A stratified squamous epithelium with a minor degree of keratinization lines the vagina. A thick layer of dense connective tissue, similar to that found in the skin's dermis, lies beneath the epithelium. Following this is a layer of loose connective tissue with numerous blood vessels and nerves. Because they produce and store glycogen, vaginal…[Read more]

The cervix is located at the bottom of the uterus and protects it from bacterial infiltration. It is the location of a critical epithelial transition. The lining of the upper cervix (endocervix) is a simple columnar epithelium that contains mucous-secreting cells. The lower cervix, on the other hand, is lined by a stratified squamous epithelium.…[Read more]

At the end of menstrual flow, the uterine cycle enters the early proliferative phase. The uterine glands are sparse and small during this phase, and the epithelial cells develop microvilli and cilia under the influence of estrogen. The stratum functionalis thickens in the late proliferative phase, and the glands become more coiled and densely…[Read more]

The uterus is divided into layers, each with its own structural and functional characteristics. The mucosal layer, or endometrium, the muscularis layer, or myometrium, and the serosal layer, or perimetrium are the most basic classifications of these layers. The endometrium is composed of two layers: the stratum functionalis and the stratum…[Read more]

The oviduct epithelium is made up of two types of cells. The ciliated cells take precedence and help to move the ovum away from the ovary and toward the uterus. Non-ciliated secretory cells, also known as peg cells, secrete a secretion that lubricates the tube while also feeding and protecting the traveling ovum.

The oviduct is made up of several segments, including the infundibulum, which contains fimbriae and is located near the ovary, the ampulla, the isthmus, and the pars interstitialis. The first two of these regions have a distinct appearance dominated by an elaborate mucosa thrown into numerous branched folds and surrounded by a relatively thin…[Read more]

At any stage of development, follicle degeneration (atresia) can occur. The granulosa cells die, and the oocyte degenerates as a result. The basement membrane that separates the oocyte from the granulosa cells frequently thickens to form the glassy membrane. The granulosa cells are replaced by fibrous material.

If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum involutes to form the fibrous tissue-filled corpus albicans. The corpus luteum's secretory cells degenerate and are phagocytosed by macrophages.

The granulosa lutein cells have a steroid-producing cell appearance, with pale cytoplasm indicating the presence of lipid droplets. Theca lutein cells are smaller and darker in color. If fertilization and implantation occur, hCG will keep the corpus luteum active as the corpus luteum of pregnancy.

The corpus luteum is the endocrine remnants of the follicle that has collapsed. The blood clot that formed after ovulation is still present in the center. Glanulosa lutein cells surround the clot, and theca lutein cells surround it on the outside.

The Graafian follicle is the follicular stage that occurs after the first meiotic division but prior to ovulation. As a result, it contains a 2N haploid oocyte. It is distinguished by a large follicular antrum that occupies the majority of the follicle. The secondary oocyte is located eccentrically after the first meiotic division. It is…[Read more]

The presence of a follicular antrum within the granulosa layer distinguishes secondary follicles from primary follicles. This space is filled with a fluid called liquor folliculi. The oocyte and the zona pellucida are also visible in this image. The theca interna, which produces hormones, surrounds the follicle.

When follicular cells proliferate into a stratified epithelium known as the zona granulosa, the follicle reaches the late primary follicle stage. This image shows the zona pellucida even more clearly.

The primary follicle has a central oocyte and is surrounded by a single layer of cuboidal cells. The zona pellucida is a thin band that separates these two layers.

Before releasing its ovum, an ovarian follicle goes through several stages. A limited number of primordial follicles form in the fetal ovary during the first five months of development. Oocytes are surrounded by a single layer of squamous follicular cells in these follicles. These primordial follicles are still undergoing the first meiotic…[Read more]

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