deck 2 Flashcards
What enzyme converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?
5-alpha reductase.
What is the function of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?
It plays a crucial role in the development of male external genitalia.
What syndrome results from an individual with XY chromosomes but a defective androgen receptor?
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS).
What happens if the Wolffian ducts fail to develop in a male fetus?
The male reproductive tract does not form properly.
What is capacitation in sperm?
A process that enhances the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg.
What is the zona pellucida?
A glycoprotein layer surrounding the oocyte that sperm must penetrate.
What is polyspermy, and how is it prevented?
Polyspermy is when multiple sperm fertilize an egg; it is prevented by the cortical reaction.
What is the major function of human placental lactogen (hPL)?
It helps regulate maternal metabolism to provide nutrients to the fetus.
How does fetal hemoglobin differ from adult hemoglobin?
Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen.
What is the Ferguson reflex?
A positive feedback loop where cervical stretching leads to oxytocin release, enhancing contractions.
What hormone suppresses lactation during pregnancy?
High levels of estrogen and progesterone.
How does breastfeeding suppress ovulation?
Prolactin inhibits GnRH, reducing LH and FSH secretion.
What is the role of kisspeptin in puberty?
It stimulates GnRH secretion, triggering the onset of puberty.
What is the function of inhibin?
It provides negative feedback to inhibit FSH secretion.
What is adrenarche?
The early stage of puberty marked by increased adrenal androgen production.
What is gonadarche?
The activation of the gonads during puberty.
What condition results from excess GH in childhood?
Gigantism.
What condition results from excess GH in adulthood?
Acromegaly.
What is the role of the blood-testis barrier?
It protects developing sperm from the immune system.
What is spermiogenesis?
The final stage of sperm maturation, where spermatids transform into motile sperm.
What is the function of corpus albicans?
It is the degenerated form of the corpus luteum when pregnancy does not occur.
What is the function of prostaglandins in ovulation?
They help weaken the follicular wall for egg release.
What is the function of LH in the luteal phase?
It maintains progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum.
What hormone is responsible for uterine contractions post-delivery?
Oxytocin.
