Repro_Physiology Flashcards by Kevin G

What are the normal functions of LH & FSH in males?

Pulsatile secretion of GnRH from the hypothalamus stimulates secretion of LH & FSH from the anterior pituitary

LH:
- Stimulates release of Testosterone from Leydig cells in the interstitium of the testicles
(Testosterone produces neg feedback of GnRH & LH)

FSH:
- Stimulates release of Inhibin B from the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles
(Inhibin B produces neg feedback of FSH)
- Stimulates release of Androgen-Binding Globulin from Sertoli cells, which maintains high local concentration of Testosterone in the testicles. High local levels of FSH & Testosterone are necessary for spermatogenesis

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hCG is structurally similar to what other 3 hormones?

TSH, FSH, & LH
(it can bind their receptors w/ some affinity if elevated, like in teratomas –> tumors found in ovaries or testes that also cause hyperthyroid-related symptoms due to hCG binding TSH-receptors)

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The nerves, arteries, veins, & lymphatics of the ovaries are all delivered via the ______ ligament of the ovary.

suspensory

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Name the 3 forms of Estrogen, where they’re each produced, & their order of potency.

Estradiol (Ovary) > Estrone (adipose tissue) > Estriol (Placenta)

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4 sources of Progesterone?

Corpus Luteum, Placenta, Adrenal cortex, Testes

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What is the effect pulsatile GnRH has (via FSH & LH) on the Granulosa & Theca cells of the ovaries?

Pulsatile GnRH secretion causes LH & FSH release

LH → Theca cells

Conversion of Cholesterol → Androstenedione
Enzyme = Desmolase

FSH → Granulosa cells

Conversion of Androstenedione → Estradiol
Enzyme = Aromatase

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What hormone is responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy?

Progesterone

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Elevation of _____ is indicative of ovulation.

progesterone

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What hormone is responsible for the production of thick cervical mucus, which inhibits sperm entry into the uterus?

Progesterone

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Progesterone - effect on gonadotropins (LH, FSH)?

Inhibition

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Progesterone - effect on myometrium (uterine smooth muscle)?

Relaxation (preventing contractions)

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Progesterone - effect on estrogen receptors?

↓ estrogen receptor expressivity

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Progesterone - effect on endometrium?

Stimulation of endometrial glandular secretions & spinal artery development

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Estrogen - effect on endometrium?

Endometrial proliferation

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Estrogen - effect on myometrium (uterine smooth muscle)?

↑ myometrial excitability

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What hormone is responsible for the development of female genitalia, breasts, & fat distribution?

Estrogen

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Estrogen - effect on Follicle?

↑ growth of follicle

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Estrogen - effect on gonadotropins (LH, FSH)?

Feedback inhibition of LH & FSH, until LH surge

Upregulation of estrogen, LH, & progesterone receptors

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Estrogen - effect on estrogen receptors?

Upregulation of estrogen, LH, & progesterone receptors

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Estrogen - effect on SHBG, HDL, & LDL?

↑ SHBG & HDL

↓ LDL

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Progesterone - effect on body temperature?

↑ body temperature

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Name the 3 androgens in order of their potency.

DHT > Testosterone > Androstenedione

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DHT - major “early” & “late” functions?

Early - Differentiation of penis, scrotum, prostate

Late - Prostate growth, balding, sebaceous gland activity

Describe the pathway of how exogenous Testosterone affects sperm count.

Exogenous testosterone 
→ inhibition of hypothalamic--pituitary--gonadal axis 
→ ↓ intratesticular testosterone 
→ ↓ testicular size 
→ ↓ azoospermia

Azoospermia = No measurable level of sperm in semen

Hormone responsible for deepening of the male voice?

Testosterone

Hormone responsible for differentiation of epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles (internal genitalia, except prostate)?

Testosterone

Hormone responsible for differentiation of prostate?

DHT

Hormone responsible for differentiation of penis?

DHT

Hormone responsible for differentiation of scrotum?

DHT

Hormone responsible for growth spurt?

Testosterone

Hormone responsible for closure of the epiphyseal plates?

Testosterone

Enzyme responsible for conversion of Testosterone & Androstenedione → Estrogen?

Aromatase

Enzyme responsible for conversion of Testosterone → DHT?

5 α-reductase

Menstrual Cycle: __a__ phase can vary in length. __b__ phase is usually a constant 14 days.

a) Follicular (proliferative) | b) Luteal (secretory)

Menstrual Cycle: __a__ stimulates endometrial proliferation. __b__ maintains endometrium to support implantation.

a) Estrogen | b) Progesterone

↓ __?__ → ↓ fertility

↓ progesterone → ↓ fertility

# Define: - Oligomenorrhea | - Polymenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea: >35-day cycle Polymenorrhea: <21-day cycle

# Define: - Metrorrhagia | - Menometrorrhagia

Metrorrhagia = frequent but irregular menstruation Menometrorrhagia = heavy, irregular menstruation @ irregular intervals

When are LH levels greater then FSH levels?

Only during the Luteal Surge. FSH levels are higher during the majority of both the follicular & luteal phases.

__?__ surge stimulates LH release (surge), causing ovulation (rupture of the follicle)

Estrogen

What hormone causes the increase in body temperature during ovulation?

Progesterone

What is Mittelschmerz?

Blood from ruptured follicle or follicular enlargement causes peritoneal irritation that can mimic appendicitis

Primary Oocytes: | Meiosis I is arrested in _____ for years until Ovulation.

prOphase I

Secondary Oocytes: | Meiosis II is arrested in _____ until fertilization.

METaphase II "an egg MET a sperm"

Where does fertilization most commonly occur? | When must this occur w/ respect to ovulation?

Upper end of fallopian tube (the ampulla) | Must occur w/in 1 day of ovulation if not, the secondary oocyte degenerates

Implantation w/in the wall of the uterus occurs ____ days after fertilization

6 days

How soon after fertilization is hCG detectable to give a positive pregnancy test?

Detectable in blood 1 week after conception Detectable in urine 2 weeks after conception

What is the best test to confirm menopause?

↑↑ FSH (loss of negative feedback for FSH due to ↓estrogen) **note: LH & GnRH also increase

Hormone necessary for spermatogenesis in males?

Testosterone

Hormone necessary for male sexual differentiation at Puberty (such as development of muscle mass & libido)?

Testosterone

Hormone responsible for Prostate growth in males?

DHT

Hormone primarily responsible for balding in males?

DHT

Hormone responsible for external male genitalia in the embryo (scrotum & penis)?

DHT

Hormone responsible for facial hair in males?

DHT

____ amplifies the effects of Testosterone due to a much higher affinity at the Testosterone receptors.

DHT