Reproductive System 3: Female Physiology
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Questions and Answers

What occurs during the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?

  • Ovulation occurs during this phase.
  • The endometrium is shed from the uterus.
  • The endometrium is built up by increasing estrogen levels. (correct)
  • Cervical mucus thickens to prevent sperm entry.

How does estrogen influence cervical mucus during the proliferative phase?

  • It thins the mucus allowing easier sperm passage. (correct)
  • It thickens the mucus preventing sperm movement.
  • It has no effect on cervical mucus.
  • It causes the mucus to become acidic.

What physiological event is associated with the fimbriae in the uterine tubes during the proliferative phase?

  • Scooping up the ovulated oocyte. (correct)
  • Releasing enzymes to break down sperm.
  • Sucking in oxygen from the surrounding fluid.
  • Creating a barrier to sperm entry.

What is a characteristic of the endometrial layer during the uterine cycle?

<p>It contains spiral arteries that regenerate and degenerate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hormone responsible for the changes in the uterine cycle?

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

During which phase does the endometrium undergo significant rebuilding?

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

What happens to the cervical mucus under rising estrogen levels?

<p>It becomes thinner facilitating sperm passage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the uterine cycle is characterized by the shedding of the endometrium?

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

What phase follows ovulation in the uterine cycle and lasts for approximately 14 days?

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

What triggers ovulation in the ovarian cycle?

<p>Surge in LH (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for thickening the cervical mucus during the secretory phase?

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

What occurs if fertilization and implantation do not happen?

<p>Degeneration of the corpus luteum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phase of the uterine cycle is characterized by low gonadal hormone levels, blood vessel atrophy, and shedding of endometrial tissue?

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

Which hormone aids in maintaining low cholesterol levels and facilitating calcium uptake?

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

What effect does high estrogen have on the hormonal cycle?

<p>Initiates LH surge (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of progesterone during the secretory phase?

<p>Preparing the endometrium for embryo implantation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of stem cells in the basal layer of the endometrium?

<p>Create the functional layer of the endometrium each cycle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for female physiology to fully balance hormone cycles after puberty?

<p>4 years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main result of the increasing estrogen levels during the proliferative phase?

<p>The endometrium rebuilds itself. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the fimbriae play in the uterine tubes during the proliferative phase?

<p>They help capture the ovulated oocyte. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which days does the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle typically occur?

<p>Days 6-14 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cervical mucus as estrogen levels rise during the proliferative phase?

<p>It becomes less viscous, facilitating sperm movement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the activity of spiral arteries during the uterine cycle?

<p>They undergo constant regeneration and degeneration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of estrogen in relation to the ovarian follicle during the proliferative phase?

<p>It enhances follicular hormone production. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the endometrial layer change during the secretory phase?

<p>It becomes thicker and more receptive. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the dominant ovarian follicle have on the uterine environment during the proliferative phase?

<p>It stimulates estrogen production, promoting endometrial growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is primarily responsible for preparing the endometrial tissue for implantation in the secretory phase?

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

During which phase of the uterine cycle does the corpus luteum degenerate, leading to the onset of menses?

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

What physiological role does estrogen play during puberty?

<p>Promoting bone density (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone initiates the LH surge that leads to ovulation?

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

What occurs to cervical mucus during the secretory phase in preparation for potential implantation?

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

What happens to the endometrial tissue if fertilization does not occur after ovulation?

<p>It atrophies and is shed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does the secretory phase last after ovulation?

<p>14 days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the follicular phase in the ovarian cycle?

<p>To develop and mature ovarian follicles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of rising estrogen levels during the follicular phase?

<p>Stimulation of cervical mucus production (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the endometrium during the proliferative phase?

<p>It is rebuilt as estrogen is produced. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do rising estrogen levels have on cervical mucus during the proliferative phase?

<p>It thins to allow sperm movement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the fimbriae play during the proliferative phase?

<p>They activate to scoop up the ovulated oocyte. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of estrogen during the uterine cycle?

<p>To promote the rebuilding of the endometrial layer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase directly follows ovulation in the uterine cycle?

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

During which days does the proliferative phase typically occur?

<p>Days 6-14. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormonal effect is associated with high levels of estrogen during the ovarian cycle?

<p>Stimulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs in the secretory phase of the uterine cycle?

<p>Thickening of endometrial tissue (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of progesterone during the secretory phase?

<p>Facilitate embryo implantation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase do blood vessels in the endometrium atrophy leading to tissue shedding?

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

Which hormone is mainly responsible for maintaining the thickened cervical mucus during the secretory phase?

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

What happens to the corpus luteum if there is no fertilization and implantation?

<p>It degenerates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phases of the ovarian cycle is marked by a surge in LH?

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

What effect does estrogen have on the reproductive tract during puberty?

<p>Promotes subcutaneous fat deposition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the follicles during the ovarian cycle?

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

What happens to estrogen levels during the secretory phase of the uterine cycle?

<p>They are at their highest levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Proliferative phase

The uterine lining rebuilds under the influence of rising estrogen levels from day ~6 to 14 of the cycle.

Estrogen's effect on cervical mucus

Estrogen thins the cervical mucus, allowing sperm passage.

Ovarian cycle phases

The cycle includes follicular (follicle development) and luteal (corpus luteum development and lysis) phases.

Follicular phase

The follicular phase is the part of the ovarian cycle marked by the growth and development of follicles.

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Luteal phase

The luteal phase involves the development of the corpus luteum and its eventual breakdown (lysis).

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Oogenesis

The process of female gamete (egg) formation.

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Uterine cycle

The cyclical changes in the uterine lining (endometrium) in preparation for potential implantation.

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Spiral arteries

Spiral arteries in the endometrium regenerate and degenerate with each cycle, nourishing the functional layer.

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Menstrual Phase

The first 1-5 days of the uterine cycle, where hormone levels are low (progesterone and estrogen), causing endometrial tissue to die and shed.

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Secretory Phase

The phase after ovulation (14 days), where the uterine lining thickens with nutrients, preparing for implantation, driven by progesterone from the corpus luteum.

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Corpus Luteum

A temporary endocrine structure that forms on the ovary after ovulation and produces progesterone.

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Progesterone

A hormone that maintains pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining for implantation and restricting sperm entry.

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Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary, triggered by a surge in LH.

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Basal Layer

The deepest layer of the endometrium, containing stem cells that create new functional layers.

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Endometrial Functional Layer

The layer of the uterine lining that thickens and is shed during the uterine cycle.

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Estrogen

A hormone that regulates the female reproductive cycle and contributes to features such as breast development.

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Uterine Cycle Purpose

The uterine cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy by undergoing cyclical changes in the endometrial lining, including rebuilding, thickening, and shedding.

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Estrogen's Role

Estrogen, produced by the developing ovarian follicle, plays a crucial role in the proliferative phase by stimulating the growth of the endometrial lining and preparing the uterus for potential implantation.

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Cervical Mucus Change

Estrogen thins the cervical mucus, making it easier for sperm to travel through the cervix and reach the uterus.

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Fimbriae Activation

Rising estrogen levels activate the fimbriae in the uterine tubes, which are finger-like projections that aid in capturing the egg after ovulation.

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Corpus Luteum Role

The corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure formed after ovulation, secretes progesterone, which is essential for maintaining pregnancy and preparing the uterine lining for implantation.

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What causes the thickening of the cervical mucus in the secretory phase?

Progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum, thickens the cervical mucus during the secretory phase of the uterine cycle. This prevents sperm entry into the uterus and protects a potential embryo from being fertilized by new sperm.

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What happens to the endometrial tissue during the menstrual phase?

During the menstrual phase, the functional layer of the endometrium sheds (menses) due to low levels of estrogen and progesterone. This happens because the corpus luteum has degenerated, and no new dominant follicle has formed yet.

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What happens on day 14 of the uterine cycle?

Day 14 marks ovulation, when the mature egg is released from the ovary. This occurs due to a surge in LH.

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What is the function of the corpus luteum?

The corpus luteum is a temporary structure that forms on the ovary after ovulation. Its main function is to produce progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a potential pregnancy.

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What is the proliferative phase?

The proliferative phase of the uterine cycle is marked by the rebuilding of the endometrial lining due to rising estrogen levels. It occurs between days 6 and 14 of the cycle.

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What is the role of estrogen in the female reproductive cycle?

Estrogen plays a vital role in female fertility and development. It helps in the maturation of the reproductive tract, contributes to secondary sex characteristics, and facilitates calcium uptake for bone density.

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What are spiral arteries and what is their function?

Spiral arteries are blood vessels in the endometrium that supply blood to the functional layer and are crucial for nourishing a potential pregnancy. They go through cycles of regeneration and degeneration with each uterine cycle.

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What is the role of progesterone in the secretory phase?

Progesterone supports the secretory phase by ensuring the endometrium grows thicker and more nutrient-rich. This prepares the uterine lining for potential embryo implantation.

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What is the link between the ovarian and uterine cycles?

The ovarian cycle (follicular, ovulation, luteal) and uterine cycle (menstrual, proliferative, secretory) are interconnected. Hormones from the ovaries (estrogen and progesterone) regulate the changes in the uterine lining.

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What is the key event marking the transition between the follicular and luteal phases?

Ovulation, triggered by a surge in LH, marks the transition from the follicular phase to the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle.

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Progesterone's Role

Progesterone, secreted by the Corpus Luteum, maintains the lining's thickness and prepares it for implantation.

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Estrogen's Role in the Proliferative Phase

Estrogen, produced by developing follicles, stimulates the growth of the uterine lining, prepping it for implantation.

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Progesterone's Role in the Secretory Phase

Progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum, makes the uterine lining thick and nutrient-rich for potential embryo implantation.

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Cervical Mucus Changes During Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen thins cervical mucus, allowing sperm to travel through the cervix to reach the uterus.

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Cervical Mucus Changes During Progesterone Dominance

Progesterone thickens cervical mucus, acting as a barrier to prevent sperm entry during the secretory phase.

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Ovulation and its Connection to the Luteal Phase

Ovulation, triggered by an LH surge, marks the transition from the follicular phase to the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle.

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The Basal Layer

The deepest layer of the endometrium containing stem cells which produce a new functional layer every menstrual 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.

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