NERVE TISSUE
Nerve Tissue
 Responsible for the production and induction of electrical
impulses.
 It allows us to receive stimuli and process the
information.
 the most complex system in the body, is formed by a
network of many billion nerve cells (neurons), assisted
by many more supporting cells called glial cells
Nervous Tissue has two major divisions:
 Central Nervous System (CNS)
• Composed of the cerebrum, cerebellum (brain) and
the spinal cord.
 Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• All nervous tissue outside the CNS.
• It is organized to form 12 pairs of cranial nerves, 31
pairs of spinal nerves and their associated ganglia.
Neurons
 The functional unit in both the CNS and PNS is the
neuron or nerve cell
Most neurons consist of three main parts:
 The cell body, or perikaryon
• contains the nucleus and most of the cell’s organelles
and serves as the synthetic or trophic center for the
entire neuron
 Dendrites
• the numerous elongated processes extending from the
perikaryon and specialized to receive stimuli from
other neurons at unique sites called synapses.
 Axon
• single long process ending at synapses specialized to
generate and conduct nerve impulses to other cells
 Micrograph of a large motor neuron showing the large
cell body and nucleus (N), with a long axon (A) emerging
from an axon hillock (AH) and several dendrites (D).
 Evenly dispersed Nissl substance (NS) can be seen
throughout the cell body and cytoskeletal elements can be
detected in the processes.
 Nuclei of scattered glial cells (G) are seen among the
surrounding tissue.
o This picture below is the large motor neuron. Given this
picture you can readily identify or classify it structurally.
Based on the number of cell processes. It is made up of
single axon and multiple dendrites therefore it is
classified as a multipolar neuron type structurally
speaking.
 The large Purkinje neuron in this silver-impregnated
section of cerebellum has many dendrites (D) emerging
from its cell body (CB) and forming branches.
 The small dendritic branches have many short projecting
dendritic spines (DS) spaced closely along their length,
each of which is a site of a synapse with another neuron.
o This picture shows us the functional classification of
neuron particularly the interneuron specifically the
Purkinje neuron. The same cell components are also seen
in this picture such as the CB (cell body) including
numerous Dendrites because of the highly branched
structure of the Purkinje neuron. The main advantage is
that it forms several synapses. In addition to the
dendrites, the dendrites would further branch forming the
smaller dendritic spines labeled as DS.

Glial Cells
 Support neuronal survival and activities.
 Ten times more abundant in the mammalian brain than the
neurons.
 Like neurons, most glial cells develop from progenitor
cells of the embryonic neural plate.
 They are not capable of conducting and producing
impulses
Glial Cells: CNS
Oligodendrocytes:
 Produce the myelin sheaths around axons that provide the
electrical insulation for neurons in the CNS.
 The predominant glial cells in CNS white matter
 Most neuronal cell bodies (N) in the CNS are larger than
the much more numerous glial cells (G) that surround
them.
 The various types of glial cells and their relationships
with neurons are difficult to distinguish by most routine
light microscopic methods.
 However, oligodendrocytes have condensed, rounded
nuclei and unstained cytoplasm due to very abundant
Golgi complexes, which stain poorly and are very likely
represented by the cells with those properties seen here
o This picture would show us the neurons (N) and the
smaller cells which are more abundant are the glial cells
(G), and the neuron processes (NP). Specifically, these
glial cells are oligodendrocytes.
o So in order to identify oligodendrocytes; when you look at
the cells, the cytoplasm is unstained. The only one that is
darkly stained is the nucleus. When we look at it in terms
of shape it is more rounded.
Astrocytes:
o The largest and most abundant glial type found in the
CNS.
• Have a large number of radiating processes.
• Unique to the CNS
• The most numerous glial cells of the CNS, as well as
the most diverse structurally and functionally
 Fibrous Astrocytes
• with relatively few, long processes
• typical in white matter
 Protoplasmic Astrocytes
• With many shorter, highly branched processes
• Predominate in the gray matter
 Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells of the CNS
and are characterized by numerous cytoplasmic processes
(P) radiating from the glial cell body or soma (S).
 Astrocytic processes are not seen with routine light
microscope staining but are easily seen after gold staining.
 Morphology of the processes allows astrocytes to be
classified as fibrous (relatively few and straight processes)
or protoplasmic (numerous branching processes), but
functional differences between these types are not clear.
The picture below shows us the astrocytes. There are no
neurons focused in this picture only the astrocytes. In the
typical form which is the stellate form. Since the astrocytes
have higher branched, we can consider this as the
protoplasmic type of astrocytes.

Ependymal Cells
 are columnar or cuboidal cells that line the ventricles of
the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.
 The apical ends of ependymal cells have cilia, which
facilitate the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and
long microvilli, which are likely involved in absorption.
 Lining the ventricles of the cerebrum, columnar
ependymal cells (E) extend cilia and microvilli from the
apical surfaces into the ventricle (V).
 These modifications help circulate the CSF and monitor
its contents. Ependymal cells have junctional complexes
at their apical ends like those of epithelial cells but lack a
basal lamina.
 The cells’ basal ends are tapered, extending processes that
branch and penetrate some distance into the adjacent
neuropil (N). Other areas of ependyma are responsible for
production of CSF.
This picture below would show us the ependymal cells in
columnar form. In any form, the cells are said to be ciliated.
So the ciliary movement has something to do with the function
which is to circulate the CSF.
Microglia
 The smallest and least abundant that would serve as the
CNS macrophages.
 Small cells with short irregular processes evenly
distributed throughout gray and white matter.
 Microglia migrate through the neuropil, scanning the
tissue for damaged cells and invading microorganisms.
 Secrete a number of immunoregulatory cytokines and
constitute the major mechanism of immune defense in the
CNS.
 Microglia are monocyte-derived, antigen-presenting cells
of the CNS.
 By immunohistochemistry, using a monoclonal antibody
against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) of immune-
related cells, the short branching processes of microglia
can be seen.
This picture would show us the microglia, compared with the
size of the astrocytes it is smaller and the numerous processes
would further give off several spines.
Glial Cells: PNS
 Schwann Cells:
• The counterpart of oligodendrocytes
• sometimes called neurolemmocytes, are found only
in the PNS and differentiate from precursors in the
neural crest.
• Found in the spinal nerves.
• Repair and production of Myelin Sheath in the PNS.
• Repairs single axon only.
 Satellite Cells
• The counterpart of astrocytes
• Also called as Stem Cells
• Found in the ganglionic neuron and supportive effect
on these neurons, insulating, nourishing, and
regulating their microenvironments.
 Nuclei of the many satellite cells (S) surrounding the
perikarya of neurons (N) in a dorsal root ganglion can be
seen by light microscopy, but the cytoplasmic extensions
from the cells are not visible.
 These long-lived neurons commonly accumulate brown
lipofuscin (L).
This picture would show us the Satellite cells. The neurons (N)
wherein the cell body surrounded by the satellite cells labeled
S. it is in the rounded form but it may also vary in terms of
shape.
 components and these are the glial cells (G) surrounding the
neurons.

 Immunofluorescent staining of satellite cells (S) reveals

cytoplasmic sheets extending from these cells and
surrounding neuronal cell bodies (N).
 Like the effect of Schwann cells on axons, satellite glial
cells insulate, nourish, and regulate the microenvironment
of the neuronal cell bodies.
 Another picture of satellite cells surrounding the neurons
in spindle shape form.

 A cross section of H&E-stained spinal cord shows the

transition between white matter (left region) and gray
matter (right).
 The gray matter has many glial cells (G), neuronal cell
bodies (N), and neuropil; white matter also contains glia
(G) but consists mainly of axons (A) whose myelin
sheaths were lost during preparation, leaving the round
empty spaces shown.
 Each such space surrounds a dark stained spot that is a
small section of the axon.
The picture shows us the cross section of the spinal cord and
would show us the two areas. To differentiate between the two
areas, we just take note of the components such as the gray
matter that consists of the cell bodies whereas the white
matter which is made up of the myelinated axon.

So at the right side of the picture is the gray matter are and at
the left side is the white matter area based from the
 SKIN AND APPENDAGES
Skin
 The skin is the largest single organ of the body, typically
accounting for 15% to 20% of total body weight and, in
adults, presenting 1.5 to 2 m 2 of surface to the external
environment.
 The skin is composed of:
• the epidermis, an epithelial layer of ectodermal
origin
• the dermis, a layer of mesodermal connective tissue
also is actually made up of connective tissue
 The epidermis consists mainly of:
 a stratified squamous keratinized epithelium composed of  Micrograph shows the sequence of the epidermal layers in
cells called keratinocytes that would serve as the thick skin and the approximate sizes and shape of
principal cell type keratinocytes in these layers.
 There are also three much less abundant epidermal cell  Also shown are the coarse bundles of collagen in the
types: dermis and on the far left, the duct from a sweat gland
• Pigment-producing melanocytes entering the epidermis from a dermal papilla and
• Antigen-presenting Langerhans cells
• Tactile epithelial cells called Merkel cells

Layers of the Epidermis:

 Stratum basale / Stratum Germinativum / Basal layer
• Deepest, the cell type that would be abundant in any
layer of the epidermis would be the keratinocytes and
the keratinocytes at this layer are seen as single layer
of cuboidal to low columnar cells in contact with
basement membrane.
• Mitosis occurs here.
• Melanocytes and Merkel cells also present.
 Stratum spinosum / Spinous layer / Prickle Layer
• Thickest layer
• Consists of polyhedral keratinocytes cells with
histologic appearance of many short “spines” or
prickles at the cell surface.  The interface between dermis and epidermis in thin skin is
• Several layers of keratinocytes all joined by held together firmly by interlocking epidermal ridges or
desmosomes; Langerhans cells also present. pegs (EP) and dermal papillae (DP).
 Stratum granulosum / Granular layer  The dermis (D) of thin skin is more cellular and well
• 3-5 layers of keratinocytes with distinct keratohyaline vascularized than that of thick skin, with elastin and less
granules. coarse bundles of collagen.
o Two types of the keratohyaline granules is the  The epidermis usually shows only four layers in thin skin:
teratohyaline and the lamellae?? the one-cell thick stratum basale (B) containing most
 Stratum lucidum / Clear Layer mitotic cells; the stratum spinosum (S) where synthesis of
• 2-3 layers of anucleate, flattened, dead cells; seen much keratin and other proteins takes place; the stratum
only in thick skin. granulosum (G); and the stratum corneum (C), consisting
 Stratum corneum / Horny layer of dead squames composed mostly of keratin.
• Most superficial layer
• We cannot identify anymore the individual cells of
the surface are completely covered with keratin
filaments
• Consists of 20-30 layers of dead, flattened, anucleate,
keratin-filled keratinocytes.
• Protects against friction and water loss
  Section of immunostained skin shows Langerhans cells
 A section of epidermal stratum spinosum of thick skin, (yellow) abundant in hair follicles (F), where many
showing cells with numerous short cytoplasmic microorganisms live, and throughout the epidermis (E).
projections (arrow)  Keratin of the epidermis and follicles is stained green.
 These are the polyhedral cells which are primarily
keratinocytes and the desmosomes that would join the
cells together are the ones that look spiny as shown in the
picture.

 Meissner tactile corpuscles (TC) (are one of the

examples of encapsulated nerve endings) are specialized
to detect light touch and are frequently located in dermal
papillae (DP), partially surrounded by epidermis (E).
 They are elliptical, approximately 150 μm long, with an
outer capsule (from the perineurium) and thin, stacked
 Micrograph shows melanocytes (M) in the epidermal
inner layers of modified Schwann cells, around which
basal layer which synthesize melanin granules and
course nerve fibers
transfer them into neighboring keratinocytes of the basal
and spinous layers.
 Typically, melanocytes are pale-staining cells on the
basement membrane, with lower total melanin content
than the keratinocytes and it has darkly stained nucleus
which would almost occupy the entire cytoplasm because
of its big size that would appear rounded. The
surrounding cells are the keratinocytes.
 A single melanocyte can supply around 30 keratinocytes
with melanin so we call this combination as melanin or
epidermal melanin unit?

 Lamellated (pacinian) corpuscles (PC) detect coarse

touch or pressure and are large oval structures, frequently
 1 mm in length, found among adipose tissue (A) deep in
the reticular dermis or in the subcutaneous tissue.
 Here the outer connective tissue capsule surrounds 15-50
thin, concentric layers of modified Schwann cells, each
separated by slightly viscous interstitial fluid
 Pacinian corpuscles are also an example of encapsulated
nerve endings because it surrounded by capsules.
Hair
 Filamentous keratinized structure that forms within
epidermal invaginations
 Covers practically the whole body except the lips, palms,
soles, distal dorsal parts of the fingers and toes, prepuce
and glans of penis, labia minora, and inner surface of
labia majora, clitoris, and nipple
 A longitudinal section of a hair root and bulb shows the
matrix, medulla and cortex in the root and the surrounding
epithelial and connective tissue sheaths.
 Cells of the hair bulb matrix proliferate, take up melanin
granules, and undergo keratinization to differentiate as the
three concentric layers of the hair.
Hair follicle
 The base of a hair follicle sectioned obliquely shows the
vascularized dermal papilla (DP) continuous with the
surrounding connective tissue sheath (CTS).
 The papilla is enclosed by the deepest part of the
epithelial sheath, which is continuous with both the
internal root sheath (IRS) and external root sheath (ERS).
 Both of these layers are in turn continuous with the
stratified epidermis. Just outside the ERS is the glassy
membrane (G) that is continuous with the basement
membrane of the epidermis.
 The epithelial cells (keratinocytes) around the papilla
proliferate and differentiate as the root of the hair itself.
 Above the papilla, only the cortex (CO) of the hair is
clearly seen in this section.
Nails
 Nails are hard plates of keratin on the dorsal surface of
each distal phalanx.
 The proximal part of the nail is the nail root and is
covered by a fold of skin, from which the epidermal
stratum corneum extends as the cuticle, or eponychium.
 The nail plate is bound to a bed of epidermis, the nail
bed, which contains only the basal and spinous epidermal
layers.
 A sagittal section from a finger shows the proximal nail
fold (PNF) and its epidermal extension, the eponychium
(E) or cuticle.
 The nail root (NR), the most proximal region of the nail
plate (NP), is formed like the hair root by a matrix of
proliferating, differentiating keratinocytes.
 These cells make up the dorsal nail matrix (DNM) and
ventral nail matrix (VNM), which contribute keratinized
cells to the nail root.
 The mature nail plate remains attached to the nail bed
(NB), which consists of basal and spinous epidermal
layers over dermis (D), but is pushed forward on this bed
by continuous growth in the nail matrix
Glands
Sebaceous Glands / Oil Glands
 Simple, Branched alveolar glands, Holocrine gland
 Numerous in the face, forehead, and scalp.
 Generally, absent in hairless skin such as the palms and
soles.
 Produce sebum by terminal differentiation of sebocytes.
Sweat Gland / Sudoriferous Glands
 Coiled tubular glands.
 Produces sweat – thermoregulator.
Picture of sebaceous glands
 A micrograph shows the gland’s capsule (C) and
differentiates sebocytes (S) at higher magnification.
 Proliferation of the small progenitor cells just inside the
capsule continuously forces sebum into the ducts;
myoepithelial cells are not present.
 This picture focus on the cells known as the sebocytes that
form the secretory units and the sebocytes here are seen
as rounded cells wherein the cytoplasm is filled with lipid
droplets

Two Types of Sweat Glands

1. Eccrine sweat glands:
 Wider in terms of distribution that produces the
sweat
 produce sweat that is mostly water onto the skin
surface, where its evaporation provides an important
mechanism for cooling the body
2. Apocrine sweat glands:
 are restricted to skin of the axillae and perineum,
have much wider lumens than eccrine glands,
develop after puberty, and secrete protein-rich sweat
onto the hair of hair follicles.
 Made up of fatty acids and proteins
2nd picture of sebaceous glands
 A section of a pilosebaceous unit shows acini composed
 Histologically eccrine glands have small lumens in the
of large sebocytes (S), which undergo terminal secretory components (S) and ducts (D), both of which
differentiation by filling with small lipid droplets and then
have an irregular stratified cuboidal appearance. Both
disintegrating near the ducts (D) opening at the hair (H) clear and acidophilic cells are seen in the stratified
shaft.
cuboidal epithelium of the secretory units.
 the components of exocrine glands that it is made up of
secretory units at the same time ducts that would serve as
passageways for the secretion
 Apocrine sweat glands, which produce a more protein-
rich secretion with pheromonal properties, are
characterized by secretory portions (S) with lumens much
larger than those of eccrine glands.
 Their ducts (D) open into hair follicles (H) rather than to
the epidermal surface.
 The cells that would form the secretory units would
appear as simple cuboidal type of cells.
 MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Male Reproductive System
Consists of the external genitalia and series of glands and
ducts which produce and transport gametes and seminal fluid

We identify the components of the male reproductive system;

the populatory?? 0:30 organ, it also consists of the duct
system including the glands and the primary organs in the
form of the testes.

Testes
Seminiferous Tubules
 Paired organ located in the scrotum
Highly convoluted tube with 3 histologic layers:
 With endocrine component:
o interstitial cells of Leydig - secretes testosterone 1. tunica propria: thin tunic of fibrous connective tissue
found in between the seminiferous tubules. with contractile myoid cells that attach to the well-
defined basal lamina
External coverings: 2. lamina propria
1. tunica vaginalis: anteriorly 3. stratified seminiferous epithelium consisting of 2 types
 mesothelial sac which covers the anterior surface of of cells:
each testes;
 extension of the peritoneum as it descended into the
scrotum
2. tunica albuginea: posteriorly
 dense connective tissue capsule that forms the
mediastinum testis along the posterior surface. it
would also form the formation of the septa.

Internal structure:
1. septa: extension of the tunica albuginea which penetrates
the testes and divides it into 250 compartments or
lobules
2. lobules: includes 1–4 seminiferous tubules (exocrine)
with discrete clumps of Leydig’s cells (endocrine).

A. Spermatogenic cells: undergo spermatogenesis

1. spermatogonia: least differentiated cells, small, round,

nearest the basal lamina
2. Primary spermatocyte: largest germ cells
3. Secondary spermatocyte: product of first meiotic
division; rare in histologic sections because they rapidly
undergo 2nd meiotic division
4. Spermatids: product of 2nd meiotic division located
next to the lumen
5. Spermatozoa: located in the lumen; result
spermiogenesis with long flagella
B. Supporting cells / Sertoli cells / Nurse Cells
 Elongated, branched, pyramidal-shaped cells in the basal
lamina
 With deep cytoplasmic in folding which embrace
developing spermatogenic cells
 Functions: support; nutritional regulation; protection
from autoimmune attack; phagocytosis of residual
bodies; secretion of fluids, antigen-binding proteins
(ABP), inhibin (which decreases FSH production), and
estrogen
 Testosterone production and spermatogenesis occurs at
35 degrees’ centigrade testes is held away from body
temp (37 degrees C); sweat evaporating from scrotal
surface; cooling by pampiniform plexus of veins that
surround each testicular artery before it reaches the testes.
of Blood-Testes Barrier
 Protects the developing sperm from damage against an
autoimmune response
 Consists of a continuous belt of junctional complexes
joining the sertoli cells which separates the seminiferous
tubules into 2 compartments:
1. Basal compartment: houses the spermatogonia and
accessible to any blood-borne substance that can
penetrate the basal lamina
2. Adluminal compartment: from the junctional belt to the
lumen; inaccessible to blood-borne substances
B. Duct System
 Plays a role in the maturation, storage and transport of
spermatozoa
 Requires adequate amounts of testosterone for normal
function
o With secretory epithelium to provide sperms with
nutrients
o Both ducts from each testis empty into a common
urethra
B. 1 Intratesticular Genital ducts:
 tubuli recti: straight ducts; lined by simple cuboidal
epithelium
 rete testis: anastomosing network in the mediastinum
testis
 ductuli efferentes (efferent ductules) i. Corpora Cavernosa: pair of dorsal erectile cylinders;
penetrated by deep arteries with tunica albuginea sheath
B. 2 Excretory Genital duct ii. Corpora Spongiosum (Corpus Cavernosum Urethrae):
B.2.1 ductus epididymis single, small, ventral cylinder with an expanded tip (glans
penis); traversed by the penile urethra
 single, highly coiled tube around 4 – 6 meters long, with a
Erectile tissue: with irregular network of fibrous connective
body and tail lined by pseudostratified epithelium on a
tissue trabeculae with smooth muscular support; vascular sinus
basal lamina with apical stereocilia (long, irregular,
lined by endothelium
non-motile microvilli)
 secretory cells, phagocytic, capable of peristaltic
movements to propel sperm towards ductus deferens

B.2.2 ductus deferens (vas deferens)

 single straight tube with muscular walls

 ascends within the spermatic cord through the
inguinal canal as it joins the seminal vesicle near the
prostate
 with thick muscular walls capable of powerful peristaltic
contractions during ejaculation
 with an ampulla at the terminal portion with a highly
folded mucosa

B.2.3 ejaculatory duct

 short duct with pseudostratified epithelium

 found at the junction of the ductus deferens and the duct
of the seminal vesicle
 penetrates the prostate and empty into prostatic
urethra
C. Accessory Genital Glands
C.1 Seminal Vesicle: pair of 2 highly coiled tubes, outgrowth
of the ductus deferens
 With highly folded mucosa forming primary, secondary
and tertiary branching
 Secretory epithelium produces yellowish, thick fluid
rich in fructose, citrate, inositol, prostaglandin and
proteins\make up 70% of human ejaculate
Blood Supply
Depends on its functional state
a. Flaccid: peripheral dorsal artery and drained by
superficial veins; branches of the deep arteries that feed
the vascular spaces (helicene artery) are closed
b. Erect: dilated helicene artery with A-V shunts closed.
Innervation:
a. Parasympathetic: erection
b. Sympathetic: accompanies ejaculation and contributes to
subsequent flaccidity.

C.2 Prostate gland

 Surrounds the urethra, below the bladder

 Made up of 30-50 compound tubulo-alveolar glands, with
ducts emptying independently into the urethra
 Prostatic fluid is rich in citrate, acid phosphatase,
amylase, fibrinolysin and lipids

C.3. Bulbourethral Gland (Cowper’s gland): mucus glands

which together with the glands of Littre lubricate the distal
part of the duct system.

D. Penis

Composed of 3 spongy, erectile tissue with loose sheath of

connective tissue and covered by thin, hairless skin
 FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Female Reproductive System
 undergoes cyclic changes roughly every 28 days c.
especially the ovaries and the uterus;
 controlled by pituitary gonadotropins FSH and LH which
modulate follicle growth and development and hormone
production (estrogen and progesterone) which controls
the menstrual cycle.
Liquor folliculi: fluid-filled cavity or antrum with theca
externa and interna
Mature Graafian follicle: precedes ovulation; with
corona radiata which rests on a pedestal of follicle cells
(cumulus oophorus)
Atretic follicles: out of 400,000 follicles, only about 450
mature, 99% degenerate by autolysis (atresia)

o This is a picture that would show the internal

genitalia that consists of the ovary, uterine tube,
uterus, and the vagina.
A. Ovaries
o The ovaries are the primary organs.
- Paired, almond-shaped organ
- Covered by germinal epithelium (do not form
oocytes) o These are the different developmental stages of
- Innermost covering is the tunica albuginea ovarian follicles.
o It is made up of the epithelial layer as well as the o On top would be the primordial follicle. This is the
internal covering, which is the tunica albuginea. oocyte and it is surrounded by the flattened
The epithelial layer is referred to as the granulosa cells. In the primary follicle stage, the
germinal epithelium. granulosa cells become simple cuboidal in terms of
- With a cortex which harbors the oocytes and ovarian appearance, there is also formation of the zona
follicles embedded in the stroma, and a medulla pellucida starting primary oocyte stage.
(vascular bed) o When it becomes secondary follicle form, then, the
granulosa cells become stratified up until the time
Ovarian Follicles that it would mature more to contain the antrum, the
fluid-filled cavity.
 Consists of a single oocyte surrounded by 1 or more
o In the mature Graafian follicle form, aside from the
layers of follicle cells (granulosa cells)
antrum, which is well-defined, there’s already a thick
a. Primordial follicle: present before puberty, with a
capsule, which is referred to as the theca.
primary oocyte and a layer of squamous follicles
b. Growing follicles: with stratified cuboidal epithelium;
with steroid hormone producing cells (theca folliculi);
with primary and secondary follicles
o [Refer to the picture above] Histologically, this is a
picture of primary follicle that would contain the oocyte
and the granulosa cells, which is simple cuboidal.
o This is a picture of the mature Graafian follicle. We can
see it already that it is on this stage because of the antrum
plus the theca.
Corpus Luteum
- Temporary endocrine gland formed by remnants of
follicles after ovulation
- Cells in the granulosa layer and theca interna enlarge
and secrete steroids
- granulosa lutein cells: secretes progesterone
- theca lutein cells: secretes estrogen
 Corpus Luteum of Menstruation: when no fertilization
occurs, degenerates after about 14 days
 Corpus Luteum of Pregnancy: develops with
fertilization; enlarges and maintained for 6 months;
secretes relaxin which loosens the symphysis pubis
allowing pelvis to enlarge during parturition
 Corpus Albicans: white scar that replaces a degenerated
corpus, removed by macrophages
B. Uterine Tubes (oviducts and fallopian tubes)
- Paired, muscular tubes continuous with the uterus
- Functions to capture and conduct ovulated ovum
towards the uterus
- With 4 anatomic segments:
1. Pars interstitialis (intramural portion):
penetrates the uterine walls, with few mucosal
folds with the myometrium in the muscularis
layer.
2. Isthmus: narrowest segment
3. Ampulla: wide middle segment; most common
site of fertilization, with numerous mucosal folds
4. Infundibulum: funnel-shaped distal segment
with finger-like extensions (fimbriae)
C. Uterus
- pear-shaped, muscular organ, site of implantation and
development of embryo
- With 3 regions:
1. endometrium: uterine mucosa, simple columnar
with simple tubular glands
2. stratum functionale (pars functionalis):
temporary layer at the surface which responds to
hormones; undergoes cyclic thickening and
shedding
3. stratum basale (pars basalis): thin, deep,
permanent layer
myometrium: muscularis layer, thick, whorled
(figure of 8)
serosa (in the fundus) and adventitia (in the
body)
o The layers consist of the endometrium, myometrium, and
the serosa.
 B. Labia minora:
- skin folds of spongy, erectile connective tissues,
- covered by stratified squamous epithelium with thin
keratin, with sweat and sebaceous glands but without
hair follicles.
o Both labia majora and labia minora are lined with
keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

E. Mammary Glands
- Compound tubulo-alveolar gland specialized to
secrete milk
- With 15 – 25 lobes separated by adipose tissues with
lactiferous ducts which empty into the lactiferous
sinus in the nipple

D. Clitoris: homologous to the dorsal penis with 2 erectile

cavernous bodies; with glans clitoritidis; with prepuce
lined by stratified squamous epithelium
Vestibule: receives the opening of the vagina and the
urethra
With 2 glands:
o They form part of the female reproductive system, and
they are considered to be mucus secreting glands.
1. Bartholin’s glands (Glandulare Vestibulares
majore): mucus glands in the vestibule; homologous
to the Cowper’s gland
2. Vestibular glands (Glandulare Vestibulares
minore): analogous to the Littre’s gland

o These are the components of the external genitalia.

A. Labia majora:
- folds of skin with core of subcutaneous fats;
- covered by keratinized epithelium with hair follicles,
sebaceous glands and sweat glands