Where are Peg Cells found?

Appeared in: Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Explanation

Peg cells are a key component of the simple columnar epithelium lining the fallopian tubes.
These cells are non-ciliated and secretory, providing essential nutrients for the ovum, sperm, and early embryo.
Their secretory function is crucial for successful fertilization and early development before the zygote implants in the uterus.
As shown in the diagram, they are interspersed between the ciliated cells that are responsible for transport.

Option A: The vagina is lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium, which serves a protective function against friction, not a secretory one like Peg cells.
Option B: The vulva is part of the external genitalia and is covered by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium (skin), which provides a protective barrier.
Option C: The surface of the ovary is covered by a simple cuboidal layer called the germinal epithelium. The main functional components inside the ovary are follicles and corpora lutea.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Histology of the female reproductive tract, specifically the location of Peg cells as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Damage to the fallopian tube epithelium, including both ciliated and Peg cells, from infections like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or from smoking, can severely impair tubal function.
This impairment is a major cause of female infertility, as the egg may not be transported correctly, and the environment may not support fertilization.
It also significantly increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus, which is a life-threatening emergency.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the location of a specific cell type: 'Peg Cells'.
This is a factual recall question related to the histology of the female reproductive system.
Access your knowledge about the cellular composition of different parts of the female reproductive tract.
Evaluate each option: Vagina (stratified squamous), Vulva (keratinized skin), Ovary (cuboidal epithelium, follicles), and Fallopian tubes (ciliated and secretory columnar cells).
Recall or deduce that 'Peg cells' are the secretory cells found alongside ciliated cells in the fallopian tubes.
Confirm the selection by eliminating the other options based on their known, different histological structures.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Histology of the female reproductive tract, specifically the location of Peg cells.
Stem keywords: Peg Cells, found
Lead-in keywords: Where

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E6 Histology Inderbir 11e p. 121-123

E6 Gynecology Williams p. 390-397

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 390-392

Practise the full Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.