. D. The adventitia is composed of fibroelastic connective tissue and fixes the vagina to the surrounding structures.

How to draw it!!