General
information
In the last few days of the secratory phase of the menstral cycle
(the formation of the inert corpus albicans and the dissolution
of the endometrium) the intermediate squamous cells disintegrate
and the smear is covered with fragments of stripped nuclei. Slender
bacilli, present throughout the cycle, become more conspicuous amongst
the cell debris. These bacilli form lactic acid by anaerobic metabolism
of the epithelial glycogen and produce and maintain the acid pH
of a healthy vagina.
Lactobacillus
Cytology
Very small cellular rods
Special
note
Common in diabetes and pregnancy
Due to presence of glycogen
