Questions and Answers
What is the primary hormone involved in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics?
Ovulation occurs on day 14 of the menstrual cycle.
True
What is the term for the first period that marks the beginning of a woman's reproductive life?
Menarche
The _____ produces oestrogen during the menstrual cycle.
Signup and view all the answers
Which phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the transformation of the empty follicle into the corpus luteum?
Signup and view all the answers
Progesterone is responsible for maintaining the endometrium during the luteal phase.
Signup and view all the answers
During which days of the menstrual cycle is fertilization most likely to occur?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the hormone with its function.
Signup and view all the answers
What hormone is produced by the placenta that maintains the endometrium during pregnancy?
Signup and view all the answers
Oestrogen causes the anterior pituitary gland to increase the production of FSH.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the corpus luteum?
Signup and view all the answers
The surge in ______ stimulates ovulation.
Signup and view all the answers
Which hormone is responsible for repairing and thickening the endometrium during the menstrual cycle?
Signup and view all the answers
The endometrium degrades and prepares to be shed during days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the hormone with its primary action:
Signup and view all the answers
The negative feedback mechanism involving oestrogen stops the production of ______.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of monitoring developing follicles by ultrasound scanning?
Signup and view all the answers
Low testosterone levels in males cannot be treated with hormone replacement therapy.
Signup and view all the answers
What is formed after the fertilization of an egg?
Signup and view all the answers
The process in which cells begin to change in structure and function is called __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the term with its correct definition:
Signup and view all the answers
Which factor can lead to low sperm mobility in males?
Signup and view all the answers
A woman’s menstrual cycle regulates the production of eggs at any stage.
Signup and view all the answers
What connects the blastocyst to the uterus during implantation?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Endometrium and Pregnancy
- The endometrium degenerates and prepares for shedding if fertilization does not occur by day 28 of the menstrual cycle.
- Human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone (hCG) produced by the placenta maintains the endometrium during pregnancy.
- hCG detection is the basis for standard pregnancy tests.
Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates primary oocyte development into an ovum within the Graafian follicle.
- The developing Graafian follicle secretes oestrogen, which:
- Repairs and thickens the endometrium.
- Signals the anterior pituitary to decrease FSH production (negative feedback).
- Stimulates the anterior pituitary to increase luteinising hormone (LH) production (positive feedback).
- A surge in LH triggers the final maturation of the Graafian follicle and ovulation, enhancing female receptivity to mating.
- LH inhibits FSH production and promotes the transformation of the ruptured follicle into the corpus luteum.
- The corpus luteum produces progesterone, contributing to secondary sexual characteristics and maintaining endometrial structure.
Menstrual Cycle Phases
- The menstrual cycle begins at menarche during puberty, occurring between ages 9 to 15, and continues until menopause in late forties to early fifties.
- Day one marks the onset of menstruation lasting four to five days.
- Day five initiates endometrial buildup in anticipation of fertilization, influenced by oestrogen from the Graafian follicle.
- Days 9 to 15 constitute the fertile window, with day 14 being ovulation when the egg is released from the Graafian follicle.
- Post-ovulation, days 15 to 21 see the formation of the corpus luteum which secretes progesterone to maintain a suitable endometrial environment.
- If fertilization does not occur by day 28, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a decrease in progesterone and the eventual breakdown of the endometrium.
Infertility Causes
- Male infertility can stem from:
- Low sperm count linked to smoking or excessive alcohol use.
- Low sperm mobility from malformation.
- Low testosterone levels from endocrine issues, treatable via hormone replacement therapy.
- High temperatures affecting sperm viability, often due to tight underwear.
- Female infertility may arise from:
- Blockages in the fallopian tubes, frequently due to infections like chlamydia.
- Endocrine gland failures, which can also be addressed by hormone replacement therapy.
Stages of Development
- Fertilization initiates the zygote's division through mitosis, forming a morula by day three, consisting of 16 cells.
- Further division leads to a blastocyst, a hollow ball of cells.
- Differentiation occurs as cells alter in structure and function as they develop distinct layers known as germ layers.
- Around day seven, the blastocyst reaches the uterus and begins implantation by forming connections that will eventually give rise to the placenta.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the intricate relationship between hormones and the menstrual cycle in this quiz. Learn about the roles of hCG, FSH, and the changes in the endometrium throughout the cycle. This quiz will enhance your understanding of reproductive biology and hormones.
