7.2 POJA-L1731+1523+1598
Title: Cervix (ectocervix, human, adult)
Description: Stain: (A) Trichrome (Goldner); (B-C) Hematoxylin -eosin.
(A): Non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium (NKSSE) (1) lines the ectocervix or portio vaginalis, the transparent epithelial cells contain glycogen and undergo cyclic changes upon stimulation by estrogens and progesterone. (2) fibrous proper lamina with blood vessels.
(B): Under normal circumstances near the transition area between endo- and ectocervix sometimes few glands (3) with flattened epithelium are found below the NKSSE (1) of the ectocervix. The glands are less developed than the true cervical glands of the endocervix. (2) fibrous proper lamina, (4) subepithelial lymphocytic infiltration.
(C): The transition (→) of columnar mucous cells (1a, lining of endocervix) and beginning of stratified squamous epithelium (1b, lining of ectocervix). This area is also called the transformation zone. (2) fibrous proper lamina with a diffuse lymphocytic infiltration (4), (3) cross-section of gland (3, also called crypt or invagination) with mucus-secreting cells.
Background: The endocervix is covered by simple epithelium which abruptly passes into a stratified epithelium in the ectocervix (the non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium, NKSSE). This transition zone is called squamocolumnar junction between the endo- and ectocervix segment. This transition zone can move upwards or downwards depending on the hormonal balance and age, being localized highly in the endocervical canal after the menopause. The transition zone can also convert in a transformation zone where preferentially tumor formation can occur. (See also legends of POJA-L1226).
Keywords/Mesh: female reproductive organs, ectocervix, cervix, portio vaginalis, glycogen, endocervix, glands, stratified squamous epithelium, histology, POJA collection.