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Questions and Answers
What is responsible for the pigmentation of the areolas in females?
What is responsible for the pigmentation of the areolas in females?
What is the result of meiotic division in males?
What is the result of meiotic division in males?
What is the characteristic pattern of pubic hair in females?
What is the characteristic pattern of pubic hair in females?
What is the reason for the female distribution of fat in the breasts and buttocks?
What is the reason for the female distribution of fat in the breasts and buttocks?
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What is the outcome of fertilization in a female zygote?
What is the outcome of fertilization in a female zygote?
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What is the function of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the body?
What is the function of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the body?
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What develops from the medulla in genetic males?
What develops from the medulla in genetic males?
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What is the primary hormone responsible for the growth of pubic and axillary hair in both sexes?
What is the primary hormone responsible for the growth of pubic and axillary hair in both sexes?
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What is the function of MIS in genetic males?
What is the function of MIS in genetic males?
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What is the characteristic of the female larynx?
What is the characteristic of the female larynx?
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What occurs in male fetuses before birth?
What occurs in male fetuses before birth?
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What triggers the final maturation of the reproductive system?
What triggers the final maturation of the reproductive system?
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What is the primary function of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) during pregnancy?
What is the primary function of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) during pregnancy?
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How soon can Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) be detected in the blood after conception?
How soon can Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) be detected in the blood after conception?
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What is the similarity between Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) and human growth hormone?
What is the similarity between Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) and human growth hormone?
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Why is low Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) levels a concern during pregnancy?
Why is low Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) levels a concern during pregnancy?
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What happens to the maternal pituitary growth hormone secretion during pregnancy?
What happens to the maternal pituitary growth hormone secretion during pregnancy?
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What is the average duration of pregnancy in humans?
What is the average duration of pregnancy in humans?
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What is the primary function of the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle?
What is the primary function of the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle?
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What proportion of menstrual blood is of venous origin?
What proportion of menstrual blood is of venous origin?
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What is the average amount of blood lost during menstruation?
What is the average amount of blood lost during menstruation?
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What is the length of the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle?
What is the length of the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle?
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What is the purpose of fibrinolysin in menstrual blood?
What is the purpose of fibrinolysin in menstrual blood?
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What is an abnormal amount of blood lost during menstruation?
What is an abnormal amount of blood lost during menstruation?
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What is the primary function of oxytocin during labor?
What is the primary function of oxytocin during labor?
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What is the role of prostaglandins in labor?
What is the role of prostaglandins in labor?
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What is the primary role of prolactin in lactation?
What is the primary role of prolactin in lactation?
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What is the role of human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS) in lactation?
What is the role of human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS) in lactation?
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What is the primary hormone responsible for the development of the mammary ducts?
What is the primary hormone responsible for the development of the mammary ducts?
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What is the role of spinal reflexes and voluntary contractions of the abdominal muscles during labor?
What is the role of spinal reflexes and voluntary contractions of the abdominal muscles during labor?
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What is the first event in girls during adolescence?
What is the first event in girls during adolescence?
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What is the period when the endocrine and gametogenic functions of the gonads have first developed to the point where reproduction is possible?
What is the period when the endocrine and gametogenic functions of the gonads have first developed to the point where reproduction is possible?
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What is the term for the increase in the secretion of adrenal androgens during adolescence?
What is the term for the increase in the secretion of adrenal androgens during adolescence?
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What is the approximate age range for the peak of DHEA values in women?
What is the approximate age range for the peak of DHEA values in women?
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What is the approximate age range for puberty in boys?
What is the approximate age range for puberty in boys?
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What is the characteristic of initial menstrual periods in girls?
What is the characteristic of initial menstrual periods in girls?
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What determines the differentiation of primitive gonads into testes or ovaries in humans?
What determines the differentiation of primitive gonads into testes or ovaries in humans?
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What is the primary function of gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary during adolescence?
What is the primary function of gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary during adolescence?
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What is the outcome of ovarian function regression in human females?
What is the outcome of ovarian function regression in human females?
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What is the dual function of the gonads in both sexes?
What is the dual function of the gonads in both sexes?
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What is the outcome of the absence of testicular tissue in human development?
What is the outcome of the absence of testicular tissue in human development?
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What is the primary difference between male and female reproductive systems in most mammals?
What is the primary difference between male and female reproductive systems in most mammals?
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What is the primary location where the enzyme aromatase (CYP19) is active?
What is the primary location where the enzyme aromatase (CYP19) is active?
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What percentage of circulating estradiol is free?
What percentage of circulating estradiol is free?
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What is the fate of estradiol, estrone, and estriol in the liver?
What is the fate of estradiol, estrone, and estriol in the liver?
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What stimulates estradiol production in granulosa cells?
What stimulates estradiol production in granulosa cells?
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What is the proportion of estradiol bound to albumin?
What is the proportion of estradiol bound to albumin?
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What is the result of enterohepatic circulation of estrogen metabolites?
What is the result of enterohepatic circulation of estrogen metabolites?
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What is the primary function of progesterone in maintaining pregnancy?
What is the primary function of progesterone in maintaining pregnancy?
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What is the composition of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?
What is the composition of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?
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What is the function of the corpus luteum during pregnancy?
What is the function of the corpus luteum during pregnancy?
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What is the significant decrease in hCG secretion after?
What is the significant decrease in hCG secretion after?
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What is the function of relaxin during pregnancy?
What is the function of relaxin during pregnancy?
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What is the molecular weight of hCG-β?
What is the molecular weight of hCG-β?
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What is the primary reason for the delay in milk secretion in women compared to most animals?
What is the primary reason for the delay in milk secretion in women compared to most animals?
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What is the effect of breastfeeding on menstrual cycles in women?
What is the effect of breastfeeding on menstrual cycles in women?
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What is the role of estrogen in lactation?
What is the role of estrogen in lactation?
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What is the first fluid secreted by the breasts after childbirth?
What is the first fluid secreted by the breasts after childbirth?
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What is the effect of prolactin on menstrual cycles?
What is the effect of prolactin on menstrual cycles?
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What is the primary function of prolactin in lactation?
What is the primary function of prolactin in lactation?
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Which enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of estrogens?
Which enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of estrogens?
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Where is estradiol primarily secreted into?
Where is estradiol primarily secreted into?
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What percentage of circulating estradiol is free?
What percentage of circulating estradiol is free?
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What stimulates estradiol production in granulosa cells?
What stimulates estradiol production in granulosa cells?
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What happens to estradiol, estrone, and estriol in the liver?
What happens to estradiol, estrone, and estriol in the liver?
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What is the result of enterohepatic circulation of estrogen metabolites?
What is the result of enterohepatic circulation of estrogen metabolites?
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What is responsible for breast enlargement at puberty in girls?
What is responsible for breast enlargement at puberty in girls?
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What is the result of fertilization in a male zygote?
What is the result of fertilization in a male zygote?
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What is characteristic of the female body shape?
What is characteristic of the female body shape?
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What is the primary function of estrogen receptor α (ERα)?
What is the primary function of estrogen receptor α (ERα)?
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What develops from the cortex in genetic females?
What develops from the cortex in genetic females?
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What is the function of testosterone in male fetuses?
What is the function of testosterone in male fetuses?
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What is the characteristic of pubic hair growth in both sexes?
What is the characteristic of pubic hair growth in both sexes?
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What is the period of quiescence in both sexes?
What is the period of quiescence in both sexes?
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What is the characteristic of the female larynx?
What is the characteristic of the female larynx?
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What is the role of gonadotropins in both sexes?
What is the role of gonadotropins in both sexes?
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What is the primary characteristic of female fat distribution?
What is the primary characteristic of female fat distribution?
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What is the outcome of the development of the medulla in genetic males?
What is the outcome of the development of the medulla in genetic males?
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What is the primary function of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) in pregnancy?
What is the primary function of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) in pregnancy?
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How soon can Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) be detected in the blood?
How soon can Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) be detected in the blood?
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What is the average duration of pregnancy in humans?
What is the average duration of pregnancy in humans?
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What is the result of low levels of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) during pregnancy?
What is the result of low levels of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) during pregnancy?
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What is the effect of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) on maternal pituitary growth hormone secretion?
What is the effect of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) on maternal pituitary growth hormone secretion?
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What is the structural similarity between Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) and another hormone?
What is the structural similarity between Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) and another hormone?
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What triggers lactation in women?
What triggers lactation in women?
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What is the primary effect of prolactin on lactation?
What is the primary effect of prolactin on lactation?
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What is the primary function of oxytocin in lactation?
What is the primary function of oxytocin in lactation?
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Why do breastfeeding women typically not menstruate for several weeks?
Why do breastfeeding women typically not menstruate for several weeks?
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What is the composition of the first fluid secreted during lactation?
What is the composition of the first fluid secreted during lactation?
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What is the effect of estrogen on lactation?
What is the effect of estrogen on lactation?
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Study Notes
Breast Development and Estrogens
- Estrogens produce duct growth in the breasts and are responsible for breast enlargement at puberty in girls
- Estrogens are responsible for the pigmentation of the areolas, which becomes more intense during the first pregnancy than at puberty
- Breast enlargement at puberty is due to estrogens, known as the growth hormones of the breast
Female Secondary Sex Characteristics
- Body changes that develop in girls at puberty are due to estrogens and the absence of testicular androgens
- Women have narrow shoulders and broad hips, thighs that converge, and arms that diverge (wide carrying angle)
- This body configuration is also seen in castrate males
- Women retain their prepubertal larynx proportions and high-pitched voice
- They have less body hair and more scalp hair, with a characteristic flat-topped pattern (female escutcheon) of pubic hair
- Growth of pubic and axillary hair in both sexes is primarily due to androgens, not estrogens
Mechanism of Estrogen Action
- Estrogen binds to estrogen receptor α (ERα) to form homodimers, which bind to DNA, altering transcription
- Some tissues contain ERα, while others contain both ERα and ERβ
Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS)
- hCS is a protein hormone secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast, with lactogenic and growth-stimulating activity
- hCS structure is similar to human growth hormone, and evolved from a common progenitor hormone
- hCS is found in high quantities in maternal blood, but little reaches the fetus
- hCS functions as a "maternal growth hormone of pregnancy" to retain nitrogen, potassium, and calcium, and promote lipolysis and decreased glucose utilization
- Low hCS levels indicate placental insufficiency
Parturition and Pregnancy
- The duration of pregnancy in humans averages 270 days from fertilization (284 days from the first day of the menstrual period preceding conception)
- Irregular uterine contractions increase in frequency in the last month of pregnancy
- The difference between the body of the uterus and the cervix becomes evident at the time of delivery
Ovarian Hormones: Estrogens
- Estrogens are steroids secreted by granulosa cells of ovarian follicles, the corpus luteum, and the placenta
- Biosynthesis depends on aromatase (CYP19), which converts testosterone to estradiol and androstenedione to estrone
- Theca interna cells supply androstenedione to granulosa cells, which make estradiol when provided with androgens
- Granulosa cells have FSH receptors, and FSH facilitates estradiol secretion by increasing aromatase activity
- Mature granulosa cells also acquire LH receptors, and LH stimulates estradiol production
- 2% of circulating estradiol is free, with the remainder bound to protein (60% to albumin, 38% to gonadal steroid-binding globulin)
- Estradiol is converted to glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in the liver, excreted in the urine, and secreted in bile with reabsorption into the bloodstream (enterohepatic circulation)### Meiosis and Fertilization
- In males, meiotic division results in the formation of four sperms, two containing the X chromosome and two containing the Y chromosome.
- Fertilization produces a male zygote with 22 pairs of autosomes plus an X and a Y chromosome or a female zygote with 22 pairs of autosomes and two X chromosomes.
Development of Gonads
- A condensation of tissue near the adrenal gland on each side of the embryo develops into a gonad, which has a cortex and a medulla.
- Until the sixth week of development, the gonads are identical in both sexes.
- In genetic males, the medulla develops into a testis, and the cortex regresses, with the appearance of Leydig and Sertoli cells, and the secretion of testosterone and Müllerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS).
- MIS causes regression of the Müllerian duct.
- In genetic females, the cortex develops into an ovary, and the medulla regresses, with the Müllerian duct system developing into uterine tubes and a uterus.
Hormonal Regulation
- Hormonal treatment of the mother has no effect on gonadal differentiation in humans.
- A burst of testosterone secretion occurs in male fetuses before birth, and again in the neonatal period, but the Leydig cells become quiescent thereafter.
- In both sexes, the gonads are quiescent until activated by gonadotropins from the pituitary to bring about the final maturation of the reproductive system.
Lactation
- Milk is secreted into the ducts as early as the 5th month, but the amount is small compared to the surge of milk secretion that follows delivery.
- In women, it takes 1-3 days for the milk to "come in" after delivery.
- The drop in circulating estrogen after expulsion of the placenta initiates lactation.
- Prolactin and estrogen synergize in producing breast growth, but estrogen antagonizes the milk-producing effect of prolactin on the breast.
- Suckling stimulates prolactin secretion, which maintains and augments milk secretion.
Colostrum
- The first fluid secreted is the colostrum, which contains the same concentration of protein and lactose as milk but no fat.
Effect of Lactation on Menstrual Cycles
- Women who do not breastfeed their infants usually have their first menstrual period 6 weeks after delivery.
- Women who breastfeed regularly have amenorrhea for 25-30 weeks.
- Breastfeeding stimulates prolactin secretion, which inhibits GnRH secretion, inhibits the action of GnRH on the pituitary, and antagonizes the action of gonadotropins on the ovaries.
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Test your knowledge on the development of gonads and formation of zygotes from meiotic division in males. Learn about the differences in development between males and females. Understand the formation of autosomes and sex chromosomes.