Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the proestrus phase?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the proestrus phase?
What is the primary ovarian hormone produced during proestrus and estrous?
What is the primary ovarian hormone produced during proestrus and estrous?
Which species undergo induced ovulation?
Which species undergo induced ovulation?
Which of the following is TRUE about the estrous cycle?
Which of the following is TRUE about the estrous cycle?
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Which phase of the estrous cycle is characterized by the female animal's receptivity to mating?
Which phase of the estrous cycle is characterized by the female animal's receptivity to mating?
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What is the purpose of the neonatal period coinciding with a period of increasing light and warmth?
What is the purpose of the neonatal period coinciding with a period of increasing light and warmth?
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Which of the following accurately describes ovulation?
Which of the following accurately describes ovulation?
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Which cells are responsible for the formation of the corpus luteum during the metestrus phase?
Which cells are responsible for the formation of the corpus luteum during the metestrus phase?
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Which of the following statements is true during the diestrus phase?
Which of the following statements is true during the diestrus phase?
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What characterizes the anestrus period in the reproductive cycle?
What characterizes the anestrus period in the reproductive cycle?
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How does the pineal gland influence reproductive activity in seasonal breeders?
How does the pineal gland influence reproductive activity in seasonal breeders?
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What role does kisspeptin play in the regulation of reproductive hormones?
What role does kisspeptin play in the regulation of reproductive hormones?
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Which hormone's secretion increases in response to melatonin in short day breeders?
Which hormone's secretion increases in response to melatonin in short day breeders?
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What physiological change occurs in the cervix during diestrus?
What physiological change occurs in the cervix during diestrus?
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During which phase of the estrous cycle does the corpus luteum start to regresses?
During which phase of the estrous cycle does the corpus luteum start to regresses?
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Flashcards
Metestrus
Metestrus
Phase succeeding estrous where luteal cells form corpus luteum (CL).
Diestrus
Diestrus
Period of the corpus luteum where thick secretions occur and uterine glands grow.
Anestrus
Anestrus
Prolonged period of sexual rest with minimal follicular development.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis
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Melatonin's Role in Reproduction
Melatonin's Role in Reproduction
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Kisspeptin
Kisspeptin
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Corpus Luteum (CL)
Corpus Luteum (CL)
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Folliculogenesis
Folliculogenesis
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Reproductive Physiology of the Female
Reproductive Physiology of the Female
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Estrous Cycle
Estrous Cycle
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Proestrus Phase
Proestrus Phase
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Estrus Phase
Estrus Phase
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Ovulation
Ovulation
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Follicular Phase
Follicular Phase
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Induced Ovulation
Induced Ovulation
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Graafian Follicles
Graafian Follicles
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive Physiology
- Animals typically breed annually, with parturition timed for optimal conditions (favorable light, warmth, and abundant food).
- Reproduction requires mating, attraction of the male, and sexual receptivity (estrus).
- Domestic animals exhibit recurring estrous cycles, involving follicle maturation and oocyte release. Fertile mating leads to pregnancy.
Estrous Cycle Phases
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Proestrus: The phase before estrus. Increased reproductive activity; follicular growth and regression of previous corpus luteum (in polycyclic species); uterine enlargement, congestion, and increased glandular activity; vaginal mucosa changes (hyperemia, increased cell layers, cornification), and visible vulvar changes (edema, hyperemia, discharge).
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Estrus: The period of sexual receptivity. Clearly identifiable start and end, used to measure cycle length. Animal actively seeks out and accepts mating; increased mucus secretion from uterine, cervical, and vaginal glands; hyperemia and congestion of vaginal and uterine tissues; relaxed cervix. Ovulation happens in almost all domestic species (except cow) around 12 hours after estrus ends.
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Metestrus: Following estrus. Transition from follicle to corpus luteum (CL) formation; granulosa and theca cells differentiate into luteal cells; reduction in mucus secretion.
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Diestrus: The phase of the functional CL. Uterine glands develop (hyperplasia and hypertrophy); cervix constricts; vaginal mucosa is pale; scant and sticky secretions; high progesterone levels from the functional CL.
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Anestrus: A prolonged period of sexual inactivity. Minimal follicular development; nonfunctional CL; scanty, tenacious secretions; contracted cervix, pale vaginal mucosa; system is mostly dormant/quiescent.
Estrous Cycle Regulation
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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis: Central control, influenced by other brain regions (cortex, thalamus, midbrain) responding to light, smell, and touch; and also by the uterus' effects on the ovary.
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Seasonal Regulation: The pineal gland plays a crucial role in seasonal breeders. Melatonin, produced during darkness, regulates FSH, LH, and Prolactin release. Increasing darkness/melatonin stimulation is correlated with breeding in short-day species (goats/sheep). Conversely, increased daylight/diminished melatonin stimulation drives breeding in long-day species (horses).
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Hypothalamic Hormones and Regulation: Kisspeptin stimulates GnRH release, a critical regulator of puberty and gonadotropin secretion. It is important in seasonal breeders.
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Other Factors regulating the cycle include, but are not limited to: folliculogenesis, ovarian steroid hormones, ovulation, corpus luteum formation, luteolysis, leptin, insulin-like growth factors, prolactin and opioid systems. Ovarian reserve and aging also influence cyclical activity.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the female reproductive physiology of animals, focusing on the estrous cycle phases. Learn about the key processes involved in reproduction, including the hormonal changes and physical manifestations during proestrus and estrus phases.
