38 Questions
What is the percentage of follicles that are in the resting phase?
90%
What is the function of the medulla in the ovary?
It contains vessels and supporting structures
What is the characteristic of early stages of follicle growth?
It is FSH-independent and continuous
What is the term for the multicompartmental structure that contains the oocyte?
Follicle
At what stage of gestation does dominant follicle selection occur?
36 weeks
What is the outermost layer of the ovary that harbors eggs?
Cortex
What is the role of the gene Stra8 in the process of oogenesis?
It promotes the transition from mitosis to meiosis
What is the approximate size of an oogonium at the 19th week of gestation?
100 microns
How many oocytes are present at birth, and what is the approximate number that will ovulate?
One million oocytes, 300-400 will ovulate
What is the term for the process of oocyte formation?
Oogenesis
During which stage of oogenesis do oocytes acquire meiotic competence?
Primary oocyte formation
What is the name of the cells that surround the oocyte in a follicle?
Granulosa cells
At what week of gestation does meiosis begin in the oocyte?
8-13 weeks
What is the term for the process of primordial germ cell migration to the gonad?
Colonization
What is the role of the hypothalamus in female reproductive physiology?
To regulate the secretion of FSH and LH hormones
What is the function of the ovary in female reproductive physiology?
To respond to FSH and LH to produce follicular growth, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation
What is the role of the pituitary gland in female reproductive physiology?
To secrete FSH and LH hormones
What is the function of the uterus in female reproductive physiology?
To prepare an optimal environment for pregnancy
What is the term for the multicompartmental structure that contains the oocyte?
Follicle
When are germ cells produced in an organism?
Intrauterine life
What is the term for the primordial cells that will eventually give rise to gametes?
Primordial germ cells (PGCs)
What is the term for the process by which a sperm and an oocyte combine to form a zygote?
Fertilization
What is the stage at which FSH becomes a critical determinant of further follicle growth and survival?
Antral stage
What is the primary function of theca cells in the ovary?
To provide steroidogenic precursors for estrogen synthesis
What is the process by which granulosa cells convert androgens into estrogens?
Aromatase reaction
What is the characteristic feature of the antral stage of follicle growth?
Cyclic recruitment of a cohort of antral follicles for further growth
What is the duration of follicle growth up to the antral stage in humans?
Months
What is the term for the multicompartmental structure that contains the oocyte?
Follicle
What is the term for the cells that become metabolically inactive after flattening?
Flattened pre-granulosa cells
What is the sequence of follicle development?
PGC-Oogonia-Oocyte-Primordial-Primary-Preantral-Antral-Ovulatory Follicle
What is the fate of the remaining follicle after ovulation?
It is converted into corpus luteum to produce progesterone
What is the primary function of estrogen and progesterone in the endometrial cycle?
To prepare the endometrium for implantation
What is the first stage of the endometrial cycle?
Proliferation of the uterine endometrium
What is the primary source of estrogen during the proliferative phase?
The ovary
What is the result of estrogen's influence on the endometrium during the proliferative phase?
The endometrium increases in thickness
What is the characteristic of the endometrial glands, especially those of the cervical region, just before ovulation?
They secrete thin, stringy mucus
What is the thickness of the endometrium at the time of ovulation?
3-5 millimeters
What happens to the endometrium immediately after menstruation?
Most of it is desquamated
Study Notes
Female Reproductive Physiology
- Normal reproductive function involves the central nervous system, including the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, as well as the ovary and uterus.
- Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland.
- The ovary responds to FSH and LH to produce follicular growth, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, and to produce estrogen and progesterone hormones.
Germ Cells
- Every organism has to produce its own germ cells, which are the precursors to oocytes and sperm.
- Germ cells are produced during intrauterine life and are specified at 3 weeks of gestation.
- Primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate to the gonad, where they differentiate into oogonia and eventually oocytes.
Ovarian Life Cycle
- The ovarian life cycle involves the formation of primordial follicles, which then grow and develop into primary, pre-antral, antral, and ovulatory follicles.
- Follicle growth up to the antral stage is FSH-independent and takes months in humans.
- After ovulation, the remaining follicle will be converted into the corpus luteum to produce progesterone hormone.
Oocyte Development
- Oogonia undergo mitotic divisions to form primary oocytes, which then undergo meiosis to form mature oocytes.
- The gene Stra8 is crucial for the transition from oogonia to oocytes.
- Oocytes are surrounded by a single layer of granulosa cells, which provide nutrients and support for the oocyte.
Follicle Development
- Follicles are the multicompartmental structures that contain the oocyte.
- Follicle growth is FSH-independent up to the antral stage and then becomes FSH-dependent.
- Granulosa cells convert androgens from theca cells into estrogens via the aromatase enzyme.
Endometrial Cycle and Menstruation
- The endometrial cycle is associated with the monthly cyclical production of estrogens and progesterone by the ovaries.
- The cycle consists of three stages: proliferation, secretion, and desquamation.
- During the proliferative phase, the endometrium increases in thickness, and the glands and blood vessels grow.
Hormonal Regulation
- Estrogens and progesterone hormones are produced by the ovaries and regulate the endometrial cycle.
- Estrogens stimulate the proliferation of the endometrium, while progesterone prepares the endometrium for implantation.
This quiz covers the physiology of female reproductive processes, including the roles of the central nervous system, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovary, and uterus in normal reproductive function.
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