L11. Physiology - Female Reproductive System
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Questions and Answers

What causes the stratum functionalis layer to slough off during menstruation?

  • Increase in progesterone levels
  • Constricting spiral arteries (correct)
  • Secretion of estrogen from follicles
  • Rise in luteinizing hormone

During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the endometrium thicken due to increased estrogen levels?

  • Follicular phase
  • Secretory phase
  • Proliferative phase (correct)
  • Ovulatory phase

What is a potential cause of secondary amenorrhea?

  • Never having menstrual periods
  • Thyroid malfunction (correct)
  • Stress management
  • Excessive exercise (correct)

Which hormone's rising levels trigger the secretion of LH during the follicular phase?

<p>Estrogen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is dysmenorrhea primarily characterized by?

<p>Pain associated with menstruation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the ovarian cycle is characterized by the maturation of oocytes and typically occurs before ovulation?

<p>Follicular phase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What signals the start of menstruation in the menstrual cycle?

<p>Shed of the stratum functionalis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are responsible for regulating cervical and uterine function in females?

<p>Estrogens and progestins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the endometrial cycle is the uterus prepared to receive a fertilized ovum?

<p>Secretory phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of estrogens in the female reproductive system?

<p>Controlling fat distribution and breast development (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a woman is transitioning to menopause?

<p>Irregular menstruation and decrease in reproductive capability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the fertilized ovum does not implant in the endometrium?

<p>Menstruation occurs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone primarily rises during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?

<p>Estradiol (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does rising levels of estradiol have on the anterior pituitary gonadotrophs?

<p>Increases their sensitivity to GnRH (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is responsible for the negative feedback repression of FSH?

<p>Inhibin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do activins have on FSH release?

<p>They promote FSH release GnRH independent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the menstrual cycle is positive feedback mainly observed?

<p>Late follicular phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone's release is greatly affected by the feedback mechanisms controlled by ovarian steroids?

<p>Gonadotropin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the frequency of GnRH pulsatile release change during the follicular phase?

<p>It increases gradually (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of estradiol in the late follicular phase regarding LH pulses?

<p>It increases both frequency and amplitude of LH pulses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mechanisms are evident throughout most of the menstrual cycle?

<p>Bidirectional negative feedback (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does inhibin have on androgen production?

<p>Decreases androgen production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is responsible for initiating the growth of follicles in the ovarian cycle?

<p>FSH (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is primarily responsible for stimulating ovulation?

<p>LH (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the ovarian cycle does the corpus luteum form?

<p>Luteal phase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone primarily prepares the uterus for implantation?

<p>Progestins (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are primarily secreted by the corpus luteum?

<p>Estrogen and Progesterone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Inhibin play in the reproductive cycle?

<p>Inhibits the secretion of FSH (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant sex steroid produced by the ovaries?

<p>Estradiol (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the menstrual cycle corresponds with the shedding of the endometrial lining?

<p>Menstrual phase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gland secretes small amounts of sex steroids in both sexes?

<p>Adrenal gland (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily triggers the surge of gonadotropins during the follicular phase?

<p>A rise in estradiol to very high threshold levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the mid-cycle surge of LH?

<p>Estradiol (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs in granulosa cells during luteinization?

<p>They begin secreting progesterone instead of estradiol (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase do circulating levels of LH and FSH rapidly decrease due to negative feedback?

<p>Early luteal phase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do increasing levels of progesterone have on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?

<p>They enhance the effects of estradiol (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs approximately 48 hours before the onset of menses?

<p>A decrease in pulsatile rhythm of LH secretion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do activins secreted by granulosa cells play in the follicular phase?

<p>They contribute to the FSH surge (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural transformation occurs in theca and granulosa cells during luteinization?

<p>They transform into luteal cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones decreases during the late luteal phase due to negative feedback?

<p>LH (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the gonadotropin surge?

<p>To facilitate ovulation and luteinization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is ovulation?

The process where a mature egg is released from the ovary, marking the end of the menstrual cycle.

What is the ovarian cycle?

The cyclical changes in the ovary, including the development of the egg (oocyte) and the formation of the corpus luteum.

What is the endometrial cycle?

The changes in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to prepare for potential pregnancy.

What is menstruation?

The cyclical shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) when pregnancy does not occur.

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How do ovarian hormones affect the cervix and uterus?

Hormones produced by the ovaries (estrogen and progesterone) regulate both cervical and uterine function.

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How does the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis regulate the female reproductive cycle?

Hormones produced in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland control the ovarian and endometrial cycles.

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What are the effects of estrogen?

Estrogens, primarily produced by the ovaries, are responsible for many female secondary sex characteristics like breast development, fat distribution, bone formation, and uterus development.

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What is GnRH?

A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that triggers the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary gland, initiating the reproductive cycle.

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What is FSH?

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovary.

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What is LH?

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum.

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What is the Follicular Phase?

This phase of the ovarian cycle focuses on the development of a follicle.

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What is the Luteal Phase?

This phase of the ovarian cycle focuses on the development of the corpus luteum.

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What is Progesterone?

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum that prepares the uterus for implantation.

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What is Relaxin?

A hormone that relaxes the uterus and helps with implantation.

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What is Inhibin?

A hormone that inhibits the release of FSH, preventing multiple ovulations.

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What is Estrogen?

This hormone is produced primarily by the ovaries and is crucial for female sexual development.

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Positive feedback by estradiol

The process where estradiol levels reach a certain threshold for a minimum of 2 days, leading to a change in sensitivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Estradiol now positively influences the axis, increasing sensitivity to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

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LH surge and ovulation

A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) is triggered by positive feedback from estradiol. This surge is essential for ovulation.

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Estradiol's role in LH surge

Estradiol's positive feedback on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis increases the sensitivity of anterior pituitary gonadotrophs to GnRH, resulting in a LH surge that triggers ovulation.

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Negative feedback by inhibins

Inhibins are hormones produced by the ovaries that decrease the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This negative feedback mechanism regulates the growth and development of follicles in the ovary.

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Inhibins' intra-ovarian effect

Inhibins produced by the ovaries act within the ovary to reduce androgen production, thereby influencing the production of estrogen within the follicle.

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Positive feedback by activins

Activins, hormones produced by the ovaries, stimulate the release of FSH independently of GnRH. These hormones also directly stimulate estrogen synthesis within the ovaries.

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Activins and FSH/LH/Estrogen

Activins promote FSH release, but not LH release. They also stimulate estrogen synthesis within the ovaries.

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Regulation by activins and inhibins

Activins and inhibins are both produced by the ovaries and play crucial roles in regulating the activity of follicle cells during the menstrual cycle.

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Pulsatile release of GnRH and LH/FSH

The pulsatile release of GnRH from the hypothalamus triggers a pulsatile release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary.

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Feedback loop in the menstrual cycle

Gonadotropins (LH/FSH) stimulate the release of ovarian steroids, which in turn affect the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. This interaction demonstrates feedback control and regulation.

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Proliferative Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle where the uterine lining thickens and prepares for potential implantation of a fertilized egg, stimulated by rising estrogen levels.

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Menstrual Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle where the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is shed, resulting in menstrual bleeding. This occurs when progesterone levels drop.

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Secretory Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle where the uterus is preparing for potential pregnancy. Progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum further stimulates the endometrium.

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Progesterone Withdrawal Test

A diagnostic test for secondary amenorrhea, involving administering progesterone to assess the uterus's response and determine potential causes for the absence of menstruation.

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Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstrual periods, often associated with uterine cramps.

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LH & FSH Surge in Late Follicular Phase

An increase in the frequency and amplitude of LH and FSH pulses during the late follicular phase, leading to elevated levels of these hormones.

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LH Surge Timing

The LH surge occurs around the 13th to 14th day of the follicular phase, marking the peak of estrogen levels.

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Positive Feedback on LH Surge

Estrogen, progesterone, and activins trigger the LH surge through positive feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

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Estradiol Trigger for LH Surge

A rise in estradiol levels to a specific threshold triggers the LH surge.

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Estradiol's Sensitization Effect

Estradiol sensitizes the anterior pituitary gonadotrophs to GnRH pulses, making them more responsive.

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Estrogen's Effect on GnRH Release

Increasing estrogen levels stimulate the hypothalamus to release a surge of GnRH, leading to the LH surge.

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Gonadotropin Surge Effects

Ovulation and luteinization are triggered by the gonadotropin surge, resulting in the release of the oocyte and the transformation of the follicle into the corpus luteum.

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Ovulation Process

The rupture of the ovarian follicle releases the oocyte, along with surrounding cumulus and corona cells during ovulation.

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Luteinization Process

The granulosa cells of the follicle transform into luteal cells, which secrete progesterone instead of estradiol during luteinization.

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Late Luteal Phase Hormone Secretion

The luteal cells of the corpus luteum continue to secrete estradiol, progesterone, and inhibin during the late luteal phase, causing a decrease in gonadotropins.

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Study Notes

Physiology: Female Reproductive System

  • The female reproductive system is controlled by hormones from the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
  • Ovulation is the release of a mature ovum, ending the menstrual cycle
  • Ovulation is regulated by the interaction of the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and ovaries
  • Reproductive capability is cyclic and ends with menopause
  • Ovarian hormones (estrogens and progestins) control cervical and uterine function
  • Menstruation is the periodic shedding of the endometrium
  • The reproductive tract is designed for sperm and ovum transport, fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy

Ovarian and Endometrial Cycles

  • The ovarian cycle has follicular and luteal phases, lasting about 28 days
  • The endometrial cycle has menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases, correlating with the ovarian cycle
  • Ovulation typically occurs around day 14 of the cycle

Hormonal Influence on Female Secondary Sex Characteristics

  • Estrogens influence breast development, fat distribution, bone formation, and uterine function
  • Androgens influence pubic and axillary hair growth, and libido

Influence of the Brain on the Reproductive Cycle

  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus controls the reproductive cycle
  • GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Both sexes produce androgens and estrogen, but androgens are more prominent in males, and estrogens in females

Summary of Hormones Involved in the Reproductive Cycle

  • GnRH from the hypothalamus regulates the reproductive cycle by stimulating the anterior pituitary
  • FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary stimulate ovarian function, including estrogen and progesterone production
  • Estrogen and progesterone feedback on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary
  • Inhibins and activins influence FSH release

Control of the Female Menstrual Rhythm

  • The menstrual cycle involves both ovarian and endometrial cycles
  • The ovarian cycle includes follicular and luteal phases, separated by ovulation
  • The endometrial cycle includes menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases
  • Kallmann syndrome is associated with disordered GnRH migration, resulting in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia
  • Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus

GnRH Signal Transduction in the Gonadotrophs

  • GnRH binds to receptors on gonadotrophs, triggering a signaling cascade
  • This cascade involves phospholipase C (PLC), inositol triphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), and calcium (Ca2+) release

Inhibins and Activins

  • Inhibins suppress FSH release
  • Activins stimulate FSH release

Feedback by Ovarian Steroids

  • Estrogens and progestins exert both positive and negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
  • At low levels, estrogen acts as negative feedback, reducing the secretion of FSH and LH
  • Near ovulation, high estrogen levels lead to positive feedback, increasing LH production, triggering ovulation

Ovarian Steroids

  • Ovarian steroids are synthesized from cholesterol
  • The two-cell, two-gonadotropin model describes the process of steroidogenesis in the ovary

Endometrial (Uterine, Menstrual) Cycle

  • The menstrual phase involves the shedding of the endometrium
  • The proliferative phase involves endometrial growth, under the influence of estrogen
  • The secretory phase involves the preparation of the endometrium for potential implantation, facilitated by increasing progesterone levels

Supplemental Reading

  • Clinical Key, Physiology, 6th edition, 2018 are resources for supplemental study

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Physiology: Female Reproductive System Lecture Notes PDF 2024-25

Description

Explore the intricate details of the female reproductive system, including hormonal regulation, cycles of ovulation, and the stages of menstrual and ovarian cycles. Understand the roles of major hormones and how they influence female secondary sex characteristics. This quiz covers key concepts essential for mastering physiology.

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