3. Follicullar growth and developmentFollicullar growth and development
• Each ovarian follicle consists of an immature ovum, PRIMARY OOCYTE,Each ovarian follicle consists of an immature ovum, PRIMARY OOCYTE,
surrounded by spheroidal cells, with large vesicular nucleus and a prominentsurrounded by spheroidal cells, with large vesicular nucleus and a prominent
nucleolus.nucleolus.
• Infants has 400,000 follicles, with progressive reduction in number as theInfants has 400,000 follicles, with progressive reduction in number as the
female matures and menstruate until virtually none is left after menopause.female matures and menstruate until virtually none is left after menopause.
• AS it grows the flattened follicular cells becomes cuboidal then columnar inAS it grows the flattened follicular cells becomes cuboidal then columnar in
shape, divide actively to produce a stratified layer around the ovum.shape, divide actively to produce a stratified layer around the ovum.
• It soon increase in size, becomes a cavity ( ANTRUM) filled with clear fluidIt soon increase in size, becomes a cavity ( ANTRUM) filled with clear fluid
( Liquor folliculi) rich in hyaluronic acid,( Liquor folliculi) rich in hyaluronic acid,
• Cumulus oophorus, is formed by a projection into the antrum.Cumulus oophorus, is formed by a projection into the antrum.
• Membrana granulosa, is formed as a continuous stratified follicular cellsMembrana granulosa, is formed as a continuous stratified follicular cells
around the antrum cavity.around the antrum cavity.
4. Follicullar growth and developmentFollicullar growth and development
• Theca folliculi is then formed as the follicle increase in size and is organizedTheca folliculi is then formed as the follicle increase in size and is organized
into capsules. It is separated from the membrana granulosa by basal lamina –into capsules. It is separated from the membrana granulosa by basal lamina –
Glassy membrane.Glassy membrane.
• It then differentiates into 2 layers;It then differentiates into 2 layers;
a. inner vascular, Theca interna, with enlarged epitheloid stromal cells witha. inner vascular, Theca interna, with enlarged epitheloid stromal cells with
numerous capillaries inbetween.numerous capillaries inbetween.
b. outer fibrous layer, Theca externa, composed of closely packed collagenousb. outer fibrous layer, Theca externa, composed of closely packed collagenous
fibers and fusiform cells merge peripherally into the surrounding ovarianfibers and fusiform cells merge peripherally into the surrounding ovarian
stroma.stroma.
..
5. The follicle with the Theca Interna and the Theca ExternaThe follicle with the Theca Interna and the Theca Externa
6. Mature Graafian folliclesMature Graafian follicles
• Requires 10 to 14 days to reachRequires 10 to 14 days to reach
maturity.maturity.
• 10 mm in dm. and occupies the10 mm in dm. and occupies the
whole breadth of the cortex andwhole breadth of the cortex and
indents the medulla.indents the medulla.
• It bulges on the free surface of theIt bulges on the free surface of the
ovary – Stigma.ovary – Stigma.
• The enlarged antrum is filled withThe enlarged antrum is filled with
fluid and is bound by thefluid and is bound by the
membrana granulosa, ismembrana granulosa, is
surrounded by a thick Zonasurrounded by a thick Zona
pellucida.pellucida.
• On maturity the cell spaces areOn maturity the cell spaces are
filled with fluid weakening thefilled with fluid weakening the
connection between the ovum andconnection between the ovum and
the membrana granulosa.the membrana granulosa.
7. The cortex of theThe cortex of the ovaryovary contains numerous follicles embedded in a thickcontains numerous follicles embedded in a thick
stroma. Most of the follicles are resting primordial follicles. Folliclesstroma. Most of the follicles are resting primordial follicles. Follicles
which have been stimulated to develop progress through primary andwhich have been stimulated to develop progress through primary and
secondary stages to become mature tertiary orsecondary stages to become mature tertiary or
Graafian folliclesGraafian follicles
8. • Maturation of the Ovum:Maturation of the Ovum:
OOgenesisOOgenesis
• The large cell within each follicle isThe large cell within each follicle is
anan oocyte. The cells whichoocyte. The cells which
surround each follicle aresurround each follicle are
granulosa cells. Flattenedgranulosa cells. Flattened
granulosa cells indicategranulosa cells indicate
resting primordial follicles.resting primordial follicles.
Cuboidal granulosa cells Cuboidal granulosa cells
indicate primary follicles,indicate primary follicles,
which have begun thewhich have begun the
process of maturation towardprocess of maturation toward
ovulation. Atretic folliclesovulation. Atretic follicles
have begun to degenerate.have begun to degenerate.
9. The cortex of the ovary contains numerous follicles embedded in a thick stroma. Most of the follicles areThe cortex of the ovary contains numerous follicles embedded in a thick stroma. Most of the follicles are
resting primordial follicles. Follicles which have been stimulated to develop progress through primaryresting primordial follicles. Follicles which have been stimulated to develop progress through primary
and secondary stages to become mature tertiary or Graafian follicles, in which a large fluid-filled cavity,and secondary stages to become mature tertiary or Graafian follicles, in which a large fluid-filled cavity,
the antrum, is surrounded by many layers of granulosa cells. Stromal cells around the follicle form thethe antrum, is surrounded by many layers of granulosa cells. Stromal cells around the follicle form the
theca interna, whichtheca interna, which secretes estrogen.secretes estrogen.
10. At the end of the monthly cycle, or at the end of pregnancy, the corpusAt the end of the monthly cycle, or at the end of pregnancy, the corpus
luteum degenerates into a fibrous scar called aluteum degenerates into a fibrous scar called a corpus albicans.corpus albicans.
The corpus luteum forms by reoganization of granulosa and theca cells followingThe corpus luteum forms by reoganization of granulosa and theca cells following
ovulation.ovulation.
11. • Ovulation = the follicle reaches maturity, filled with wateryOvulation = the follicle reaches maturity, filled with watery
liqour secretions & expands, called PreOvulatory swelling.liqour secretions & expands, called PreOvulatory swelling.
• Maturation of the Ovum: OOgenesisMaturation of the Ovum: OOgenesis
• The ovum that is released at ovulation is a secondaryThe ovum that is released at ovulation is a secondary
oocyte ( immature).oocyte ( immature).
• Oogonia = primitive ova with diploid chromosomes divideOogonia = primitive ova with diploid chromosomes divide
by mitosis to produce the primary Oocytes in the fetalby mitosis to produce the primary Oocytes in the fetal
ovary.ovary.
• On ovulation, the nucleus of the 2ndary oocyte starts the 2On ovulation, the nucleus of the 2ndary oocyte starts the 2ndnd
maturation division which stops in the metaphase andmaturation division which stops in the metaphase and
remains in this condition until fertilization. Theremains in this condition until fertilization. The
penetration of the spermatozoa triggers the completion ofpenetration of the spermatozoa triggers the completion of
the 2the 2ndnd
maturation division.maturation division.
12. The Corpus LuteumThe Corpus Luteum
• The folded collapse follicleThe folded collapse follicle
• Granulosal cell differentiateGranulosal cell differentiate
into large vesicular nucleiinto large vesicular nuclei
called the “Granulosa Luteincalled the “Granulosa Lutein
cells”cells”
• Theca interna becomes theTheca interna becomes the
“Theca Lutein Cells”“Theca Lutein Cells”
• Corpus luteum ofCorpus luteum of
menstruation = unfertilized,menstruation = unfertilized,
discharges ovumdischarges ovum
• 400 follicles reach maturity at400 follicles reach maturity at
30 years and only 1 ovum is30 years and only 1 ovum is
discharged every month.discharged every month.
• Atresia = involution of aAtresia = involution of a
follicle.follicle.
13. • Interstitial cells = large Spheroidal cell filled withInterstitial cells = large Spheroidal cell filled with
small lipid droplets,found in the ovarian stroma.small lipid droplets,found in the ovarian stroma.
• Hormones of the Ovary = produce sexHormones of the Ovary = produce sex
hormones estrogen ( from the follicle ) andhormones estrogen ( from the follicle ) and
progesterone ( Uterine glands).progesterone ( Uterine glands).
• Blood vessels and lymphatics = branches fromBlood vessels and lymphatics = branches from
the ovarian and uterine arteries, form a spiralthe ovarian and uterine arteries, form a spiral
vessel called helicine vessel.vessel called helicine vessel.
15. The regions of the fallopian tubesThe regions of the fallopian tubes
• Infundibulum – funnel shaped opening into theInfundibulum – funnel shaped opening into the
peritoneal cavity with margins drawn out intoperitoneal cavity with margins drawn out into
numerous folds called fimbriae.numerous folds called fimbriae.
• Ampulla – the expanded intermediate segment, 2/3rdsAmpulla – the expanded intermediate segment, 2/3rds
of the total length.of the total length.
• Isthmus – slender, narrow tube connects the fimbriaeIsthmus – slender, narrow tube connects the fimbriae
to the uterus.to the uterus.
• Intramural(interstitial) portion, the continuation of theIntramural(interstitial) portion, the continuation of the
canal thru the uterine wall.canal thru the uterine wall.
• The walls of the tube thickens progressively towardsThe walls of the tube thickens progressively towards
the uterus, the lumen diminishes in size.the uterus, the lumen diminishes in size.
16. Layers of the fallopian tube wallsLayers of the fallopian tube walls
• Mucosa = lining are in longitudinal folds, simpleMucosa = lining are in longitudinal folds, simple
columnar cells both ciliated (occur in small groups) andcolumnar cells both ciliated (occur in small groups) and
non ciliated (narrow and peg-shaped, secretory innon ciliated (narrow and peg-shaped, secretory in
nature).nature).
• Muscularis – broad inner circular layer and thin outerMuscularis – broad inner circular layer and thin outer
layer with scattered bundles of fibers orientedlayer with scattered bundles of fibers oriented
longitudinally. Peristaltic contractiosn aid the ovum triplongitudinally. Peristaltic contractiosn aid the ovum trip
to the uterine cavity.to the uterine cavity.
• Serosa – invested with a fold of reflected peritoneum,Serosa – invested with a fold of reflected peritoneum,
with loose connective tissue surfaced withwith loose connective tissue surfaced with
mesothelium. Deeper layer contains the longitudinalmesothelium. Deeper layer contains the longitudinal
bundles of the muscularis.bundles of the muscularis.
17. Blood vessels , Lymphatics andBlood vessels , Lymphatics and
nervesnerves
• Blood vessels and lymphatics are numerous andBlood vessels and lymphatics are numerous and
found in the lamina propria and the serosa.found in the lamina propria and the serosa.
• Nerves form rich plexus and supply muscleNerves form rich plexus and supply muscle
fibers and the mucosa.fibers and the mucosa.
18. The wall of theThe wall of the fallopian tubefallopian tube includes an elaborately foldedincludes an elaborately folded mucosamucosa surrounded by asurrounded by a
muscularismuscularis. In the ampulla, shown here, the mucosa is quite elaborate and the. In the ampulla, shown here, the mucosa is quite elaborate and the
muscularis is relatively thin. Mucosal folds occupy most of the potential lumenalmuscularis is relatively thin. Mucosal folds occupy most of the potential lumenal
space, so that cilia on the epithelial surface can effectively move the egg toward thespace, so that cilia on the epithelial surface can effectively move the egg toward the
uterus. The simple columnar epithelium of the mucosa contains bothuterus. The simple columnar epithelium of the mucosa contains both secretorysecretory
cellscells andand ciliated cellciliated cell
19. The wall of theThe wall of the fallopian tubefallopian tube includes an elaborately foldedincludes an elaborately folded
mucosamucosa surrounded by asurrounded by a muscularismuscularis. The thickness of both. The thickness of both
layers varies along the length of the tubelayers varies along the length of the tube
20. In the isthmus, shown here, the mucosa is relatively simple and theIn the isthmus, shown here, the mucosa is relatively simple and the
muscularis is quite thick. The ampulla, where elaborate mucosal foldsmuscularis is quite thick. The ampulla, where elaborate mucosal folds
occupy most of the potential lumenal space and the muscularis is relativelyoccupy most of the potential lumenal space and the muscularis is relatively
thin.thin.
22. Layers of the Uterine WallLayers of the Uterine Wall
• Outer layer = the Serosa or perimetriumOuter layer = the Serosa or perimetrium
• Middle layer = the muscularis ore myometrium.Middle layer = the muscularis ore myometrium.
• The Inner layer = the mucosa of theThe Inner layer = the mucosa of the
endometrium.endometrium.
23. • Perimetrium = typical serosa with single layer ofPerimetrium = typical serosa with single layer of
mesothelial cells supported by a thin layer of connectivemesothelial cells supported by a thin layer of connective
tissue.tissue.
• Myometrium = massive coat of smooth muscle aboutMyometrium = massive coat of smooth muscle about
12 to 15 mm thick. Muscles are arranged in a bundle12 to 15 mm thick. Muscles are arranged in a bundle
separated by connective tissue.separated by connective tissue.
• 3 layers of muscles:3 layers of muscles:
a. stratum subvasculare = inner muscle layer witha. stratum subvasculare = inner muscle layer with
longitudinal fibers.longitudinal fibers.
b. stratum vasculare = thick mid layer with bloodb. stratum vasculare = thick mid layer with blood
vessels.vessels.
c. stratum supravasculare = outer longitudinal layerc. stratum supravasculare = outer longitudinal layer
beneath the perimetrium.beneath the perimetrium.
24. TheThe uterusuterus has an extremely thick muscular wall, the myometrium, and a thickhas an extremely thick muscular wall, the myometrium, and a thick
mucosa, the endometrium with tubular glands lined by simple columnarmucosa, the endometrium with tubular glands lined by simple columnar
epithelium. The endometrium undergoes extensive changes during the menstrualepithelium. The endometrium undergoes extensive changes during the menstrual
cycle.cycle.
25. TheThe myometriummyometrium consists of smooth muscle. Theconsists of smooth muscle. The endometriumendometrium consists ofconsists of
a thick stroma containing numerous irregularly-shaped tubular glandsa thick stroma containing numerous irregularly-shaped tubular glands
lined by columnar epithelium. This image shows the endometrium inlined by columnar epithelium. This image shows the endometrium in
proliferative phase.proliferative phase.
26. Cyclic changes in the EndometriumCyclic changes in the Endometrium
• The menstrual stage with external menstrual discharge.The menstrual stage with external menstrual discharge.
• Proliferative ( follicular) stage = concurrent withProliferative ( follicular) stage = concurrent with
follicular growth and estrogen secretion.follicular growth and estrogen secretion.
• Progestational ( luteal ) stage = associated with activeProgestational ( luteal ) stage = associated with active
corpus luteum.corpus luteum.
• Ischemic ( premenstrual ) stage = when there isIschemic ( premenstrual ) stage = when there is
interruption of blood flow in the coiled arteries.interruption of blood flow in the coiled arteries.
27. During theDuring the proliferative phaseproliferative phase, when the stratum functionalis is growing,, when the stratum functionalis is growing,
the endometrial glands have a relatively smooth contour and mitoticthe endometrial glands have a relatively smooth contour and mitotic
figures are common.figures are common.
28. Endometrium, Proliferative stage. A helical (corkscrew) shape permits theEndometrium, Proliferative stage. A helical (corkscrew) shape permits the spiralspiral
arteryartery to extend into the thickening stroma of the proliferativeto extend into the thickening stroma of the proliferative endometriumendometrium andand
also, later, to retract back into the stratum basalis when the stratum functionalis isalso, later, to retract back into the stratum basalis when the stratum functionalis is
eventually sloughed off. Because of its corkscrew shape, eacheventually sloughed off. Because of its corkscrew shape, each spiral arteryspiral artery typicallytypically
appears as an aligned cluster of profilesappears as an aligned cluster of profiles (asterisks)(asterisks) deep in the endometrium.deep in the endometrium.
29. The endometrial glands have matured in theThe endometrial glands have matured in the secretory phasesecretory phase, their contour is more tortuous, their contour is more tortuous
and the epithelium consists of mature secretory cells. The endometrium is highly vascular,and the epithelium consists of mature secretory cells. The endometrium is highly vascular,
and the blood vessels also participate in the menstrual cycle. Distal vessels are sloughed off,and the blood vessels also participate in the menstrual cycle. Distal vessels are sloughed off,
while thewhile the spiral arteriesspiral arteries (named for their helical shape) retract into the stratum basalis and(named for their helical shape) retract into the stratum basalis and
constrict to limit blood loss during menstruation. The spiral arteries then extend again (likeconstrict to limit blood loss during menstruation. The spiral arteries then extend again (like
springs) as the stratum functionalis regeneratessprings) as the stratum functionalis regenerates
30. Functions of the PlacentaFunctions of the Placenta
• Transfers blood and nutrition from the mother to the fetus.Transfers blood and nutrition from the mother to the fetus.
• Transfer waste product from the fetal metabolism to theTransfer waste product from the fetal metabolism to the
maternal circulation for disposal.maternal circulation for disposal.
• Maternal circulation is separated from the materanal circulation:Maternal circulation is separated from the materanal circulation:
a. Syncitial trophoblast.a. Syncitial trophoblast.
b. Cytotrophoblast from the 1b. Cytotrophoblast from the 1stst
trimester of pregnancy.trimester of pregnancy.
c. Basal lamina of the trophoblast.c. Basal lamina of the trophoblast.
d. Fetal connective tissue.d. Fetal connective tissue.
e. Basal lamina of the fetal capillaries.e. Basal lamina of the fetal capillaries.
f. Fetal endothelium.f. Fetal endothelium.
* Hormones produce = estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, renin,* Hormones produce = estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, renin,
chorionic gonadotropinschorionic gonadotropins
31. Many chorionic villi are seen in the vicinity of the uterine wall. Both largeMany chorionic villi are seen in the vicinity of the uterine wall. Both large
and small chorionic villi have the same basic structure, a surface ofand small chorionic villi have the same basic structure, a surface of
syncytiotrophoblast surrounding a core of mesenchyme containing fetalsyncytiotrophoblast surrounding a core of mesenchyme containing fetal
blood vessels. Fetal blood vessels are visible here only in the largest villi.blood vessels. Fetal blood vessels are visible here only in the largest villi.
The small villi vastly increase the surface area available for material The small villi vastly increase the surface area available for material
interchange with maternal blood. Decidual cells are large cuboidal cellsinterchange with maternal blood. Decidual cells are large cuboidal cells
derived from endometrial stroma.derived from endometrial stroma.
33. TheThe cervixcervix and vagina represent the distal portion of the reproductive tract,and vagina represent the distal portion of the reproductive tract,
lined by stratified squamous epithelium.lined by stratified squamous epithelium.
Surface samples of cervical epithelium (Surface samples of cervical epithelium (Pap smearsPap smears) are used to screen for) are used to screen for
cervical cancer.cervical cancer.
34. Coats of the Vaginal wallCoats of the Vaginal wall
• Mucosa = with transverse folds or rugae.Mucosa = with transverse folds or rugae.
Lined with thick stratified squamous non- keratinizedLined with thick stratified squamous non- keratinized
cells, lacks glands, is lubricated by mucus from thecells, lacks glands, is lubricated by mucus from the
cervix.cervix.
• Muscularis = smooth muscle fibers arranged inMuscularis = smooth muscle fibers arranged in
interlacing bundles. Inner bundle is circular and thin.interlacing bundles. Inner bundle is circular and thin.
The outer bundle is thicker, longitudinally arranged,The outer bundle is thicker, longitudinally arranged,
continuous with the myometrium.continuous with the myometrium.
• Adventitia = the thin layer of dense connective tissue,Adventitia = the thin layer of dense connective tissue,
blends with other surrounding organs.blends with other surrounding organs.
35. • The Clitoris = incomplete counterpart of the Penis.The Clitoris = incomplete counterpart of the Penis.
Consists of 2 cavernous erectile bodies which ends in a smallConsists of 2 cavernous erectile bodies which ends in a small
glans clitoridi. Covered by a thin stratified squamous cells.glans clitoridi. Covered by a thin stratified squamous cells.
• Labia Majora = folds of mucous membrane forming the lateralLabia Majora = folds of mucous membrane forming the lateral
wall of the vestibule.wall of the vestibule.
• Labia majora = folds of skin that covers the labia minoraLabia majora = folds of skin that covers the labia minora
externally.. Outer layer is covered by a cornified epidermis w/cexternally.. Outer layer is covered by a cornified epidermis w/c
contains hairs, sweat glands, sebaceous glands.contains hairs, sweat glands, sebaceous glands.
• Vestibule = where the vagina and urethra opens. Lined byVestibule = where the vagina and urethra opens. Lined by
stratified squamous epithelium. With numerous small vestibularstratified squamous epithelium. With numerous small vestibular
glands around the opening and near clitoris.( glands of Littre)glands around the opening and near clitoris.( glands of Littre)
• Bartholins glands( major vestibular gland). = analogous to theBartholins glands( major vestibular gland). = analogous to the
bulbourethral glands of males. Produce lubricating mucous.bulbourethral glands of males. Produce lubricating mucous.
36. • The Mammary gland = specialized cutaneous glandsThe Mammary gland = specialized cutaneous glands
locate within the subcutaneous tissue. Develops atlocate within the subcutaneous tissue. Develops at
puberty. Has 15 to 20 lobes each.puberty. Has 15 to 20 lobes each.
• Nipple and areola = traversed by lactiferous ducts,Nipple and areola = traversed by lactiferous ducts,
opens by a pore on the skin surface.opens by a pore on the skin surface.
• Glands of Montgomery = special dark areolar glands.Glands of Montgomery = special dark areolar glands.
• Pregnancy = colostrum is produced at the end ofPregnancy = colostrum is produced at the end of
pregnancy.pregnancy.
• Lactation = Production of milk at the end of pregnancyLactation = Production of milk at the end of pregnancy
by the granular endoplasmic reticulum and the golgiby the granular endoplasmic reticulum and the golgi
complex vacoules.complex vacoules.
37. • Hormonal control = Estrogen and progesteroneHormonal control = Estrogen and progesterone
influenced the growth of the duct system at puberty.influenced the growth of the duct system at puberty.
Lactation is induced by the presence of prolactin fromLactation is induced by the presence of prolactin from
the pars distalis of Hypophysis.the pars distalis of Hypophysis.
• Oxytocin from the posterior pituitary initiatesOxytocin from the posterior pituitary initiates
contraction of the glands to ejection of milk from thecontraction of the glands to ejection of milk from the
alveoli and the ducts.alveoli and the ducts.
• Oxytocin is produced by the nerve impulses reachingOxytocin is produced by the nerve impulses reaching
the hypothalamus after stimulation of tactile receptorsthe hypothalamus after stimulation of tactile receptors
in the nipple area.in the nipple area.
