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Questions and Answers
Which hormone is responsible for the process of luteinization and sustains steroid production during the luteal phase?
Which hormone is responsible for the process of luteinization and sustains steroid production during the luteal phase?
Which of the following structures in the female reproductive system is responsible for the production of estradiol?
Which of the following structures in the female reproductive system is responsible for the production of estradiol?
Which hormone is secreted by the granulosa cells and acts as a negative feedback on FSH secretion?
Which hormone is secreted by the granulosa cells and acts as a negative feedback on FSH secretion?
Which of the following hormones exhibits a positive feedback effect on GnRH secretion, leading to the ovulatory surge of FSH and LH?
Which of the following hormones exhibits a positive feedback effect on GnRH secretion, leading to the ovulatory surge of FSH and LH?
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What is the name of the structure that develops from the ruptured follicle after ovulation?
What is the name of the structure that develops from the ruptured follicle after ovulation?
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Which hormone is predominantly secreted by the ovaries during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
Which hormone is predominantly secreted by the ovaries during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of estrogen and progesterone in the female reproductive system?
Which of the following is NOT a function of estrogen and progesterone in the female reproductive system?
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What is the primary action of estradiol on GnRH secretion during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?
What is the primary action of estradiol on GnRH secretion during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?
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What effect does estrogen have on the endometrial lining during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?
What effect does estrogen have on the endometrial lining during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?
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During which phase of the menstrual cycle is progesterone the dominant hormone?
During which phase of the menstrual cycle is progesterone the dominant hormone?
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Which of the following actions is primarily stimulated by estrogen in the fallopian tubes?
Which of the following actions is primarily stimulated by estrogen in the fallopian tubes?
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How does progesterone affect the responsiveness of certain target tissues to estrogen?
How does progesterone affect the responsiveness of certain target tissues to estrogen?
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What is a primary characteristic of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
What is a primary characteristic of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
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What change occurs to cervical mucus during the follicular phase?
What change occurs to cervical mucus during the follicular phase?
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What is the impact of progesterone on the contractility of the uterus?
What is the impact of progesterone on the contractility of the uterus?
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What role does estrogen play in the differentiation of epithelial cells in the vagina during the menstrual cycle?
What role does estrogen play in the differentiation of epithelial cells in the vagina during the menstrual cycle?
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Which of the following structures is NOT a part of the female reproductive tract?
Which of the following structures is NOT a part of the female reproductive tract?
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What is the primary function of the ovaries?
What is the primary function of the ovaries?
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Which zone of the ovary contains the oocytes?
Which zone of the ovary contains the oocytes?
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What is the role of ovarian follicles in steroid hormone synthesis?
What is the role of ovarian follicles in steroid hormone synthesis?
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What is the name of the inner zone of the ovary where blood vessels and lymphatics pass?
What is the name of the inner zone of the ovary where blood vessels and lymphatics pass?
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What is the functional unit of the ovaries?
What is the functional unit of the ovaries?
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What is the role of the ovarian follicle in preparing the vagina and fallopian tubes for fertilization?
What is the role of the ovarian follicle in preparing the vagina and fallopian tubes for fertilization?
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Which of the following statements about oogenesis is true?
Which of the following statements about oogenesis is true?
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive Physiology
- The female gonads are the ovaries, which, along with the uterus and fallopian tubes, constitute the female reproductive tract.
- Ovaries function in oogenesis and secrete female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen)
- The ovary is comprised of three zones:
- Cortex: outer, largest zone, containing oocytes within follicles, responsible for steroid hormone synthesis.
- Medulla: middle zone, a mix of cell types.
- Hilum: inner zone, where blood vessels and lymphatics pass.
- The single functional unit of the ovaries is the ovarian follicle, which supports the developing oocyte and plays a crucial role in ovulation, fertilization, and pregnancy maintenance.
- Oogenesis:
- Primordial germ cells in the developing ovaries produce oogonia by mitosis until weeks 20-24.
- From weeks 8-9, some oogonia enter meiosis I to form primary oocytes, which remain in prophase I until ovulation.
- At birth, around 2 million oocytes remain; by puberty, only 400,000 are left.
- Follicle Development:
- Occurs in stages (illustrated in Figure 10.7 and 82-3):
- Primordial follicle to primary follicle lasting years (13-50 years).
- Primary follicle to secondary follicle (70-85 days).
- Secondary follicle to Graafian follicle (48 hours).
- Graafian follicle undergoes ovulation, releasing the secondary oocyte.
- The corpus luteum forms from the residual follicle if fertilization does not occur, degenerating into the corpus albicans.
- Ovarian Follicle Development Stages:
- First stage is similar to the oocyte’s prophase I stage.
- Second stage lasts 70-85 days, where fluid containing steroid hormones, mucopolysaccharides, proteins, and FSH builds up in a central area called the antrum.
- Follicle transforms into a graafian follicle, of 2-5mm average diameter.
- Ovarian Steroid Hormone Synthesis and Secretion:
- Ovaries synthesize progesterone and estradiol.
- Theca cells synthesize progesterone.
- Theca cells generate androstenedione, converted to testosterone, then estradiol in the granulosa cells via aromatase enzyme, utilizing LH and FSH.
- Regulation of Ovaries:
- Highly controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
- GnRH from hypothalamus stimulates FSH & LH release.
- FSH & LH target the ovaries to stimulate follicular development, ovulation and sex hormone synthesis.
- Negative feedback mechanisms involve estradiol and progesterone, with varying effects across different phases of the cycle.
- Phases of the Menstrual Cycle:
- Follicular (proliferative):
- 14 days prior to ovulation
- Dominated by estrogen
- Prepares the endometrium for potential implantation.
- Ovulation:
- Day 14 of a typical 28 day cycle
- Triggered by an LH surge, causing the dominant follicle to rupture and release the secondary oocyte.
- Luteal (secretory):
- 14 days after ovulation.
- Dominated by progesterone.
- Prepares the endometrium for pregnancy.
- If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates.
- Menses:
- End of cycle.
- Sloughing of the endometrial lining if no pregnancy occurs.
- Prepares the uterine lining for a new cycle.
- Follicular (proliferative):
- Actions of Estrogen and Progesterone:
- Affect various target tissues, including the breasts, uterus and fallopian tubes.
- Usually work in a complementary fashion to support reproductive processes.
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Description
Explore the complexities of female reproductive physiology, including the structure and function of the ovaries, oogenesis, and the ovarian follicle's role in fertility. Understand the hormonal secretions and the importance of each ovarian zone in reproductive health.
