Histology Lecture: Histology of the female reproductive tract

list and recognise the major histological features of the ovary and uterus
describe the structure and function of germ cells, granulosa and thecal cells of the ovary
describe the cyclical changes in structure of the ovary, uterine tube and uterus and understand how these relate to different sex hormones

Background

What are the 2 different duct systems in males and females and what are their developmental origins?
Where are the testes located and why?
What are the male accessory glands to the testes?
What is the role of the seminal vesicles and where are they found?
What is the role of the prostate gland and where is it found?
What is the association between the ovaries and uterine tubes
What are the hormone-dependent histological changes seen in the ovary, uterine tubes and uterus throughout the monthly menstrual cycle?
What is the fate of the corpus luteum?

Histology of the female reproductive tract

Ovary - Why is it difficult to get human ovarian tissue?
Ovary - Outline the features seen on an H&E slide
Ovary - Identify the different follicles on a low power H&E stain. What are the most numerous?
How many primordial follicles does the foetus have? How does this change to puberty?
Ovary - What are secondary follicles? How can they be identified? What are the layers of the follicular wall?