Tortora: Ovarian and Menstrual Cycle

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Questions and Answers

What triggers the shedding of the stratum functionalis during the menstrual cycle?

Decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone

Loss of progesterone from the corpus luteum (correct)

Release of gonadotropins

Increase in estrogen levels

Which stage of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the proliferation and repair of the stratum functionalis?

Menstrual Stage

Follicular Stage

Secretory Stage

Proliferative Stage (correct)

What event primarily triggers ovulation?

Increased oocyte size

High levels of anti Mullerian hormone

Decrease in follicular fluid pressure

Surge in luteinising hormone (LH) (correct)

During the ovarian cycle, which hormone is responsible for the mature secondary follicle's development?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Signup and view all the answers

What is the average age at which menopause occurs?

50 Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with the decline in estrogen levels during menopause?

Enhanced fertility Signup and view all the answers

What effect does anti Mullerian hormone have on the ovarian follicles?

Inhibits the development of surrounding primary follicles Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the menstrual cycle, what happens after ovulation?

The luteal phase begins Signup and view all the answers

What role does leptin play in the female reproductive system?

Stimulates the release of GnRH Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the atrophy of the corpus luteum have if hCG from the placenta does not take over its role?

Decrease in uterine receptivity Signup and view all the answers

Which hormonal changes are responsible for the regulation of the menstrual cycle?

Gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary regulate the cycle Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the absence of menstruation?

Amenorrhoea Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of high levels of progesterone during the menstrual cycle?

Inhibition of LH secretion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common consequence of menopause that affects urinary health?

Higher risk of UTIs Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hypothalamus play in the ovarian cycle?

It secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) Signup and view all the answers

In clinical issues related to reproductive health, what is a potential impact of menopause on hormonal regulation?

Increased levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle during the follicular phase?

Follicle-stimulating hormone Signup and view all the answers

What is the main anatomical change in the uterus during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle?

Thickening of the endometrium Signup and view all the answers

During menopause, which physiological change is commonly associated with decreased estrogen levels?

Vaginal atrophy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be considered a common clinical problem associated with the cervix?

Cervical incompetence Signup and view all the answers

What physiological role does the ovary play in the ovarian cycle?

Produces corpus luteum Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the menstrual cycle is most directly impacted by the spike in luteinizing hormone (LH)?

Ovulation phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the secretory phase in the menstrual cycle?

Preparation of the endometrium for potential implantation Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for the secretion of progesterone after ovulation?

Ovary Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to the endometrium during the menstrual phase of the cycle?

It undergoes apoptosis and sheds Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical issue is often a result of hormonal imbalance during the reproductive years?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Ovarian Cycle

Positive feedback mechanisms are involved in the ovarian cycle.
Hormonal regulation is essential, primarily through ovarian steroids.
The cycle prepares the endometrium for a potential fertilized ovum each month.

The Menstrual Cycle

Comprises changes in the non-pregnant female endometrium, regulated by ovarian steroids.
Divided into three distinct histological stages:
- Menstrual Stage: Shedding of the stratum functionalis if corpus luteum (CL) progesterone is lost.
- Proliferative Stage: Ovarian estrogens promote proliferation and repair of the stratum functionalis.
- Secretory Stage: Oestrogen and progesterone from the CL enhance uterine receptivity.

Menopause

Peak reproductive ability is typically in the 20s, declining by mid-40s.
Ovarian response to gonadotropins decreases, leading to reduced estrogen production.
Menopause is defined as cessation of ovulation, averaging around age 50.
Symptoms of menopause include vaginal dryness, hot flashes, decreased libido, sleep disturbances, mood changes, palpitations, and increased risk of UTIs.
Hormone Replacement Therapy may be used to alleviate symptoms.

Clinical Problems

Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation.
Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation, can result from strenuous physical activity.
Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalance causing reproductive dysfunction.

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive Tract

Key anatomical features include the bladder, urethra, uterus, ovaries, vagina, and rectum.
Uterus has three layers:
- Endometrium: Glandular inner lining.
- Myometrium: Thick smooth muscle layer.
- Perimetrium: Outer serous layer.

Uterine Features

Uterus is typically anteverted, pear-shaped, measuring about 8 cm long, 5 cm wide, and 3 cm thick.
The cervix connects to the vagina; has internal and external os openings.

Vagina

Thin-walled, measures 8-10 cm in length, surrounding the cervix.
Normal anatomical position is anteverted and antiflexed.
Anterior fornix is shallower than the posterior, which is deeper and covered by a peritoneal pouch.

Ovaries and Ovulation

Ovaries responsible for oogenesis and hormone production.
Ovulation occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle due to hormonal surges, releasing a secondary oocyte.
Follicular changes lead to the formation of the corpus luteum post-ovulation.

Endocrine Regulation of Ovarian Function

Ovarian cycle and menstrual cycle are hormonally correlated and regulated by gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) promotes growth of ovarian follicles and estrogen production.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) induces ovulation and stimulates progesterone production from the corpus luteum.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone

Secreted by granulosa cells; inhibits the development of surrounding primary follicles during folliculogenesis.

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Description

Explore the intricate details of the ovarian and menstrual cycles as discussed in Tortora's Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11th Edition. This quiz will test your understanding of the physiological processes and feedback mechanisms involved in female reproductive health.