Female reproductive system cells

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM CELLS

Ovary
Periotoneal (outer surface)May also be called the germinal epithelium (does not contain germ cells)Pseudostratified cuboidal to columnar mesotheliumOffers protection to the outer surfaceOvarian stromal cells (bulk of the ovary) Spindle-shaped, arranged in a whorled textureSecretes estrogen

Ovary
Follicles within the cortex of the ovarian stromaEach follicle contains an oocyte surrounded by granulosa cellsOocyte is the egg discussed in the lecture on gamete cellsGranulosa cells stratified cuboidal cellsBecome the corona radiata around the eggProcess and release estrogen

Fallopian Tubes
The elaborately folded mucosa is lined with ciliated columnar epitheliumConducts the egg from the ovary to the uterusMucus cells provide lubrication for ease of movementMuscular Layer For structure and some peristaltic movement

Uterus
EndometriumSimple columnar epitheliumStratum Functionalis: superficial layer sloughed off during menstruation; appears untidy (unfinished); Stratum Basalis: replenishes the stratum functionalis after the excretory phase of menstruationMyometriumMultilayers of smooth muscle that are in poorly defined layersContracts to expel the endometrium during menses or expel a baby during parturition

Uterus

Cervix
Between the uterus and vaginaTransitions from simple columnar cells to nonkeratinized stratified squamousThe transition allows for considerable stretching during childbirthSurrounded by smooth muscular fibers interwoven with elastic fibersOffers some contractile ability during childbirth

Vagina
Passage from the cervix to the outside of the bodyNon-keratinized stratified squamous epitheliumThese cells accumulate large amounts of glycogenThis causes the cells to appear empty upon stainingSurrounded by smooth muscular fibers interwoven with elastic fibersOffers some contractile ability during childbirth

Mammary Gland
When inactive, the mammary tissue appears to consists of ducts, which are separated by fibrous connective tissue and adipose cells.During pregnancy, the ducts extend and the secretory glands enlargeEach secretory unit is surrounded by myoepithelial cellsSecretory cells resemble mucous cells (except they expel milk not mucous)Work to excrete the milk during lactationBands of smooth muscle cells found in the subcutaneous tissue especially around the nipple

Mammary Gland
Inactive
Active