Basic Physiology

Question 1

What is the FSH-independent stage of ovulation?

Answer 1

Primordial follicle (oocyte) becomes a primary follicle

Question 2

What is the FSH-dependent stage of ovulation?

Answer 2

(theca cells)

Fluid filled vesicles in forms Graafian follicle

Question 3

What happens to a Graafian follicle when an eg is released?

Answer 3

Forms Corpus Luteum –> Corpus albicans

Question 4

A surge in what gonadotrophic hormone triggers ovulation?

Answer 4

LH

Question 5

What are the main phases of the ovarian cycle?

Answer 5

Follicular Stage

Luteal phase

Question 6

What are the main phases of the uterine cycle?

Answer 6

Menses (0-7 days)
Proliferative (7-14)
Secretory (14-28)

Question 7

Which hormone causes the thickening of the uterine wall?

Answer 7

Progesterone

Question 8

Which ovarian hormone sees a rapid increase before ovulation?

Answer 8

Estrogen

Question 9

What are the main female reproductive hormones?

Answer 9

GnRH
FSH
LH
Estradiol 
Progesterone

Question 10

Where does GnRH originate?

Answer 10

Hypothalamus

Question 11

What is the function of GnRH?

Answer 11

Stimulate FSH and LH secretion from the anterior pituitary

Question 12

What is the function of LH?

Answer 12

Maintain dominant follicle
Induce follicular maturation
Induce ovulation
Stimulate Corpus Luteum function

Question 13

What is the function of FSH?

Answer 13

Stimulate follicular recruitment and development

Question 14

Where is Estradiol secreted?

Answer 14

Granulosa Cells

Question 15

What is the function of Estradiol?

Answer 15

Support female 2ndary sexual characteristics and reproductive organs
Inhibit LH and GnRH (causes LH surge in late-follicular stage)
Stimuates proliferative endometrium
Negative control of FSH

Question 16

Where is progesterone secreted from?

Answer 16

Corpus luteum

Question 17

What is the function of progesterone?

Answer 17

Maintain Secretory Endometrium

Negative feedback control of hypothalamic-pituiary-ovarian axis

Question 18

What proportion of germ cells remain - on average - at 35 years old?

Answer 18

5%

Question 19

How long after the LH surgedoes ovulation occur?

Answer 19

36hrs

Question 20

First meiotic devision creates what?

Answer 20

Secondary oocyte

First polar body

Question 21

Outline the sequence triggered by the LH surge?

Answer 21

Oogonia –> Daughter cell (mitotic division)

Primary Oocyte –> Secondary oocyte (meiotic division)

Question 22

What are the systemic effects of oestrogen?

Answer 22

Protein metabolism
Carb metabolism
Lipid metabolism
H2O + Salt balance
Blood clotting

Question 23

Which systems are targetted by estrogen?

Answer 23

Fat deposition
Mammary gland
Pituitary
Hypothalamus 
Bones
Uterus 
CNS

Question 24

Where is seminal fluid produced?

Answer 24

Seminal vesicle (60%)
Prostate gland (30%)
Bulbourethral gland (5%)

Question 25

What is the average ejaculate concentration?

Answer 25

20-200million sperm/ml

Question 26

What is the sequence of sperm production?§

Answer 26

Production: (75 days)
 - Spermatocytogenesis
 - Meiosis
 - Spermiogenesis
Storage: (15 days)
 - Become motile

Question 27

Where are mature spermatids stored?

Answer 27

Epididymis

Question 28

Where does spermatogenesis take place?

Answer 28

Seminiferous tubule

Question 29

What are the target organs of testosterone?

Answer 29

Skin
Brain
Liver
Male sexual organs
Muscle
Kidney
Bone marrow
Bone