Female reproductive system

• What is the focus of the study material?

  The Female Genital Tract (FGT)
• Who is the author of the study material?

  Sharon Roberts-Gant
• What type of epithelium covers the Labia Majora?

  Stratified squamous epithelium

  
• How is the Labia Minora different from the Labia Majora?

  Labia Minora has sebaceous and sweat glands
• What is the length of the vagina?

  10 cm
• What type of epithelium lines the vagina?

  Non-keratinising stratified epithelium

  
• What is the pH of the vagina?

  Acidic pH
• What is the cervix's length?

  2-4 cm
• What type of epithelium is found in the ectocervix?

  Non-keratinising stratified squamous epithelium

  
• What type of epithelium lines the endocervix?

  Columnar glandular epithelium
• How deep is the epithelium during reproductive life?

  Approximately 20 layers deep
• What hormone influences the maturation of cervical epithelium?

  Oestrogen
• What is the transformation zone (TZ)?

  Area between original and new squamocolumnar junction
• What process replaces columnar epithelium with squamous epithelium in the TZ?

  Squamous metaplasia
• What stimulates the proliferation of multipotential reserve cells in the TZ?

  Damage from acid pH exposure
• How does the size and position of the TZ vary?

  Varies throughout cyclical life and from woman to woman
• What are the main cell types found in the lower female genital tract?

  Squamous, columnar, and metaplastic cells
• What cytological feature is used to recognize cell types?

  Nuclear shape
• What is the significance of the Papanicolaou stain?

  Used to stain upper layers of stratified squamous epithelium

  
• What is the appearance of squamous cells in a Papanicolaou stain?

  Large polygonal cells with a central nucleus
• How do endocervical cells appear under a microscope?

  As tall columnar cells with a basal nucleus
• What is the function of ciliated cells in the cervix?

  Propel secretion toward the uterus
• What are the characteristics of metaplastic cells?

  Similar size to parabasal cells, with various shapes
• What are the phases of the menstrual cycle?

  • Proliferative phase: Endometrium proliferates due to oestrogen.
  • Secretory phase: Glands secrete glycogen-rich secretion due to progesterone.
• What is the shape and approximate length of the uterus?

  Flattened pear-shaped, approximately 7 cm long
• What is the function of the fallopian tubes?

  Conduct ova and site of fertilisation
• How long are the fallopian tubes?

  Approximately 10 cm
• What assists the movement of the ovum in the fallopian tubes?

  Peristaltic action of smooth muscle layers
• What is the role of the ovaries?

  Site of oogenesis and hormone secretion
• What are the two zones of the ovary?

  Cortex and medulla
• What is the function of the stroma in the ovary?

  Supports the structure and contains blood vessels
• What types of samples are sent for histology investigation?

  Uterus, cervix, ovaries, and biopsies
• What is the purpose of the National Cervical Screening Programme?

  Detect normal and abnormal cell forms
• What are examples of benign conditions in the female genital tract?

  • Inflammation (acute and chronic)
  • Metaplasia
  • Hyperplasia
  • Infection
  • Polyps
  • Endometriosis
  • Leiomyoma
  • Cysts
• What is the purpose of cervical screening for women aged 25-64?

  To detect cervical abnormalities
• What is the significance of histology samples being fixed in formaldehyde?

  Preserves tissue structure for examination
• What is the role of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle?

  Thickens and secretes during the cycle
• What initiates the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle?

  Release of progesterone from the corpus luteum
• What is the function of the myometrium?

  Provides muscular support to the uterus
• What is the significance of the cervical sample in the screening programme?

  Collects cells for detecting abnormalities