Reproductive hormones

Question 1

What is puberty?

Answer 1

• The period in which adolescents start to develop secondary sexual characteristics

Question 2

Male puberty (common developments and hormones)

Answer 2

• Growth of facial hair
• Voice deepens
• Triggered by testerone that is produced in the testes and also stimulates sperm production

Question 3

Female puberty (common developments and hormones)

Answer 3

• Development of breats
• Start of menstrual cycle
• Triggered by oestrogen that is produced in the ovaries

Question 4

What is the journey of the eggs (ovulation)?

Answer 4

• Eggs are held in ovaries. When an egg has matured and is released, it travels along the fallopean tube to the uterus. If it was fertilised in its journey, it will implant itself in the uterus lining. Otherwise, it would breakdown and pass out

Question 5

What is the average length of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 5

• 28 days (will vary person to person)

Question 6

Explain stage 1 and 2 of the menstrual cycle

Answer 6

• Stage 1 - menstruation:
• Days 1 to 4
• Break down of uterus lining
• Bleeding
• Stage 2:
• Days 4 to 14 (10 days)
• Uterus lining builds up (thick, spongy material with lots of blood vessels)

Question 7

Explain stage 3 and 4 of the menstrual cycle

Answer 7

• Stage 3 - ovulation:
• Day 14 (only 1 day)
• Release of egg from ovary
• Stage 4:
• Days 14 to 28 (or end of cycle)
• Maintaining of uterus lining

Question 8

Explain the characteristics and roles of oestrogen and progesterone

Answer 8

• Oestrogen:
• Produced in ovaries
• Stimulates building up of uterus lining
• Increase in stage 2
• Progesterone:
• Produced in ovaries
• Maintains uterus lining
• Increase in stage 4

Question 9

Explain the characterstics and roles of FSH and LH

Answer 9

• FSH:
• Produced in pituitary gland
• Stimulates maturing of 1 egg
• LH:
• Produced in pituitary gland
• Stimulates release of egg
• Increase in stage 3 (ovulation)

Question 10

Exaplain the communication of all 4 reproductive hormones

Answer 10

• FSH stimulates oestrogen
• Oestrogen inhibits FSH
• Negative feedback (FSH and Oestrogen)
• High levels of oestrogen stimulates LH (ovulation)
• Progesteron inhibits LH and FSH