Reproductive Physiology

Question 1

What are the main female reproductive hormones ?

Answer 1

GnRH - Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (Hypothalamus)

Gonadotrophins - FSH and LH (Pituitary Gland)

Steroid Hormones (Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone - Gonads)

Question 2

Which hormones trigger the cycle and also trigger the release of an egg ?

Answer 2

FSH and LH

Question 3

What are the 2 main phases of the ovarian cycle ?

Answer 3

Follicular Phase and the Luteal Phase

Question 4

Which 2 hormones initiate the growth of new follicles, beginning a new ovarian cycle ?

Answer 4

FSH and LH

Question 5

In the 1st phase which hormone is highest ?

Answer 5

FSH

Question 6

What hormone has a surge before the luteal phase ?

Answer 6

LH

Question 7

When does ovulation occur ?

Answer 7

36 hours after the LH surge

Question 8

What are the 2 main phases of the menstrual cycle ?

Answer 8

Proliferate Phase

Secretory phase

Question 9

What occurs in the Proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle ?

Answer 9

The replacing and repairing of the endometrium from the last cycle

Question 10

What occurs in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle ?

Answer 10

The built-up endometrial lining is thick and prepared for fertilization of the egg.

Question 11

Which is higher in the follicular ohase Oestrogen or Progesterone ?

Answer 11

Estrogen

Question 12

Which is higher in the luteal phase, Oestrogen or Progesterone ?

Answer 12

Progesterone

Question 13

How long does the corpus luteum stay ?

Answer 13

~14 days and then degenerates if their is no pregnancy/fertilization.

Question 14

How does HCG affect the corpus luteum ?

Answer 14

Increases the amount of progesterone - stimulating the lining of the uterus to become thick and vascular.

Question 15

What are Oogonium ?

Answer 15

The stem cells of the ovary

Question 16

When do Oogonium undergo miotic division to produce a primary oocyte ?

Answer 16

Completed shortly after birth.

Question 17

What happens to the primary oocyte at the start of a cycle ?

Answer 17

1 primary oocyte completes 1st meiotic division and releases a haploid secondary oocyte at ovulation.

Question 18

What happens to the secondary oocyte ?

Answer 18

Completes 2nd meiotic division when fertilized by a sperm to form a mature ovum and polar body.

Question 19

Where is sperm produced ?

Answer 19

Testis

Question 20

Where in the testis does spermatogenesis occur ?

Answer 20

Seminiferous tubule

Question 21

What type of cells produce sperm ?

Answer 21

Germ cells

Question 22

What do sertoli cells do ?

Answer 22

Support the sperm producing cell and produce inhibin

Question 23

What to the leydig (Interstitial) cells do ?

Answer 23

Produce testosterone

Question 24

Which hormone activates the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH ?

Answer 24

GnRH

Question 25

FSH acts on which part of the male reproductive system ?

Answer 25

The seminiferous Tubules - Generating spermatogonia.

Question 26

LH acts on which part of the male reproductive system ?

Answer 26

The leydig/interstitial cells of the testes

Question 27

What is the purpose of the leydig cells in the testis?

Answer 27

Production of androgens which are responsible for secondary male sex characteristics.

Question 28

Where is the semen fluid created ?

Answer 28

Seminal vesicles

Question 29

What is the normal process of ejaculation ?

Answer 29

1. Sperm are generated in the testis 2. Sperm travels through vas deferens 3. Seminal vesicles and prostate create semen which is carried alongside sperm to the urethra. 4. Sperm and semen travel through the urethra and are ejaculated out of the penis.

Question 30

How many sperm does one spermatogonium produce ?

Answer 30

4 mature sperm

Question 31

What are some factors which affect Oogenesis/Spermatogenesis ?

Answer 31

Issues with hormonal control i.e. genetic tumours, medications and functional problems. Problems at the site of production i.e. cancer treatment, surgery, trauma or infections.

Question 32

Where in the ovary do the eggs develop ?

Answer 32

The follicles. There will a dominant follicle which will release an egg for fertilization.

Question 33

What happens to the endometrial lining during the proliferative phase ?

Answer 33

The endometrium repairs itself

Question 34

What happens to the lining of the endometrium during the secretory phase ?

Answer 34

The lining is thick and vascular and ready for a fertilized egg.

Question 35

What is needed (hormonal) for the egg to be released?

Answer 35

LH surge

Question 36

What is the action of GnRH ?

Answer 36

From Hypothalamus | Stimulates LH and FSH secretion from the anterior pituitary.

Question 37

What is the action of FSH ?

Answer 37

From anterior pituitary | Stimulates follicular recruitment and development.

Question 38

What is the action of LH ?

Answer 38

From anterior pituitary. Maintains dominant follicle. Induces folicular maturation and ovulation. Stimulate CL function.

Question 39

What is the action of Oestradiol ?

Answer 39

``` From Granulosa cells. Supports female secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive organs. -ve feedback control of LH and Gnrh. Stimulates prolifertive endometrium. -ve control of FSH. ```

Question 40

What is the action of Progesterone ?

Answer 40

From CL Maintenance of secretory endometrium. -ve feedback control of HPO.

Question 41

What does a polar body consist of ?

Answer 41

Nuclear material + egg

Question 42

From the LH surge how long does it take for ovulation to occur ?

Answer 42

~36 hours