Histology of Female Reproductive System.pptx

The female reproductive system consists of
Gonads called ovaries
Ducts
Ovarian (Fallopian) tubes
Accessory glands
Bulbourethral glands
Uterus
Vagina
External genitalia

1. Histology of Female Reproductive System

2. The cortex has a stroma that is composed of bulk of ovarian tissue. In the stroma there are ovarian follicles. Each follicle contains a developing ovum. The cells present in stroma of cortex are: Luteinizing Stromal Cells Decidual cells Neuroendocrine cells Endometrial stroma like cells & Smooth muscle Fat Cortex

3. The medulla consists of connective tissue in which numerous blood vessels (mostly veins) are seen. Elastic fibers and smooth muscle are also present. The stroma of medulla is composed of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and elastic fibers. It also contains Hilar cells that are round to polygonal cells

4. The hilum of the ovary is the site for entry of blood vessels and lymphatics. It is continuous with the medulla. The hilum also contains some remnants of the mesonephric ducts; and hilus cells that are similar to interstitial cells of the testis.

5. Thin outer layer of uterus. It is composed of a simple layer of mesothelium. Perimetrium

6. Myometrium The muscle layer of the uterus is also called the myometrium . It consists of bundles of smooth muscle amongst which there is connective tissue. Numerous blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics are also present in it. The muscle fibers run in various directions and distinct layers are difficult to define. Three layers, external, middle and internal are usually present. The fibers in the external layer are predominantly longitudinal. In the internal layer some bundles are longitudinal and others are circular. In the middle layer there is a mixture of bundles running in various directions. Contractions of the myometrium are responsible for expulsion of the fetus at the time of child birth.

7. The mucous membrane of the uterus is called the endometrium . The endometrium consists of a lining epithelium that rests on a stroma. Numerous uterine glands are present in the stroma. The lining epithelium is columnar. Before menarche (i.e., the age of onset of menstruation) the cells are ciliated, but thereafter most of the cells may not have cilia. The epithelium rests on a stroma that is highly cellular and contains numerous blood vessels. It also contains numerous simple tubular uterine glands. The glands are lined by columnar epithelium. Endometrium

8. Endometrium

9. Uterine Tubes Uterine tubes are paired muscular tubes and are also called fallopian tubes . Each uterine tube has a medial or uterine end, attached to (and opening into) the uterus, and a lateral end that opens into the peritoneal cavity near the ovary. The wall of the uterine tube consists of following layers from within outwards. Mucous Membrane Muscle Coat Serosa

10. Mucous Membrane The mucous membrane shows numerous branching folds that fill the lumen of the tube These folds are most conspicuous in the ampulla. Each fold has a highly cellular core of connective tissue. It is lined by columnar epithelium that rests on a basement membrane. Some of the lining cells are ciliated: ciliary action helps to move ova towards the uterus. Other cells are secretory in nature and are also called as peg cells . They contain secretory granules and are not ciliated. Their surface shows microvilli.

11. Muscle Coat The muscle coat has an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle. An additional inner longitudinal layer may also be present. The circular layer is thickest in the uterine part of the tube. The circular muscle is thickest in the isthmus. The pattern of mucosal folds is also different in this region.

12. Serosa It consists of mesothelium supported by connective tissue.

13. Vagina The vagina is a fibromuscular elastic tube that extends from lower part of the cervix to the external genitalia. It is about 8 cm long. It is capable of considerable elongation and distension, this being helped by the rich network of elastic fibres in its wall. The wall of the vagina consists of three layers; Mucous Membrane Muscle Coat adventitia

14. Mucous Membrane The mucous membrane shows numerous longitudinal folds, and is firmly fixed to the underlying muscle layer. It is lined by stratified squamous epithelium ( nonkeratinised ). The epithelium rests on dense connective tissue (lamina propria ) that is highly vascular. The tissue is rich in elastic fibres . No glands are seen in the mucosa. The vaginal surface being kept moist by secretions of glands in the cervix of the uterus.

15. Muscle Coat The muscle coat is made up of an outer layer of longitudinal fibres , and a much thinner inner layer of circular fibres . Many elastic fibres are present among the muscle fibres . The lower end of the vagina is surrounded by striated muscle fibres that form a sphincter for it.

16. Adventitia The muscle wall is surrounded by an adventitia made up of fibrous tissue containing many elastic fibres .