Page 871 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

SECTION 1 • Ovary and Uterus

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:

OVERVIEW

Consists of paired ovaries, uterine tubes, and a single uterus
Uterus separated from vagina by cervix
Organs exhibit cyclic monthly changes in the form of a menstrual cycle

Start of first cycle is the menarche, and ending of cycles is the menopause
Cycles controlled by follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone
and ovarian estrogen and progesterone
Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone release controlled by
gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Immature oocyte released about every 28 days into uterine tube

OVARIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF

FOLLICLES

Germinal epithelium overlies connective tissue tunica albuginea
Consist of an outer cortex and inner medulla, without distinct boundaries
During embryonic development, oogonia divide by mitosis in gonadal ridges
Oogonia enter first meiotic division and remain as primary oocytes in

primordial follicles
At puberty, primordial follicles can grow to become primary, secondary, and
mature follicles
Ovarian follicles can undergo degeneration or atresia at any stage of

development
Primordial follicles with primary oocyte are surrounded by squamous
follicular cells
Primordial follicles: initiation of development and activation dependent on

local growth factors and gonadotropin stimulation
Primary follicles exhibit simple cuboidal or stratified granulosa cell layers

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