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Questions and Answers
What occurs during the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?
What occurs during the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?
How does estrogen influence cervical mucus during the proliferative phase?
How does estrogen influence cervical mucus during the proliferative phase?
What physiological event is associated with the fimbriae in the uterine tubes during the proliferative phase?
What physiological event is associated with the fimbriae in the uterine tubes during the proliferative phase?
What is a characteristic of the endometrial layer during the uterine cycle?
What is a characteristic of the endometrial layer during the uterine cycle?
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What is the primary hormone responsible for the changes in the uterine cycle?
What is the primary hormone responsible for the changes in the uterine cycle?
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During which phase does the endometrium undergo significant rebuilding?
During which phase does the endometrium undergo significant rebuilding?
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What happens to the cervical mucus under rising estrogen levels?
What happens to the cervical mucus under rising estrogen levels?
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Which phase of the uterine cycle is characterized by the shedding of the endometrium?
Which phase of the uterine cycle is characterized by the shedding of the endometrium?
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What phase follows ovulation in the uterine cycle and lasts for approximately 14 days?
What phase follows ovulation in the uterine cycle and lasts for approximately 14 days?
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What triggers ovulation in the ovarian cycle?
What triggers ovulation in the ovarian cycle?
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Which hormone is primarily responsible for thickening the cervical mucus during the secretory phase?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for thickening the cervical mucus during the secretory phase?
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What occurs if fertilization and implantation do not happen?
What occurs if fertilization and implantation do not happen?
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What phase of the uterine cycle is characterized by low gonadal hormone levels, blood vessel atrophy, and shedding of endometrial tissue?
What phase of the uterine cycle is characterized by low gonadal hormone levels, blood vessel atrophy, and shedding of endometrial tissue?
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Which hormone aids in maintaining low cholesterol levels and facilitating calcium uptake?
Which hormone aids in maintaining low cholesterol levels and facilitating calcium uptake?
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What effect does high estrogen have on the hormonal cycle?
What effect does high estrogen have on the hormonal cycle?
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What is the primary function of progesterone during the secretory phase?
What is the primary function of progesterone during the secretory phase?
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What is the role of stem cells in the basal layer of the endometrium?
What is the role of stem cells in the basal layer of the endometrium?
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How long does it typically take for female physiology to fully balance hormone cycles after puberty?
How long does it typically take for female physiology to fully balance hormone cycles after puberty?
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What is the main result of the increasing estrogen levels during the proliferative phase?
What is the main result of the increasing estrogen levels during the proliferative phase?
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What role do the fimbriae play in the uterine tubes during the proliferative phase?
What role do the fimbriae play in the uterine tubes during the proliferative phase?
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During which days does the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle typically occur?
During which days does the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle typically occur?
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What happens to cervical mucus as estrogen levels rise during the proliferative phase?
What happens to cervical mucus as estrogen levels rise during the proliferative phase?
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Which of the following best describes the activity of spiral arteries during the uterine cycle?
Which of the following best describes the activity of spiral arteries during the uterine cycle?
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What is the function of estrogen in relation to the ovarian follicle during the proliferative phase?
What is the function of estrogen in relation to the ovarian follicle during the proliferative phase?
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How does the endometrial layer change during the secretory phase?
How does the endometrial layer change during the secretory phase?
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What impact does the dominant ovarian follicle have on the uterine environment during the proliferative phase?
What impact does the dominant ovarian follicle have on the uterine environment during the proliferative phase?
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What hormone is primarily responsible for preparing the endometrial tissue for implantation in the secretory phase?
What hormone is primarily responsible for preparing the endometrial tissue for implantation in the secretory phase?
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During which phase of the uterine cycle does the corpus luteum degenerate, leading to the onset of menses?
During which phase of the uterine cycle does the corpus luteum degenerate, leading to the onset of menses?
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What physiological role does estrogen play during puberty?
What physiological role does estrogen play during puberty?
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Which hormone initiates the LH surge that leads to ovulation?
Which hormone initiates the LH surge that leads to ovulation?
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What occurs to cervical mucus during the secretory phase in preparation for potential implantation?
What occurs to cervical mucus during the secretory phase in preparation for potential implantation?
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What happens to the endometrial tissue if fertilization does not occur after ovulation?
What happens to the endometrial tissue if fertilization does not occur after ovulation?
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How long does the secretory phase last after ovulation?
How long does the secretory phase last after ovulation?
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What is the main purpose of the follicular phase in the ovarian cycle?
What is the main purpose of the follicular phase in the ovarian cycle?
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What is a common effect of rising estrogen levels during the follicular phase?
What is a common effect of rising estrogen levels during the follicular phase?
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What happens to the endometrium during the proliferative phase?
What happens to the endometrium during the proliferative phase?
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What effect do rising estrogen levels have on cervical mucus during the proliferative phase?
What effect do rising estrogen levels have on cervical mucus during the proliferative phase?
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What role do the fimbriae play during the proliferative phase?
What role do the fimbriae play during the proliferative phase?
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What is the primary function of estrogen during the uterine cycle?
What is the primary function of estrogen during the uterine cycle?
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Which phase directly follows ovulation in the uterine cycle?
Which phase directly follows ovulation in the uterine cycle?
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During which days does the proliferative phase typically occur?
During which days does the proliferative phase typically occur?
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What hormonal effect is associated with high levels of estrogen during the ovarian cycle?
What hormonal effect is associated with high levels of estrogen during the ovarian cycle?
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What physiological change occurs in the secretory phase of the uterine cycle?
What physiological change occurs in the secretory phase of the uterine cycle?
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What is the primary effect of progesterone during the secretory phase?
What is the primary effect of progesterone during the secretory phase?
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During which phase do blood vessels in the endometrium atrophy leading to tissue shedding?
During which phase do blood vessels in the endometrium atrophy leading to tissue shedding?
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Which hormone is mainly responsible for maintaining the thickened cervical mucus during the secretory phase?
Which hormone is mainly responsible for maintaining the thickened cervical mucus during the secretory phase?
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What happens to the corpus luteum if there is no fertilization and implantation?
What happens to the corpus luteum if there is no fertilization and implantation?
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Which of the following phases of the ovarian cycle is marked by a surge in LH?
Which of the following phases of the ovarian cycle is marked by a surge in LH?
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What effect does estrogen have on the reproductive tract during puberty?
What effect does estrogen have on the reproductive tract during puberty?
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What is a primary function of the follicles during the ovarian cycle?
What is a primary function of the follicles during the ovarian cycle?
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What happens to estrogen levels during the secretory phase of the uterine cycle?
What happens to estrogen levels during the secretory phase of the uterine cycle?
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Study Notes
General Information
- Focus groups are being sought for UOW students currently enrolled in MEDI 112 who also completed MEDI 111 last session
- Students who participate will receive a $35 Coles voucher
- The focus group will be held during week 10 of the session
- The location will be announced later
- For more information, contact Ms Olivia Wills at [email protected]
Reproductive System 3
- Topic: Female physiology & conception to placentation
- Lecturer: Dr. Megan Kelly
- Email: [email protected]
Female Physiology: Summary of Ovarian Cycle
- Gonadotropin levels: Pituitary gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) fluctuate in the blood to regulate the ovarian cycle.
- Ovarian cycle: Structural changes in ovarian follicles and the corpus luteum correlate with endometrial changes in the uterus. Only vesicular follicles (antral phase) are hormone-dependent.
- Hormone feedback: Estrogen exhibits positive feedback.
- Phases: Follicular, Ovulation, Luteal
Learning Objectives: Lecture 3, part 1, Female Reproductive System
- Oogenesis & Spermatogenesis: Compare these processes.
- Ovarian Cycle: Detail events of the follicular and luteal phases, including hormonal regulation.
- Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System: Explain the basics of hormonal regulation.
- Uterine Cycle: Explain events of menstruation, proliferation and secretory phases.
- Effects of Estrogen & Menopause: Discuss the effects of estrogen and menopause.
Female Physiology: The Uterine Cycle
- Proliferative phase (~Day 6-14): Endometrium rebuilds under estrogen's influence; cervical mucus thins. Oocytes are ovulated; fimbriae in uterine tubes become active.
- Secretory phase (~Day 15-28): Endometrial lining thickens and becomes nutrient-rich for implantation. Cervical mucus thickens to prevent sperm entry. Corpus luteum degenerates if no fertilization occurs.
Female Physiology: The Uterine Cycle - Secretory Phase
- Preparation for Pregnancy: Progesterone from the corpus luteum prepares the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
- Thickened Endometrium: The endometrium becomes thick, nutrient-rich, and highly vascularized.
- Cervical Mucus: Cervical mucus thickens, which prevents further entry of sperm.
- Corpus Luteum Degeneration: If fertilization and implantation don't occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a decrease in ovarian hormones and menstruation.
Female Physiology: The Menstrual Phase
- 1-5 days: Hormone levels are low, blood vessels atrophy, and the endometrial lining sheds (menses).
Female Physiology: Effects of Estrogens and Progesterone
- Progesterone: Promotes gestation; thickens cervical mucus; sustains endometrial lining; important for pregnancy maintenance.
- Estrogens: Essential for puberty; develops secondary sex characteristics; important for bone health and metabolism.
Female Physiology: Menopause
- Ovarian function decline: After approximately 20 years of age, ovarian function begins to decline.
- Oocyte decline: By age 50, the number of oocytes is significantly reduced.
- Anovulatory cycles: Many ovarian cycles become anovulatory (no oocyte release).
- Menopause: The cessation of menstruation.
- Symptoms: Reproductive organ atrophy, mood swings, vasodilation, thinning skin & hair, loss of bone mass, high cholesterol levels.
Fertilization: Timing
- Timing: Sperm viable for 24-48 hours after ejaculation; coitus must occur within a 3-day period (2 days before to 1 day after ovulation), to allow fertilization.
Fertilisation: Path
- Sperm travel: Sperm travel 12 cm through the female reproductive tract to reach the oocyte.
- Obstacles: Millions of sperm are lost; coagulation assists in trapping sperm in the fornixes.
- Immune system: Many sperm are destroyed by the female's immune system.
Fertilisation: Sperm Capacitation
- Journey: Sperm undergo capacitation (activation) during their journey through the female reproductive tract.
- Activation: This enhances sperm mobility & release of acrosomal enzymes, which will degrade the zona pellucida.
- Time: This process takes ~2-10 hours and the sperm can not fertilize the ovum until capacitation is complete.
Fertilisation: Approach
- Weaving: Sperm's navigate through the corona radiata of granulosa cells to reach the oocyte.
- Stages: Reaching the oocyte involves 5 stages, focusing on sperm-oocyte fusion.
Fertilisation: Penetration
- Acrosomal reaction: The sperm release acrosomal enzymes, clearing a path through the zona pellucida.
- Oocyte membrane: A single sperm binds to the oocyte membrane's sperm binding receptors.
- Fusion: Sperm and oocyte membranes fuse, allowing sperm's contents to enter the oocyte.
Fertilisation: Blocks to Polyspermy
- Sperm binding receptors: Oocyte sperm binding receptors are shed.
- Zona reaction: Cortical granules release to harden the zona pellucida (zona reaction).
- Impedance: These changes prevent further sperm entry and ensure only one sperm fertilizes the oocyte.
Implantation: Revision
- Menstruation: Days 1-5.
- Proliferative phase: Days 6-14.
- Ovulation: Day 14.
- Secretory phase: Days 15-28.
Implantation: Blastocyst differentiation
- Trophoblasts: Have two types: cyto-trophoblasts (with cell boundaries) and syn-cytio-trophoblasts (invading endometrium).
Implantation
- Implantation: The trophoblast cells of the blastocyst secrete hCG to signal the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone.
- Progesterone: Maintaining the progesterone during pregnancy is critical.
- Implantation success rates: Implanatation rates are variable and ~ 75% of zygotes do not implant or abort spontaneously.
- Early pregnancy loss: 30% of implantations result in early pregnancy loss.
Implantation: Timing
- Uterine lining: The uterus lining needs to be appropriately thickened and receptive for implantation to occur.
- Implantation failure: If the lining is not ready, the blastocyst may continue to drift in the uterine cavity until it finds the optimum conditions or dies.
Implantation: Blastocyst Differentiation
- Embryonic disc: Inner cell mass differentiates into the bi-layered embryonic disc (epiblast and hypoblast).
- Trophoblast development: Trophoblast cells develop into the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells.
Implantation
- Hormone production: Implantation triggers the production of hCG, which sustains the corpus luteum and maintains progesterone production.
- Early pregnancy loss indicators: Inconsistent progesterone or hCG levels signal potential early pregnancy loss.
- Implantation Success: ~75% of zygotes formed will fail to implant or will be lost to various problems.
Embryonic Development
- Blastocyst differentiation: Inner cell mass of the blastocyst becomes a bilayered embryonic disc after the first week.
- Primary germ layers: After the first week, cells from the embryonic disc develop into the three primary germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm), giving rise to all tissues and organs.
Embryonic Development: Primary Germ Layers
- Ectoderm: Epidermis, hair, nails, brain and spinal cord, associated nerves and pigment cells.
- Mesoderm: Dermis, bones, skeletal muscles, kidneys, gonads, heart, and blood vessels.
- Endoderm: Epithelial lining of digestive and respiratory tracts, associated glands, and organs.
Development Pictorial
- Images showing the stages of embryo development from the blastocyst stage to 8 months.
Learning Objectives
- Lecture 3, part 4 & 5: Outline the process of fertilization, preventing polyspermy, implantation, placental development, and embryo to fetus development.
Question time! R3 parts 1, 2, 3, 5.
- Uterine cycle phases: List the three phases of the uterine cycle and events in each.
- Female sex hormones: Identify the two main female sex hormones, their sources, and functions.
- Menopause: Detail menopause (cessation of menstruation).
- Fertilization stages: Outline the stages of fertilization and prevention of polyspermy.
- Implantation events: Describe implantation events and supporting events.
- Placental development: Describe the development of the placenta.
- Embryo to fetus development: Describe the stages of embryo-to-fetus development.
- Placentation steps: List the five steps and timing for placentation.
- Primary germ layers' development: Identify the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) and associated major structures.
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Description
This quiz covers female physiology, focusing on the ovarian cycle from conception to placentation. Delve into the roles of gonadotropins, structural changes in ovarian follicles, and hormonal feedback mechanisms. Perfect for students of MEDI 112 looking to enhance their understanding.
