1. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE NON-PREGNANT This resource is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial & No Derivative Works LicenseCreative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial & No Derivative Works License

2. Objectives Students should be able to: 1. Recognise the preantral primordial, primary, secondary follicle and the tertiary antral follicle of the ovary. 2. Identify the cell layers of the follicle. 3. Identify the cell layers of the uterine tube and the uterus and describe how they change during the oestrous cycle.

3. SLIDE 176 Ovary (cat) 2.0 mm A B C D Identify the labelled structures and list their primary function. A. B. C. D.

4. SLIDE 176 Ovary (cat) The Ovary is the site of the cyclic production of oocytes and corpora lutea. A. Graafian, antral or tertiary follicle: Provides environment for oocyte maturation. B. C. D. 2.0 mm A B C D

5. SLIDE 176 Ovary (cat) The Ovary is the site of the cyclic production of oocytes and corpora lutea. A. Graafian, antral or tertiary follicle: Provides environment for oocyte maturation. B. Corpus Luteum: Secretes Hormones. C. D. 2.0 mm A B C D

6. SLIDE 176 Ovary (cat) The Ovary is the site of the cyclic production of oocytes and corpora lutea. A. Graafian, antral or tertiary follicle: Provides environment for oocyte maturation. B. Corpus Luteum: Secretes Hormones. C. Hilus of the ovary with blood vessels: Blood and nerve supply to the ovary. D. 2.0 mm A B C D

7. SLIDE 176 Ovary (cat) The Ovary is the site of the cyclic production of oocytes and corpora lutea. A. Graafian, antral or tertiary follicle: Provides environment for oocyte maturation. B. Corpus Luteum: Secretes Hormones. C. Hilus of the ovary with blood vessels: Blood and nerve supply to the ovary. D. Germinal epithelium of cortex: Surface epithelium continuous with visceral peritoneum. 2.0 mm A B C D

8. SLIDE 196 Ovary (rabbit) Slide 196 is also a section through an ovary, this time from rabbit. Again identify the main features at low magnification. 2.0 mm

9. SLIDE 196 Ovary (rabbit) Slide 196 is also a section through an ovary, this time from rabbit. Again identify the main features at low magnification. 2.0 mm tunica albuginea germinal epithelium mature Graafian follicles developing follicles C : corpora lutea medulla theca C C C cortex

10. SLIDE 176 Ovary A.Identify a primordial follicle. 50 µm

11. SLIDE 176 Ovary A.Identify a primordial follicle. 50 µm group of primordial follicles ovarian cortex (cortical stroma)

12. SLIDE 176 Ovary What are the characteristics of a primordial follicle? 25 µm

13. SLIDE 176 Ovary What are the characteristics of a primordial follicle? 25 µm What are the characteristics of a primordial follicle? Primary oocyte surrounded by a squamous epithelium. The smallest and most numerous follicle. simple squamous epithelium primary oocyte nucleus with prominent nucleolus

14. SLIDE 176 Ovary B. Identify development from primordial to primary follicle. 25 µm

15. SLIDE 176 Ovary B. Identify development from primordial to primary follicle. 25 µm primordial follicles with squamous epithelium epithelium becomes cuboidal as follicles develop to primary stage N : nucleus and nucleolus N

16. SLIDE 196 Ovary What are the characteristics of a primary follicle? 50 µm

17. SLIDE 196 Ovary What are the characteristics of a primary follicle? 50 µm What are the characteristics of a primary follicle? The follicle is surrounded by a cuboidal or columnar epithelium. The oocyte increases in size. primary follicle cuboidal/columnar epithelium primordial follicles larger oocyte

18. SLIDE 196 Ovary C. Identify development to a secondary follicle. What are its characteristics? 50 µm

19. SLIDE 196 Ovary C. Identify development to a secondary follicle. What are its characteristics? 50 µm C. Identify development to a secondary follicle. What are its characteristics? Stratification of the epithelium. Development of zona pellucida around the oocyte. Development of theca layers. stratified epithelium now termed granulosa zona pellucida oocyte outer thecal layer developing

20. SLIDE 196 Ovary C. Identify a late secondary follicle. What are its characteristics? 100 µm

21. SLIDE 196 Ovary C. Identify a late secondary follicle. What are its characteristics? 100 µm C. Identify a late secondary follicle. What are its characteristics? Increased stratification of epithelium, granulosa. Increased thickness of zona pellucida and thecal layers. primary follicle thick zona pellucida granulosa layer thecal layers oocyte

22. SLIDE 196 Ovary D. Identify a tertiary follicle. 250 µm

23. SLIDE 196 Ovary D. Identify a tertiary follicle. 250 µm tertiary follicle late secondary follicle from previous view

24. SLIDE 196 Ovary Features of tertiary, antral and Graafian follicles. 100 µm

25. SLIDE 196 Ovary 100 µm antral space fluid filled oocyte zona pellucida stratum granulosum cumulus oophorus theca interna theca externa corona radiata Features of tertiary, antral and Graafian follicles.

26. SLIDE 176 Ovary Tertiary, antral or Graafian follicle. 250 µm

27. Tertiary, antral or Graafian follicle. Many sections can be cut across a large tertiary follicle. The oocyte, will only be seen sectioned in a number of these; and may appear missing in many others. SLIDE 176 Ovary 250 µm germinal epithelium primordial follicles corpus luteum oocyte tunica albuginea cortical stroma

28. SLIDE 176 Ovary Detail of Graafian follicle. 100 µm

29. SLIDE 176 Ovary Detail of Graafian follicle. 100 µm antrum oocyte cumulus oophorus granulosa theca interna theca externa zona pellucida corona radiata

30. SLIDE 196 Ovary What is the sequence of change from health to atresia and what are the typical morphological features of a late atretic follicle? 50 µm

31. SLIDE 196 Ovary 50 µm What is the sequence of change from health to atresia and what are the typical morphological features of a late atretic follicle? 1.Numerous pyknotic nuclei in the granulosa, absence of mitosis in this layer. 2.Disruption of the basal lamina. 3.Presence of free floating cells with dark staining, pyknotic nuclei in the antral cavity. 4.Presence of clear vacuoles in the oocyte, disruption of the oolemma.

32. SLIDE 196 Ovary Atresia is the the fate of most of the ovarian follicles as only a small number are ovulated. It may occur at any stage of follicular development from primary to tertiary follicle. 25 µm

33. SLIDE 196 Ovary Atresia is the the fate of most of the ovarian follicles as only a small number are ovulated. It may occur at any stage of follicular development from primary to tertiary follicle. 25 µm free floating cells in antrum dark staining pyknotic nuclei Many of the follicles seen on slides 176 and 196 are becoming atretic.

34. SLIDE 176 Ovary granulosa and theca cells Identify the main features of the thecal layers. 50 µm

35. SLIDE 176 Ovary granulosa and theca cells Identify the main features of the thecal layers. 50 µm basal lamina between follicle and theca theca interna theca externa granulosa BV : blood vessel BV

36. SLIDE 176 Ovary granulosa and theca cells Identify in this view the epithelioid cells of the theca interna associated with hormone synthesis. 50 µm

37. SLIDE 176 Ovary granulosa and theca cells Identify in this view the epithelioid cells of the theca interna associated with hormone synthesis. 50 µm epithelioid cells of theca interna granulosa theca externa

38. SLIDE 196 Ovary luteal cells Area of corpus luteum. What cells form the corpus luteum? 250 µm

39. SLIDE 196 Ovary luteal cells Area of corpus luteum. What cells form the corpus luteum? 250 µm Area of corpus luteum. What cells form the corpus luteum? After ovulation, cells of the granulosa enlarge and divide forming luteal cells. Cells from the theca interna develop and form thecal lutein cells. theca externa follicle filled with cells from : granulosa and theca interna

40. SLIDE 176 Ovary luteal cells At higher magnification large eosinophilic and small darker staining luteal cells. From which cells do these small darker cells develop? 50 µm

41. SLIDE 176 Ovary luteal cells At higher magnification large eosinophilic and small darker staining luteal cells. From which cells do these small darker cells develop? 50 µm At higher magnification large eosinophilic and small darker staining luteal cells. From which cells do these small darker cells develop? From cells of the theca interna. L : large eosinophilic cells T : theca lutein cells T T T L L L

42. SLIDE 176 Ovary luteal cells Showing large eosinophilic lutein cells and smaller darker staining theca lutein cells. From which cells do these larger cells develop? 50 µm

43. SLIDE 176 Ovary luteal cells Showing large eosinophilic lutein cells and smaller darker staining theca lutein cells. From which cells do these larger cells develop? 50 µm Showing large eosinophilic lutein cells and smaller darker staining theca lutein cells. From which cells do these larger cells develop? From granulosa layer, now called granulosa lutein cells. granulosa lutein cells

44. SLIDE 176 Ovary luteal cells What do these luteal cells produce? 25 µm

45. SLIDE 176 Ovary luteal cells What do these luteal cells produce? 25 µm What do these luteal cells produce? Granulosa lutein cells secrete progesterone. Thecal and granulosa cells together are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of oestradiol. granulosa lutein cells capillary T T : thecal cells T

46. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Identify the fimbria, ampulla and isthmus in this section of oviduct. What is labelled X and Y in the picture? 3.0 mm F : fimbria infundibulum A : ampulla I : isthmus X Y

47. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Identify the fimbria, ampulla and isthmus in this section of oviduct. What is labelled X and Y in the picture? 3.0 mm F : fimbria infundibulum A : ampulla I : isthmus X Y Identify the fimbria, ampulla and isthmus in this section of oviduct. What is labelled X and Y in the picture? Narrow ends of the uterine horn and the uterus. F I A A

48. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Fimbria What is the fimbria and what is it’s function? 0.5 mm

49. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Fimbria What is the fimbria and what is it’s function? 0.5 mm Fimbria What is the fimbria and what is it’s function? The fimbria is the funnel shaped, section of the oviduct nearest the ovary. It invests the ovary ensuring the ovulated oocyte enters the oviduct. funnel shaped fimbria thin wall with folds the wall of the fimbria has many folds

50. SLIDE 194 Oviduct What part of the oviduct is the ampulla? 0.5 mm

51. SLIDE 194 Oviduct What part of the oviduct is the ampulla? 0.5 mm What part of the oviduct is the ampulla? The central and longest section. transverse sections through the ampulla of the oviduct

52. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Ampulla 0.5 mm

53. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Ampulla 0.5 mm thin muscularis in wall of ampulla (smooth muscle) highly folded luminal surface simple epithelium (columnar)

54. SLIDE 194 Oviduct What part of the oviduct is the isthmus? 1.0 mm

55. SLIDE 194 Oviduct What part of the oviduct is the isthmus? 1.0 mm What part of the oviduct is the isthmus? The short section of the oviduct connecting the ampulla to the uterus. sections of the isthmus

56. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Isthmus 0.5 mm

57. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Isthmus 0.5 mm thick muscularis in wall of isthmus folded luminal wall lined with columnar epithelium

58. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Ampulla and Isthmus. What are the structural differences (if any) between the ampulla and the isthmus? 0.5 mm

59. SLIDE 194 Oviduct Ampulla and Isthmus. What are the structural differences (if any) between the ampulla and the isthmus? 0.5 mm Ampulla : more folded epithelial layer (with primary,secondary and tertiary folds). Isthmus : much thicker muscularis layer (inner circular outer longitudinal layers of smooth muscle).

60. SLIDE 179 Uterus oestrous (cat) Identify : endometrium (mucosa) myometrium with inner and outer layers separated by stratum vasculare. perimetrium (serosa) 1.0 mm

61. SLIDE 179 Uterus oestrous (cat) Identify : endometrium (mucosa) myometrium with inner and outer layers separated by stratum vasculare. perimetrium (serosa) 1.0 mm thin perimetrium myometrium SV : stratum vasculare endometrium SV

62. SLIDE 179 Uterus oestrous (cat) What is the appearance of the endometrium during oestrous? 250 µm

63. SLIDE 179 Uterus oestrous (cat) What is the appearance of the endometrium during oestrous? 250 µm What is the appearance of the endometrium during oestrous? A proliferation of the uterine glands is seen during the oestrous phase. The endometrium increases in thickness. narrow lumen columnar epithelium myometrium (inner layer) elongating uterine glands

64. SLIDE 179 Uterus oestrous (cat) During oestrous the levels of oestrogen are at their maximum, whilst progesterone levels are low. 100 µm columnar epithelium elongating uterine glands

65. SLIDE 179 Uterus oestrous (cat) Higher magnification of luminal epithelium and endometrial glands. Compare the appearance of the glands with those seen in the next section 180 50 µm

66. SLIDE 180 Uterus pregnant (cat) Ovulation sees the endometrium enter the secretory phase. Progesterone levels from the corpus luteum increase. 1.0 mm

67. SLIDE 180 Uterus pregnant (cat) Ovulation sees the endometrium enter the secretory phase. Progesterone levels from the corpus luteum increase. 1.0 mm lumen endometrium at maximum thickness myometrium external stratum vasculare internal perimetrium

68. SLIDE 180 Uterus pregnant (cat) Most of the endometrial depth is filled by the developing glands. They are sometimes described as having a corkscrew appearance. 250 µm

69. SLIDE 180 Uterus pregnant (cat) Most of the endometrial depth is filled by the developing glands. They are sometimes described as having a corkscrew appearance. 250 µm inner muscle layer myometrium glands lumen

70. SLIDE 180 Uterus pregnant (cat) At high magnification the cells lining the glands are seen to be columnar, the nuclei are pushed towards the base of the cells and glandular secretions accumulate towards the apex. 50 µm

71. SLIDE 171 Uterus of anoestrus dog Compare this section of uterus with slides 179 and 180. What differences can you see? 1.0 mm

72. SLIDE 171 Uterus of anoestrus dog Compare this section of uterus with slides 179 and 180. What differences can you see? 1.0 mm Compare this section of uterus with slides 179 and 180. What differences can you see? There is sparse development of glands and little or no proliferation of epithelium. This is due to the absence of ovarian steroids oestradiol and progesterone. lumen endometrium inner smooth muscle layer of myometrium outer smooth muscle layer of myometrium stratum vasculare perimetrium (serosa)

73. SLIDE 171 Uterus of anoestrus dog Compare this section of uterus with slides 179 and 180. What differences can you see? There is sparse development of glands and little or no proliferation of epithelium. This is due to the absence of ovarian steroids oestradiol and progesterone. 250 µm

74. SLIDE 171 Uterus of anoestrus dog Compare this section of uterus with slides 179 and 180. What differences can you see? There is sparse development of glands and little or no proliferation of epithelium. This is due to the absence of ovarian steroids oestradiol and progesterone. 250 µm epithelium (lower) myometrium endometrium glands

75. SLIDE 171 Uterus of anoestrus dog At higher magnification the more compact and cuboidal epithelium is seen. Glands are very much reduced and the main component of this endometrial layer is the loose connective tissue. 50 µm

76. SLIDE 171 Uterus of anoestrus dog At higher magnification the more compact and cuboidal epithelium is seen. Glands are very much reduced and the main component of this endometrial layer is the loose connective tissue. 50 µm lower epithelial layer reduced gland development connective tissue

77. SLIDE 171 Uterus of anoestrus dog Myometrium and perimetrium of uterus. The smooth muscle layers of the myometrium have a spiral arrangement, but can be considered as an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. Between these layers is a prominent layer the stratum vasculare in which run blood vessels and nerves. 250 µm

78. SLIDE 171 Uterus of anoestrus dog Myometrium and perimetrium of uterus. The smooth muscle layers of the myometrium have a spiral arrangement, but can be considered as an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. Between these layers is a prominent layer the stratum vasculare in which run blood vessels and nerves. 250 µm perimetrium smooth muscle outer longitudinal inner circular stratum vasculare endometrium

79. SLIDE 190 Cervix (ewe) Examine slide 190 and identify structures in this transverse section. Note the folded lumenal surface with primary and secondary folds. 0.5 mm

80. SLIDE 190 Cervix (ewe) Examine slide 190 and identify structures in this transverse section. Note the folded lumenal surface with primary and secondary folds. 0.5 mm lumen A : primary fold B : secondary folds smooth muscle bundles A B

81. SLIDE 190 Cervix (ewe) List 4 functions of the cervix. 250 µm

82. SLIDE 190 Cervix (ewe) List 4 functions of the cervix. 250 µm List 4 functions of the cervix. (i). Assist with storage and survival of sperm. (ii). Assist with sperm transport. (iii). Produce cervical mucus. (iv). Remodels itself at the end of gestation to allow birth and to stimulate the development of maternal behaviour. lumen A : primary fold B : secondary fold A B epithelial lining lamina propria connective tissue

83. SLIDE 190 Cervix (ewe) List 4 functions of the cervix. 250 µm List 4 functions of the cervix. (i). Assist with storage and survival of sperm. (ii). Assist with sperm transport. (iii). Produce cervical mucus. (iv). Remodels itself at the end of gestation to allow birth and to stimulate the development of maternal behaviour. lumen A : primary fold B : secondary fold A B epithelial lining lamina propria connective tissue

84. SLIDE 190 Cervix (ewe) The lumen of the cervix is lined by a simple columnar epithelium containing many mucous producing cells. Some cilia may be seen on these cells. 50 µm

85. SLIDE 190 Cervix (ewe) The lumen of the cervix is lined by a simple columnar epithelium containing many mucous producing cells. Some cilia may be seen on these cells. 50 µm lumen epithelium some cilia on surface secondary fold

86. Why does the anatomy of the cervical canal differ in the sow, ewe and cow? The anatomy of the cervical canal is adapted to suit a particular pattern of reproduction.

87. Why does the anatomy of the cervical canal differ in the sow, ewe and cow? The anatomy of the cervical canal is adapted to suit a particular pattern of reproduction. The porcine cervix ensures a tight coupling of the penis with the cervix to ensure that the large volume of semen produced by the boar is deposited in the uterus.

88. Why does the anatomy of the cervical canal differ in the sow, ewe and cow? The anatomy of the cervical canal is adapted to suit a particular pattern of reproduction. The porcine cervix ensures a tight coupling of the penis with the cervix to ensure that the large volume of semen produced by the boar is deposited in the uterus. The cervix of the ewe has an elaborate system of folds and crypts to provide a site of storage where sperm are protected from the spermicidal environment of the vagina and uterus.

89. Why does the anatomy of the cervical canal differ in the sow, ewe and cow? The anatomy of the cervical canal is adapted to suit a particular pattern of reproduction. The porcine cervix ensures a tight coupling of the penis with the cervix to ensure that the large volume of semen produced by the boar is deposited in the uterus. The cervix of the ewe has an elaborate system of folds and crypts to provide a site of storage where sperm are protected from the spermicidal environment of the vagina and uterus. The structure of the bovine cervix allows semen to be ejaculated directly into the uterus for rapid transport to the oviducts.

90. Lectures. Dr R Abayasekara. Second Year Histology. Non-pregnant Female Reproductive. 023. J Bredl. 05-01-05. Gross Anatomy Correlates. Dr S Frean. Histology Slides and Stains. Tanya Hopcroft. Compressed version and updated. 24.08.2006. 2007. 2010