Female Reproductive System: Follicular Growth and Development

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the primary function of the enzyme aromatase in granulosa cells?

Initiating apoptosis in follicular cells

Converting estrogen to aldosterone

Producing progesterone

Converting aldosterone to estrogen (correct)

What is the fate of the non-dominant follicle during a menstrual cycle?

It becomes a follicular cyst

It undergoes atresia and becomes a polar body (correct)

It is released from the ovary during ovulation

It continues to grow and undergoes meiosis II

What is the characteristic of follicular cysts?

Thin-walled and blood-filled structures

Thick-walled and blood-filled structures

Thin-walled and fluid-filled structures with both granulosa and thecal endocrine cells (correct)

Thick-walled and fluid-filled structures

What happens when cyst formation disrupts blood vessels?

A hemorrhagic cyst is formed Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate fate of most ovarian follicles?

They undergo atresia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary stimulus for ovulation?

Hormonal regulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the oocyte during ovulation?

It is released from the ovary Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the ovary contains loose connective tissue and blood vessels?

Medulla Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the process of follicular growth in puberty?

Release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of oocyte differentiation during follicular growth?

Increase in mitochondrial number and RER extensiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cortical granules in the oocyte?

They contain various proteases that undergo exocytosis during fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of granulosa cells in secondary or antral follicles?

They reorganize themselves around a cavity called antrum Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in pregnancy?

To promote the growth of the corpus luteum and maintain the uterine mucosa Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ciliated cells in the uterine tube epithelium?

To sweep fluid towards the uterus Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of chronic salpingitis in the uterine tube?

Blockage of oocyte or embryo transport to the uterus Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the corpus luteum in the menstrual cycle?

To maintain the uterine mucosa during pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the region of the uterine tube where fertilization normally occurs?

Ampulla Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the secretory peg cells in the uterine tube epithelium?

To secrete glycoproteins of a nutritive mucus film Signup and view all the answers

At what point in the menstrual cycle does the primary oocyte complete the first meiotic division?

Midway through the menstrual cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of inhibin hormone in the female reproductive system?

Sends negative feedback to the hypothalamus to stop releasing GnRH Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the rapid release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH)?

Completion of meiosis I and the release of follicular fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of prostaglandins in the female reproductive system?

Triggering smooth muscle contractions in the theca externa Signup and view all the answers

What is the net result of the activation of plasminogen in the ovarian wall?

Weakening of the collagen in the tunica albuginea Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hyaluronan in the follicular fluid?

Increasing the fluid viscosity and swelling the follicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the exchange between embryonic and maternal blood?

In the lacunae of the decidua basalis Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium covers the cervical region around the external os?

Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cervical mucus during ovulation?

To facilitate the passage of sperm Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cervical glands during pregnancy?

To secrete highly viscous mucus Signup and view all the answers

What is the histological similarity between the labia majora and the scrotum?

They are both homologous and histologically similar Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure homologous to the penis in the female external genitalia?

Clitoris Signup and view all the answers