What is the normal range of menstrual cycle length?
21-35 days
How many days does menstruation usually last and how much blood is usually lost?
Average duration of menses 3-8 days
Normal estimated blood loss - approximately 30 ml
What day does ovulation usually occur in a 28 day cycle?
14
Describe what happens during follicular development?
Granulosa cells around egg enlarge
Release oestrogen
causes this uterine lining to thicken
What colour is the corpus luteum and why?
Luteum = latin for yellow
Due to cholesterol
When is the peak progesterone usually taken?
1 week after ovulation takes place
What attaches the ovary to the pelvic side wall?
IP ligament
Describe the release pattern of GnRH and its half life?
pulsatile manner
T1/2 = 2-4 mins
What enzyme is activated by FSH to promote the production of oestrogen?
Aromatase
What receptors does oestrogen act on?
- Induces FSH and LH receptors
What cells are acted on by LH?
Theca cells
Where is Activin found and what is its role?
Found in follicular fluid
Stimulates FSH induced oestrogen production
Where is inhibin found and what is its role?
- peptide in the follicular fluid
- ve feedback on FSH
- Locally enhances LH-induced androstenedione production
What cells are found in the seminiferous tubules of the testis?
Sertoli cells
Germ cells
What cells are found in the interstitium of the testes?
Leydig cells
Capillaries
Describe the process of fertilisation once the sperm meets the egg
- Chemotaxis
- Release of acrosomal enzymes
- Binding of sperm
- Passage through extracellular envelope
- Fusion of pronuclei
