Endocrine Control Female Reproduction 1 Flashcards
Describe the components of the female reproductive system.
1
Q
What are the unique features of the endocrine control of reproduction?
A
- Pulsatile secretion of the hypothalamic releasing hormone GnRH
- Synthesis of both pituitary trophic hormones, LH and FSH, by the same cell, the gonadotrope
- The critical role of pulsatile GnRH secretion in the regulation of LH and FSH release
- In women, positive hormone feedback by E2
2
Q
List the components of the female reproductive system.
A
- Hypothalamus
- Gonadotropes
- Ovary
- Uterus
3
Q
What is the role of the hypothalamus in the female reproductive system?
A
- GnRH in the arcuate nucleus of medial basal hypothalamus
- Decapeptide synthesized and secreted into portal circulation in pulses
- Migrate with olfactory placode during fetal development
- Anosmia and other midline defects found in GnRH
4
Q
What is the role of gonadotropes in the female reproductive system?
A
- About 10% of the anterior pituitary - gonadotropes
- Secretes LH and FSH
- common alpha-subunit to TSH and hCG
- beta subunit is unique
-
Role of LH
- stumlates androstenedione and testosterone production by ovarian follical theca cells
- stimulates progesterone production by granulosa-lutein cells of the corpus luteum as well as inhibin A production
-
Role of FSH
- regulates E2 production by stimulating ovarian follicle granulosa cell growth and aromatase activity as well as inhibin B production
5
Q
What is the role of the vary in the female reproductive system?
A
- Gamete - oocyte in meiosis, full complement at birth
- Steroidogenic cells - follicles contain granulosa and theca cells
6
Q
What is the role of the uterus in the female reproductive system?
A
- Uterine lining, the endometrium, is exquisitely sensitive to estrogen and progestins
- Shedding of the functional portion of the endometrium following the withdrawal of E2 and P secretion results in menses
- The remaining endometrium regenerates in response to E2
