Female Reproductive System: Answers

Ovary

#64 Ovary, Adult Human, Corpus Luteum of Pregnancy

1. What is the primary ovarian source of estrogenic hormones?
   Granulosa cells.
2. What are the fine structural specializations of ovarian cells involved with the production of steroid hormones?
   Mitochondria with tubulo-vesicular cristae, SER, lipid droplets.

Uterine Tube (Fallopian Tube Or Oviduct)

#68 Uterine Tube, Human, H&E.

1. In which portion of the uterine tube does fertilization occur?
   Ampulla.
2. What is the significance of the dark, acidophilic line at the base of the cilia on the epithelial cells?
   Basal bodies.

Uterus

#65 Uterus, Human Pre-ovulatory or Proliferative State, H&E

What is the primary ovarian hormone stimulating the endometrium during this stage?
Estrogen.

#66 Uterus, Human, Secretory or Progravid Stage, H&E

1. What is the dominant ovarian structure during the secretory stage?
   Corpus luteum.
2. Which ovarian hormone is necessary for the maintenance of the secretory stage of the endometrium?
   Progesterone.
3. Which zones of the endometrium may be lost during menstruation?
   Functionalis (compactum and spongiosum).

Cervix

#67 Cervix, Human

1. What are some of the possible functions of cervical mucus?
   Impedes sperm entry except in peri-ovulatory period when the mucus in less viscous
2. In what other regions of the body does one observe an abrupt junction between simple columnar and stratified epithelia?
   Gastro-esophageal junction, colo-rectal junction.

Placenta

1. What is the origin of the syncytiotrophoblast?
   Cytotrophoblast.
2. What is the origin of decidual cells?
   Endometrium.
3. What is the placental source of human chorionic gonadotrophin, hCG?
   Trophoblast.
4. What fluid bathes chorionic villi?
   Maternal blood

Mammary Gland

What are the major hormones responsible for the cyclic changes in the mammary gland?
Estrogen and progesterone

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