Reproductive system Flashcards
(40 cards)
Describe the role of ovaries in the female reproductive system.
Ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, which are hormones that stimulate and control the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system.
Explain the function of estrogen in the female reproductive system.
Estrogen is a steroid hormone that controls the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and influences sex drive.
Define progesterone and its role in the reproductive process.
Progesterone maintains the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg and supports the growth and development of an embryo.
How is progesterone synthesis regulated in the ovaries?
The synthesis and secretion of progesterone are controlled by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) released from the anterior pituitary.
What hormones control the release of FSH and LH?
The release of FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) is controlled by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus.
Describe the process of oogenesis.
Oogenesis is the process by which ovaries produce and release eggs, regulated by hormones from the pituitary gland.
Explain the significance of oocytes in female reproduction.
Females have 200,000 to 380,000 oocytes at sexual maturity, but only about 380 are ovulated before menopause.
What marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle?
Day 0 marks the beginning of follicular development in the ovary and the start of menstrual flow in the uterus.
How does menstrual flow occur during the menstrual cycle?
Menstrual flow results from the breakdown of the endometrium, which releases blood and tissue breakdown products from the uterus through the vagina.
Define the role of the hypothalamus in the female reproductive system.
The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which regulates the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary.
Describe the changes in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle.
The endometrium begins to grow again after menstruation, gradually thickening as oocytes in both ovaries develop, leading to ovulation.
Explain the significance of Day 14 in the menstrual cycle.
Day 14 marks ovulation, after which the uterine lining continues to grow for another 14 days. If fertilization does not occur, the absence of progesterone leads to the disintegration of the lining and the start of a new menstrual cycle.
How does menopause affect women in their 40s and 50s?
Menopause leads to the cessation of the menstrual cycle and a significant reduction in estrogen, which can cause mood swings and headaches.
What is hormone replacement therapy and its purpose during menopause?
Hormone replacement therapy provides an external source of estrogen to alleviate symptoms caused by the reduction of estrogen during menopause.
Define the fertilization process in human reproduction.
Fertilization occurs in the oviduct within 12–24 hours of ovulation, where sperm penetrate the follicle cells around the egg, fuse membranes, and activate the egg, leading to the formation of a zygote.
Explain the role of calcium ions during fertilization.
Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are released upon the fusion of sperm and egg membranes, activating the egg, completing meiosis, and forming a zygote.
Describe the early development of the zygote after fertilization.
The zygote undergoes mitotic divisions and, around 7 days post-ovulation, the embryo implants in the uterine lining.
What is the function of hCG in early pregnancy?
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is secreted by the embryo to maintain the corpus luteum and prevent the mother’s immune system from rejecting the embryo.
Describe the role of hCG in pregnancy tests.
hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is the hormone detected in pregnancy tests to confirm pregnancy.
Explain the function of the placenta after implantation.
After implantation, the placenta forms and supplies nutrients to the growing embryo while also providing support.
How does the corpus luteum contribute to maintaining the uterine lining during early pregnancy?
The corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone, which help maintain the uterine lining to support the embryo.
What is the purpose of the mucus plug during pregnancy?
The mucus plug forms to block the cervix, protecting the embryo from external threats.
At what point does the placenta take over hormone secretion during pregnancy?
Around 10 weeks after implantation, the placenta takes over hormone secretion from the corpus luteum.
What happens to the corpus luteum after the placenta takes over hormone secretion?
The corpus luteum regresses but continues to produce relaxin, which prevents uterine contractions until birth.
