Reading: RR&K, Chapter 22
SLIDE 89d ovary, rat (H&E)
(RR&K p715, Fig. 1,2,3,4; p717 Fig. 1,2,3,4,5; p719 Fig. 1,2,3,4)
Study this plastic embedded slide first with the low power objective. Identify the germinal epithelium on the surface of the ovary, and the very thin tunica albuginea. The germinal epithelium is a single layer of cuboidal cells that are continuous with the mesothelium. Deep to this, surrounded by a more cellular stroma, are spherically-shaped follicles which contain oocytes. This slide shows good cellular detail by which to examine the process of folliculogenesis. With the aid of your atlas identify primordial, primary, and secondary follicles. The primordial follicles (or unilaminar follicles) are located near the outer surface of the ovary and distinguished by a single layer of flattened follicle cells. These follicles often appear in clusters. Examine several examples of growing primary follicles on your slide. Notice the different stages of development. That is, some primary follicles have oocytes surrounded by a simple cuboidal layer of follicle cells while in others the oocytes are surrounded by several layers of follicle cells or granulosa cells. Identify the zona pellucida that appears between the oocytes and the follicular cells. Why do many of the oocytes visible lack nuclei? What is the approximate diameter of a mature oocyte? The secondary follicles are defined by the presence of a single antrum or several smaller fluid-filled spaces among the granulosa cells. In both primary and secondary follicles dividing granulosa cells can be seen. In larger follicles, identify the theca interna and theca externa. The theca interna consists of blood vessels and secretory cells. Theca externa is composed mainly of flattened cells. Many large corpora lutea are present on this slide, because the rat ovulates several oocytes during a single cycle. The corpora lutea may be most easily identified with a reversed ocular or with the low power objective. The morphology of the corpora lutea is similar to an endocrine gland. The primary cells present are the steroid producing granulosa luteal cells. Unlike the follicles, this gland is heavily vascularized. Make sure you can distinguish growing follicles from corpora lutea. Not all follicles mature to a Graafian; many die, becoming atretic. The atretic follicles appear disorganized and lack mitotic figures. Apoptotic cells are numerous in these dying follicles. You may see profiles through an oviduct on your slide. Refer to SLIDE 90b for a description.
Check list for SLIDE 89d:
SLIDE 89c ovary, human (H&E)
(RR&K p715, Fig. 1,2,3,4; p717 Fig. 1,2,3,4,5; p719 Fig. 1,2,3,4)
This slide of the human ovary contains a large, well formed corpus luteum. With the reversed ocular observe the large convoluted corpus luteum which occupies most of this slide. Large ovarian blood vessels are also quite apparent. At higher power, observe the core of dense connective tissue and the connective tissue trabecula which project from the outside into the mass of granulosa lutein cells. Study the morphology of the granulosa lutein cells; they are plump, contain a large round nucleus, and appear somewhat vacuolated. Thecal lutein cells are fewer in number and hard to find in this preparation. These are small, round, dense-staining cells which should be present adjacent to the connective tissue trabecula projecting into the corpus luteum. They are most readily seen on the periphery of the corpus luteum. Identify primordial follicles. Are there any developing follicles present on your slide? Regions of dense connective tissue represent corpora albicantes. These structures are the scar tissue of previous corpus lutea.
Check list for SLIDE 89c: 
SLIDE 89b ovary, menopause (H&E)
(RR&K p715, Fig. 1,2,3,4; p717 Fig. 1,2,3,4,5; p690 Fig. 22.13)
This slide represents human ovary from menopausal period of women's reproductive cycle. Observe lack of follicles and increased amount of connective tissue stroma. In addition observe multiple corpora albicantia. On this section you can find many cross-sections of vessels supplying the ovary (branches of ovarian artery and veins of pampiniform ovarian plexus) located in the hilus of the ovary.
Check list for SLIDE 89b:
SLIDE 90b oviduct, human (H&E)
(RR&K p720, Fig. 1,2)
The wall of the oviduct (uterine, Fallopian tube) consists of a mucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa. Examine the simple columnar epithelium of the mucosa, comparing the ciliated and nonciliated cells with each other. Identify the lamina propria located deep to the complex folds of epithelium. Observe the two smooth muscle layers of the muscularis externa. The mesothelium of the serosa was lost during preparation. The mesosalpinx present on this slide contains large vessels and nerve bundles. Review the morphology of these structures.
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SLIDE 89p ovary, polycystic ovarian disease (H&E)
(RR&K p715, Fig. 1,2,3,4; p717 Fig. 1,2,3,4,5; p719 Fig. 1,2,3,4)
Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD or Stein-Leventhal Syndrome) is cause by a disfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. In this hormonal disfunction there is a continuous stimulation of the ovary by FSH and LH without signs of an ovarian cycle. PCO syndrome is characterized by amenorrhea, obesity, hirsutism and infertility. Observe the ovarian tissue on low power. Note the numerous cysts lined by granulosa cells and enveloped by hypertrophic luteinized theca interna cells. There are no corpora lutea present in this ovary. Note the changes in the connective tissue stroma in comparison to the normal ovary (SLIDE 89c). Pathologists often use the term "cortical stromal fibrosis" to describe this region of the ovary. Can you explain why? Identify the numerous primordial follicles beneath the germinal epithelium.
Check list for SLIDE 89p: 
The female reproductive system consists of both internal and external organs. They include the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, vagina, mons pubis, labia minora/majora, clitoris, and vestibule. This unit examines the structure of some of these organs, as well as the developmental stages of the oocyte.