30 Questions
What hormone is responsible for rescuing the corpus luteum to maintain pregnancy?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
What hormone stimulates follicles to grow and produce 17-β estradiol during the follicular phase?
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
What hormone is responsible for differentiating the endometrium into a secretory structure during the luteal phase?
Progesterone
What event triggers ovulation mid-cycle?
LH surge
Which hormone prevents the breakdown of the corpus luteum to maintain high progesterone levels required for pregnancy?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
What leads to the end of fertility and low estrogen levels in menopause?
Loss of oocytes
What is the unique event of the menstrual cycle that results in the LH surge triggering ovulation?
Switch to positive feedback of the HPO axis
What hormone is responsible for proliferating the endometrium during the follicular phase?
Estrogen
What hormone is delivered to the corpus luteum in the bloodstream to keep it alive during pregnancy?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
What is the smallest functional unit of the ovary?
Follicle
Where are follicles located in the ovary?
Outer layer (cortex)
What are the hormones involved in ovarian sex steroid biosynthesis?
Estradiol and progesterone
What is the aim of the menstrual cycle?
To develop the inner lining of the uterus for implantation
What is the main event of the follicular phase in the menstrual cycle?
Maturation and ovulation of a dominant follicle
What is the main event of the luteal phase in the menstrual cycle?
Presence of corpus luteum and hormonal changes
What are the main hormones involved in follicular development and ovulation?
FSH, LH, estradiol, and inhibin
What is the site of fertilization and transport of the embryo to the uterine cavity?
Oviducts
Which organ is described as a fibromuscular organ lined by epithelium and serves as a passageway for the baby?
Vagina
What are the two major functions of the female gonad (ovary)?
Hormone production and gametogenesis
Which part of the uterus is described as the inner layer that nourishes the embryo and is shed during the menstrual cycle when no embryo is present?
Endometrium
What is the function of the fimbriae in the female reproductive system?
Picks up ovulated oocyte
Which part of the female genitalia is described as the entrance to the uterine cavity from the vagina, lined by glands?
Cervix of uterus
What is the main function of the vulva in the female reproductive system?
External genitalia
What marks the end of the luteal phase in the menstrual cycle?
Decrease in progesterone and estradiol
When does ovulation typically occur after the LH surge?
24-36 hours
What is the role of hormonal oral contraceptives?
Preventing ovulation and fertilization through various mechanisms
What characterizes the fertile window?
Approximately 5 days prior to ovulation and one day following ovulation
What hormone is produced by the trophoblast to confirm pregnancy?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Where does fertilization typically occur?
Oviducts
What happens if the ovulated oocyte has not been fertilized?
The corpus luteum degenerates within about 14 days
Study Notes
Menstrual Cycle and Fertility
- Ovulation occurs approximately 24-36 hours after the LH surge, leading to the release of the oocyte from the follicle.
- After ovulation, the emptied follicle is converted into a corpus luteum, which secretes high amounts of progesterone and some estrogen.
- The corpus luteum degenerates within about 14 days if the ovulated oocyte has not been fertilized.
- The HPO axis during the luteal phase involves negative feedback of progesterone and estradiol on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.
- The menstrual cycle involves shifts in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (H-P-O) axis, with changes in FSH/LH levels and plasma estrogen levels.
- Uterine changes occur across the menstrual cycle, with the uterus in the menstrual phase during the first ~5 days of the follicular phase of the ovary, followed by the proliferative and secretory phases.
- The end of the luteal phase is marked by a decrease in progesterone and estradiol, leading to the breakdown of the endometrial layer and the onset of menstruation.
- The fertile window includes the period approximately 5 days prior to ovulation and one day following ovulation, with spermatozoa able to live within the female reproductive tract for around 5 days and the oocyte for 12-24 hours.
- Hormonal oral contraceptives work by maintaining continuous low levels of ovarian hormones to keep the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in negative feedback mode, preventing ovulation and fertilization through various mechanisms.
- Fertilization typically occurs in the oviducts, with the union of the ovum and spermatozoa forming a zygote that undergoes mitotic divisions and travels down the oviduct before reaching the uterine cavity in the blastocyst stage.
- Pregnancy is established through the implantation of the blastocyst in the uterine wall, with the trophoblast producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that can be detected in maternal circulation and urine to confirm pregnancy.
- The production of hCG indicates that the embryo is in the uterus, and it plays a role in maintaining pregnancy.
Test your knowledge of the menstrual cycle and fertility with this quiz. Explore topics like ovulation, hormonal changes, uterine phases, fertile window, fertilization, and pregnancy establishment. Brush up on the HPO axis, contraceptive mechanisms, and hCG production.
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