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Figure 18-19A. Ejaculatory duct, prostate gland. H&E,

11

The ampulla of the ductus deferens continues after it joins

with the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory

duct. The two ejaculatory ducts pass through the prostate

gland to join with the urethra. Each ejaculatory duct is a

short, straight tube (1–2 cm in length) and has a thin wall

lined by pseudostratiﬁ ed (or simple) columnar epithelium

and supported by connective tissue. Smooth muscle is pres-

ent in the initial segment but disappears in most of the

ejaculatory ducts. Here is an example of the two ejacula-

tory ducts within the prostate gland, surrounded by large

amounts of connective tissue. The mucosa forms many folds

extending into the lumen. The lumen may contain prostatic

concretions (secretory material of the prostatic gland and

often seen in older male patients).

Fold of the

mucosa

Fold of the

mucosa

Connective tissue

Prostate

gland

Prostate

gland

Prostate

gland

Prostate

gland

Ejaculatory ducts

Ejaculatory duct

Prostatic

urethra

Fig. 18-19C

Prostate

gland

Prostate

gland

Ejaculatory duct

Prostatic

concretion

Prostatic

concretion

Figure 18-19B. Ejaculatory duct, prostate gland. H&E,

34

The ejaculatory ducts penetrate the prostate gland and open

into the prostatic urethra, at the seminal colliculus (also

called the verumontanum), on the posterior wall of the pro-

static urethra. This portion of the urethra has thick mucosa

and shallow folds as shown here. The function of the ejacu-

latory ducts is to transport spermatozoa and seminal ﬂ uid

into the prostatic urethra. The urethra includes three parts:

the prostatic urethra (proximal part, near the bladder), the

membranous urethra (intermediate part), and the penile

(spongy) urethra (distal part). Prostatic concretions, also

called corpora amylacea, are present in the lumen of the

prostate gland shown here (Fig. 18-20B).

Transitional

epithelium

Prostatic

urethra

Duct of prostate gland

Simple columnar

epithelium

Simple columnar

epithelium

Duct of prostate gland

Figure 18-19C. Epithelium of the prostatic urethra. H&E,

272

Where the two ejaculatory ducts merge with the prostatic

urethra, the epithelium changes from simple or pseudostrati-

ﬁ ed columnar to the transitional epithelium that is character-

istic of the urinary system. Here is an example of prostatic

urethral epithelium at higher magniﬁ cation; it is taken from

the dashed box indicated in Figure 18-19B. The epithelium

of the duct of the prostate gland is simple columnar epithe-

lium with round nuclei. The prostatic secretions are delivered

into the prostatic urethra through numerous small ducts of

the prostate gland.

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UNIT 3

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Organ Systems

Accessory Genital Glands

Stroma

Lumen

Prostatic

concretions

Prostatic

concretions

Prostatic concretion

(corpora amylacea)

Prostatic concretion

(corpora amylacea)

Lumen of the

prostate gland

Lumen of the

prostate gland

Connective

tissue

Connective

tissue

Columnar

epithelium

Columnar

epithelium

Figure 18-20A. Prostate gland. H&E, 34

The prostate gland is similar to a chestnut in size and shape. It

surrounds the initial portion of the urinary urethra (prostatic urethra)

where the urethra exits the bladder. The prostate gland is penetrated

by two ejaculatory ducts and the urethra (Fig. 18-19A–C). It contains

many (about 30–50) highly branched tubuloalveolar glands (com-

pound tubuloalveolar glands). Each gland has a duct that empties its

products into the prostatic urethra. The mucosa of the prostate gland

is highly folded and is lined by simple columnar epithelium, which is

supported by a stroma (thin layer of connective tissue strands with

many smooth muscle cells). Here is an example of the prostate gland

with its characteristically irregular lumen that may contain prostatic

concretions. These concretions are also known as corpora amylacea

and are more prominent in older men; they are composed of material

secreted by the prostate gland.

Figure 18-20B. Prostate gland. H&E, 272

A lumen in the prostate gland is shown housing a prostatic concretion

(corpora amylacea). This is composed of calciﬁ ed prostatic secretions

that typically display concentric rings. These structures increase in

number with age. The secretion of the prostate gland contains prote-

olytic enzymes, acid phosphatase, citric acid, ﬁ brinolysin, and lipids.

The epithelial cells are columnar in shape with basally located round

nuclei. The prostate gland produces secretions that empty into the ure-

thra to mix with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle ﬂ uid to form semen.

The prostatic secretion plays important roles in liquefying the coagu-

lated semen, helping to expel the spermatozoa, and increasing their

motility and survival rate after the semen has been transported into the

female reproductive tract.

CLINICAL CORRELATION

Figure 18-20C.

Prostate Cancer. H&E, 96; inset 164

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and typically affects

men over the age of 50 years. It can be seen in younger men but is unusual

before the age of 40. The etiology of prostate cancer is elusive, but known

risk factors include a positive family history

, African American race,

androgenic hormonal inﬂ uences, and environmental factors. The major-

ity of prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas arising from the glandular

component of the prostate. Patients may present with urinary symptoms,

such as difﬁ culty initiating or stopping the urine stream, or dysuria (pain

on urination). Other patients may ﬁ rst present with bone pain due to

advanced metastatic disease. Many patients are diagnosed with prostate

cancer through screening programs utilizing the digital rectal exam and

the serum prostate-speciﬁ c antigen (PSA) test, and a needle biopsy if indi-

cated. Histologically, the appearance of prostate cancer is highly varied,

from well-formed tubular structures to individual inﬁ ltrating malignant

cells. Prostate cancers are graded histologically on the Gleason system,

from 1 (well differentiated) to 5 (poorly differentiated). Treatment of pros-

tate cancer may involve chemotherapy, hormonal manipulation, radiation

therapy (external beam and radioactive implants), or radical prostatectomy.

For some patients, particularly the elderly, watchful waiting may be a rea-

sonable alternative.

Note the prominent

nucleoli (malignant cells)

Prostate

cancer

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367

Figure 18-21A. Seminal vesicles. H&E, 11

The seminal vesicles are paired glands that develop from

the ductus deferens. Each seminal vesicle consists of a

single highly convoluted tube with a duct that connects to

the terminal portion (ampulla) of the ductus deferens. The

ampulla of the ductus deferens is continuous with the ejacu-

latory duct. The mucosa of the seminal vesicles is extensively

branched and folded and lined mostly by pseudostratiﬁ ed

columnar epithelium. The epithelium is supported by a thin

layer of connective tissue (lamina propria), and beneath

it is the muscularis composed of inner circular and outer

longitudinal smooth muscle. Contraction of the muscularis

pushes the seminal secretion into the ejaculatory duct during

ejaculation.

Folded

mucosa

Folded

mucosa

Lumen

Muscularis

Epithelium

Lamina propria

Pseudostratified

columnar epithelium

Pseudostratified

columnar epithelium

Smooth

muscle

Smooth

muscle

Epithelial

cell

Epithelial

cell

Seminal

fluid

Seminal

fluid

Blood

vessel

Blood

vessel

Seminal

fluid

Seminal

fluid

Seminal

fluid

Seminal

fluid

Mucosa

Figure 18-21B. Seminal vesicle. H&E,

278; inset 635

This is an example of the mucosa of the

seminal vesicle. The nonciliated, pseu-

dostratiﬁ ed columnar epithelium (inset),

underlying lamina propria, and some

smooth muscle ﬁ bers are shown here. The

epithelium of the seminal vesicle varies from

simple to pseudostratiﬁ ed columnar epithe-

lium. The mucosa appears branched and

folded. The epithelium contains basal cells

and secretory cells with abundant rough

endoplasmic reticulum and well-developed

Golgi complexes.

Figure 18-21C. Seminal vesicle with sem-

inal ﬂ uid. H&E, 139; inset 328

The seminal vesicles produce large volumes

of seminal ﬂ uid, which contributes about

70% of the volume of semen. Seminal ﬂ uid

contains fructose and other sugars, prosta-

glandins, ﬂ avins, phosphorylcholine, mucus,

vitamin C, and proteins. The fructose pro-

vides an energy source for sperm motility;

the ﬂ avins, also known as lipochrome pig-

ment, add a yellowish color to the seminal

ﬂ uid and have a strong ﬂ uorescent quality

under the ultraviolet light. The inset shows

seminal epithelium and seminal ﬂ uid (vis-

cous material) ﬁ lling the lumen of a seminal

vesicle.

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UNIT 3

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Organ Systems

Penis

Dorsal

artery

Dorsal

artery

Helicine artery

Superficial

dorsal vein

Superficial

dorsal vein

Deep

dorsal vein

Deep

dorsal vein

Corpora

cavernosa

Corpora

cavernosa

Corpora

cavernosa

Corpora

cavernosa

Urethra

Skin

Corpus

spongiosum

Corpus

spongiosum

Tunica

albuginea

Tunica

albuginea

Erectile

tissue

Erectile

tissue

Sinuses (vein)

Urethral glands

(Littré glands)

Urethral glands

(Littré glands)

Figure 18-22. Overview of the penis. H&E, 13; inset (upper) 67; inset (lower) 26

The penis is composed of three cylinders of erectile tissue: the two corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum as shown on the left.

Each cavernosa is surrounded by a tunica albuginea (thick and dense connective tissue); the corpus spongiosum is surrounded by a thin

layer of connective tissue with some smooth muscle ﬁ bers. The penile (spongy) urethra is enclosed in the center of the corpus spongiosum

and extends into the terminal end (glans) of the penis. Each cylinder contains erectile tissue composed of a trabecular network of veins

(sinuses) surrounded by collagen, elastic ﬁ bers, and smooth muscle cells. The three cylinders, with their tunica albuginea, are surrounded

by hairless thin skin containing arteries, veins, nerves, and connective tissue and covered by stratiﬁ ed squamous epithelium. The two red

circles indicate the position of the deep arteries; the yellow circles indicate the position of the helicine arteries in the corpora cavernosa.

The penis is supplied by the dorsal arteries, and blood drains into the dorsal veins. A special blood vessel arrangement called

an arteriovenous (A-V) shunt allows blood to ﬂ ow directly from arteries to veins. In the erect state, the arteriovenous shunt closes,

which results in blood being forced from the helicine arteries into the sinuses (cavernous spaces) in the erectile tissue (right upper

inset). Dilation of the sinuses produces penile erection. Erection is activated by parasympathetic stimulation through the spinal

nerves and the sacral parasympathetic preganglionic motor neurons in the spinal cord (S2–S4). The right lower photomicrograph

shows the penile urethra surrounded by erectile tissue and sinuses (veins) ﬁ lled with blood. The urethral glands (Littré glands) are

mucous glands in the submucosa of the penile urethra, also called paraurethral (periurethral) glands. The secretion of the urethral

glands lubricates the urethra and contributes to the semen during ejaculation.

A clinical condition called erectile dysfunction is characterized by the inability to produce or maintain an erection of the penis. This

happens due to insufﬁ ciency of dilation of the sinuses in the erectile tissue. The causes are varied, including hormonal disorders,

neurological problems, hypertension, psychological factors, smoking, and alcohol use.

SYNOPSIS 18-3 Clinical and Pathological Terms for the Male Reproductive System

IGCN ■ : Noninvasive intratubular or in situ lesions within the seminiferous tubules that give rise to the majority of adult germ

cell tumors of the testis; IGCN is often found adjacent to testicular germ cell tumors on histologic examination (Fig. 18-15C).

Cryptorchidism

■ : Lack of, or incomplete, descent of a testis, from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum; the testis may

remain intra-abdominal or be found in the inguinal canal; an undescended testis is a risk factor for the development of

testicular tumors (Fig. 18-15C).

Gonadal dysgenesis

■ : Abnormal development of the gonads with resultant alterations in sexual development; gonadal dys-

genesis is a risk factor for the development of testicular tumors; the underdeveloped gonad is often referred to as a “streak

gonad” (Fig. 18-15C).

PSA

■ : A protein synthesized by prostatic epithelial cells; elevated serum PSA levels are associated with benign processes such

as benign prostatic hypertrophy as well as adenocarcinoma of the prostate; the PSA test is used as a screening test for prostate

cancer as well as a tumor marker in patients with a history of prostate cancer who have received treatment (Fig. 18-20C).

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369

Female Reproductive

System

Introduction and Key Concepts for the Female Reproductive System

Figure 19-1 Overview of the Female Reproductive System

Figure 19-2 Orientation of Detailed Female Reproductive Organ Illustrations

Ovaries

Figure 19-3A Overview of the Ovary

Figure 19-3B Development of the Ovarian Follicle

Figure 19-4A,B Primordial Follicles, Ovary

Figure 19-5A,B Primary Follicles, Ovary

Figure 19-6A Secondary Follicles, Ovary

Figure 19-6B Graaﬁ an Follicles, Ovary

Figure 19-7A Corpus Luteum, Ovary

Figure 19-7B Corpus Albicans, Ovary

Figure 19-7C Clinical Correlation: Granulosa Cell Tumor

Figure 19-8 Events of the Female Reproductive Cycle

Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)

Figure 19-9A Oviduct (Fallopian Tube)

Figure 19-9B Epithelial Cells Lining the Oviduct

Uterus

Figure 19-10A Menstrual Phase of the Endometrium

Figure 19-10B Proliferative Phase of the Endometrium

Figure 19-10C Secretory Phase of the Endometrium

Figure 19-11A Implantation, Endometrium of the Uterus

Figure 19-11B Clinical Correlation: Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

Figure 19-11C Clinical Correlation: Uterine Leiomyoma

Figure 19-12A Cervix

Figure 19-12B Clinical Correlation: Cervical Cancer

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Organ Systems

Figure 19-13A Overview of the Placenta

Figure 19-13B Fetal Portion of the Placenta

Figure 19-14A Umbilical Cord

Vagina

Figure 19-14B Vagina

Mammary Glands

Figure 19-15A Overview of the Mammary Gland

Figure 19-15B Inactive (Resting) Mammary Gland

Figure 19-15C Active (During Pregnancy) Mammary Gland

Figure 19-16A Nipple, Mammary Gland

Figure 19-16B Clinical Correlation: Adenocarcinoma of the Breast (Breast Cancer)

Synopsis 19-1 Clinical and Pathological Terms for the Female Reproductive System

Introduction and Key Concepts for the

Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system comprises the ovaries, oviducts,

uterus, vagina, external genitalia, and mammary glands.

The external genitalia (vulva) includes the labia minora, labia

majora, mons pubis, clitoris, and vestibule. Female secondary

sex characteristics appear at puberty, along with the monthly

menstrual cycle. This cycle of changes in the reproductive sys-

tem is inﬂ uenced by interactions among the hypothalamus,

pituitary gland, ovaries, and uterus; related events occur peri-

odically during each menstrual cycle (Fig. 19-8). The menstrual

cycle is inﬂ uenced by hormones including follicle-stimulating

hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and

progesterone. These hormones cause changes in the female

reproductive organs and their functions, promote development

of follicles and oocytes, and produce an ideal environment

for fertilization, implantation, and fetal growth. The female

reproductive system plays an important role in the production

and regulation of female hormones (estrogen and progester-

one) and in the development and maintenance of female sex

characteristics.

Ovaries

The ovaries are paired, almond-shaped structures located in

the upper part of the pelvic cavity. Their size and position vary

depending on the age and reproductive state of the individual.

The ovaries are suspended by the mesovarium of the broad liga-

ment and are attached to the uterus by the ligament of the ovary

(Fig. 19-1). Each ovary has a cortex and medulla. The cortex

contains numerous developing follicles in various stages as

well as postovulatory structures, a corpus luteum, and several

corpora albicans. Each developing follicle contains an oocyte.

The medulla is composed of loose connective tissue and blood

vessels, nerve ﬁ bers, and lymphatic vessels (Fig. 19-3A).

1. Primordial follicles: In the earliest stage of follicular

development, primordial follicles rest at the periphery of the

cortex. Each primordial follicle consists of a primary oocyte

surrounded by a single layer of squamous supporting cells

called follicular cells (Fig. 19-4A,B). The oocyte is small

(about 20–30 μm) and is in prophase (dictyotene) of meiosis

I. The nucleus of the oocyte has a pale appearance and

contains decondensed chromatin.

2. Primary follicles: At puberty, the primordial follicles begin

to grow, the oocyte increases its size, and the supporting

follicle cells also increase in size and become cuboidal

cells. These follicle cells are now called granulosa cells.

When the oocyte of the primary follicle is surrounded

by a single layer of granulosa cells, the follicle is called a

unilaminar primary follicle. As the oocyte increases in size,

the granulosa cells build up more layers, and the follicle is

called a multilaminar primary follicle (Fig. 19-5A,B). The

zona pellucida, a gel-like layer between the oocyte and the

granulosa cells, ﬁ rst appears in the multilaminar primary

follicle (Fig. 19-5B).

3. Secondary follicles: As granulosa cells continue to prolifer-

ate, the follicle size increases, and spaces ﬁ lled with follicular

ﬂ uid (liquor folliculi) develop among the cells. These spaces

merge to become a single large space called the antrum. The

stromal cells that cover the follicle develop into a layer called

the theca folliculi. The theca folliculi is well developed in the

secondary follicle, and it includes the theca interna and theca

externa (Fig. 19-6A).

4. Graaﬁ an

(preovulatory) follicle: In its ﬁ

nal stage, the

follicle reaches a maximum size of up to 25 mm (2.5 cm).

This follicle has a large antrum ﬁ lled with liquor folliculi.

It has reached its mature stage and is ready to release the

oocyte (ovulation). The oocyte has reached its maximum

size, and is embedded in a mound of granulosa cells that

protrude into the antrum (Fig. 19-6B). The granulosa cells

that are in immediate contact with the oocyte are called the

corona radiata and remain with the oocyte at ovulation.

The graaﬁ an follicle bulges from the surface of the ovary. In

response to a sharp increase in the level of LH (LH surge),

the oocyte resumes meiotic division, becomes arrested as a

secondary oocyte, and ovulation then occurs.

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371

5. Postovulatory structures: After ovulation, the remainder

of the graaﬁ an follicle develops into the corpus luteum

(Fig. 19-7A) and continues to produce steroid hormones. If

fertilization and implantation occur, the corpus luteum will

remain active and continue to produce progesterone during

the ﬁ rst 6 months of pregnancy. If fertilization does not

occur, the corpus luteum degenerates after 10 to 14 days and

becomes the corpus albicans (Fig. 19-7B).

Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)

The oviducts are paired, muscular, open-ended tubes that receive

the ovum and provide an ideal environment for fertilization. Each

oviduct has four regions: the infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus,

and intramural portion (Fig. 19-1). Fertilization usually occurs in

the ampulla of the oviduct. The oviduct wall has a mucosa con-

taining ciliated cells and secretory (peg) cells in its epithelium, a

muscularis layer, and a serosa outer covering (Fig. 19-9A,B).

Uterus

The uterus is a pear-shaped muscular organ that connects

to the two oviducts and to the vagina via the cervix. It is

the site for implantation and placentation. Implantation

is the attachment of the blastocyst to the uterine wall; pla-

centation is the establishment of a placenta that nourishes

the developing embryo and fetus via the umbilical cord.

The uterus has a thick wall, which consists of endometrium

(mucosa), myometrium (muscularis), and serosa. The uterus

can be divided into three regions: the fundus, body, and cervix

(Fig. 19-1). The endometrium undergoes the following mor-

phological and functional changes during the menstrual cycle.

1. Menstrual phase: This is the initial stage (from days 1 to 4

of the cycle). The functional layer (functionalis) of the

endometrium sloughs off and bleeds about 2 weeks after

ovulation if fertilization does not occur (Fig. 19-10A).

2. Proliferative phase: Following the menstrual phase (days

5–14 of the cycle), the functionalis of the endometrium

recovers and rebuilds itself. Its glands appear straight, and

its surface is smooth (Fig. 19-10B).

3. Secretory phase: At this phase (days 15–28 of the cycle), the

endometrium becomes ready for implantation. The endo-

metrium thickens, and the glands appear coiled with large

lumens and a sawtooth appearance. These changes are mainly

inﬂ uenced by progesterone (Fig. 19-10C). If a blastocyst becomes

embedded in the endometrium (implantation), the development

of the placenta takes place within a short time (Fig. 19-11A).

Vagina

The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the cervix to the

external genitalia. It consists of mucosa, muscularis, and adven-

titia (Fig. 19-14B) and functions as a copulatory organ and

birth passage.

Mammary Glands

The mammary glands are paired exocrine glands located

beneath the skin on the chest. These glands can be classiﬁ ed as

compound tubuloalveolar glands. In the female, the mammary

glands undergo morphological and functional changes in response

to female hormones (estrogen, progesterone). In later pregnancy,

the mammary glands prepare to produce milk (lactation) for the

newborn infant (Figs. 19-15A–C and 19-16A).

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Figure 19-1. Overview of the female reproductive system.

The female reproductive system functions in reproduction and the secretion of female hormones that maintain female sex character-

istics. It consists of two ovaries, two oviducts, the uterus, the vagina, external genitalia, and two mammary glands. Each ovary has

a medulla and cortex that contain different stages of the developing follicles, corpus luteum, and corpus albicans. The oviduct is a

muscular tube, which captures and transports the ovulated oocyte and functions as the normal site of fertilization. It can be divided

into the infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, and intramural portions. The uterus is a thick-walled chamber that can be divided into three

regions: the fundus, body, and cervix. The fundus and body of the uterus are composed of endometrium, myometrium, and serosa; the

endometrium undergoes extensive changes during the menstrual cycle. The mucosa of the cervix does not undergo structural changes

during the menstrual cycle; however, secretions of the mucosa change based on hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Most of the

female organs undergo some degree of change during the menstrual cycle in response to changes in levels of various hormones.

Ovulated

oocyte

Fimbriae

Ovary

Corpus

albicans

Medulla

Cortex

Corpus

luteum

Follicles

Infundibulum

Isthmus

Intramural

portion

Ampulla

Oviduct (fallopian tube)

Uterus

Endometrium

Myometrium

Fundus

Oviduct (fallopian tube)

Ovary

Ligament

of ovary

Cervix

Vagina

Broad ligament

Body

Perimetrium

I. Ovaries

A. Cortex (contains ovarian follicles and connective tissue)

1. Primordial (resting) follicles

2. Primary (growing) follicles

3. Secondary (antral) follicles

4. Graaﬁ an follicle

5. Corpus luteum (postovulatory structure)

6. Corpus albicans (postovulatory structure)

B. Medulla (contains loose connective tissue, blood vessels,

lymphatic vessels, and nerve ﬁ bers)

II. Oviducts/fallopian tubes (contain mucosa, muscularis, and

serosa)

A. Infundibulum

B. Ampulla

C. Isthmus

D. Intramural portion

III. Uterus (contains endometrium, myometrium, and serosa)

A. Menstrual cycle

1. Proliferative phase

2. Secretory phase

3. Menstrual phase

IV. Cervix (contains mucosa, branched cervical glands, dense

connective tissue, and a few smooth muscle cells)

A. Internal os (opening of cervix)

B. Endocervical canal (portion between uterus and

external os)

C. External os (opening of ectocervix)

D. Ectocervix (portion that projects into the vagina)

V. Vagina (contains mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia)

VI. Mammary gland

A. Compound tubuloalveolar glands

B. Lactiferous sinuses

C. Lactiferous ducts

D. Nipple

Structures of the Female Reproductive System

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373

Figure 19-2. Orientation of detailed female reproductive system illustrations.

Fig. 19-5A,B

Fig. 19-6A

Fig. 19-7A

Fig. 19-7B

Fig. 19-4A,B

Fig. 19-10A,B,C

Fig. 19-11A

Fig. 19-3A

to Fig. 19-7B

Fig. 19-9A,B

Fig. 19- 14B

Fig. 19-12A

Ovaries

Figure 19-3A

Figure 19-3B

Figure 19-4A

Figure 19-4B

Figure 19-5A

Figure 19-5B

Figure 19-6A

Figure 19-6B

Figure 19-7A

Figure 19-7B

Figure 19-7C

Oviducts (Fallopian tubes)

Figure 19-9A

Figure 19-9B

Uterus

Figure 19-10A

Figure 19-10B

Figure 19-10C

Figure 19-11A

Figure 19-11B

Figure 19-11C

Cervix

Figure 19-12A

Figure 19-12B

Placenta

Figure 19-13A

Figure 19-13B

Umbilical cord

Figure 19-14A

Vagina

Figure 19-14B

Mammary glands

Figure 19-15A

Figure 19-15B

Figure 19-15C

Figure 19-16A

Figure 19-16B

Structures of the Female Reproductive System

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Organ Systems

Figure 19-3A. Overview of the ovary. H&E, left 17; right 129

The ovaries are paired organs covered by a simple, usually cuboidal, mesothelium (sometimes called germinal epithelium) and a

tunica albuginea (connective tissue). Each ovary is divided into a cortex and a medulla. The cortex contains various stages of fol-

licles including primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, and, occasionally, graaﬁ an follicles. It may also contain the

corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland formed by components of an ovulated follicle. A degenerated corpus luteum persists

in the ovary as the corpus albicans. Most follicles degenerate (undergo atresia) before ovulation and are then called atretic follicles.

The medulla contains connective tissue with blood vessels, nerve ﬁ bers, and lymphatic vessels.

Ligament

of ovary

Germinal epithelium

Tunica albuginea

Primordial

follicle

Primordial

follicle

Primary follicle

(multilaminar)

Primary follicle

(multilaminar)

Medulla

Secondary

follicles

Cortex

D.Cui

Theca interna

Granulosa cells

Corona radiata

(granulosa cells)

Cumulus

oophorus

Zona pellucida

Theca externa

Theca interna

Granulosa cells

Zona pellucida

Theca externa

Oocyte (1°–2°)

Oocyte (1 )

Antrum

Graafian follicle

Secondary follicle

Granulosa cell

Follicular

(squamous) cell

Granulosa

(cuboidal)cell

Primordial follicle

Primary follicle (unilaminar)

Primary follicle (multilaminar)

Basement

membrane

Basement

membrane

Oocyte (1 )

Zona

pellucida

Figure 19-3B. Development of the ovarian follicles.

This illustration shows ovarian follicles from early to late stages: the primordial (resting) follicle, the unilaminar primary follicle, the multi-

laminar primary (growing) follicle, the secondary (antral or vesicular) follicle, and the graaﬁ an (preovulatory) follicle. Each of these follicles

contains a primary (1

) oocyte, which is an immature ovum. A secondary oocyte is formed shortly before ovulation, when the oocyte com-

pletes the ﬁ rst meiotic division. The secondary oocyte does not undergo the second meiotic division unless fertilization occurs. Note that the

follicles are not drawn to scale; a graaﬁ an (preovulatory) follicle is approximately 1,000 times the diameter of a primordial follicle.

Ovaries

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