Hydrosalpinx simplex as seen by the scanning electron microscope.
Five cases of hydrosalpinx simplex were studied by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparison was made with normal fallopian tube epithelia. By light microscopy numerous ciliated cells as well as nonciliated cells were found in both hydrosalpinx and normal tubal material. In hydrosalpinx material the epithelium was found to be compressed to one-sixth its usual height. The SEM survey of large areas of hydrosalpinx did not reveal any deciliation. In fact, the mucosa of the hydrosalpinx did not differ conspiciously from that of a healthy fallopian tube. However, some nonciliated cells with collapsed areas were revealed by SEM. The significance of the compressed areas is unknown.
D000291:Adnexal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning