1. Reproductive Physiology

Question 1

What hormonal changes in females cause ovulation?

Answer 1

Rapid peak of LH and FSH midcycle

Question 2

Briefly describe the changes in tissue structure during the normal human menstrual cycle.

Answer 2

Estrogen released from thecal cells of growing and mature follicles cause proliferation (from 2-4mm)
Progesterone and estrogen released by developing corpus luteum causes secretory phase. (7-16mm)

Question 3

How long is folliculogenesis?

Answer 3

3 months

Question 4

Outline the stages of folliculogenesis

Answer 4

Primordial follicle –> Primary follicle –> Growing follicle –> Antral follicle –> Ruptured follicle to release 2nd oocyte –> Corpus luteum –> Degenerating corpus luteum

Question 5

During ovulation, which phase in meiosis is the mature oocyte in?

Answer 5

Oocyte is 2n
Meiotic arrest (Metaphase 2)

Question 6

How long does the oocyte after entering fallopian tube have before it degenerates?

Answer 6

24 hours

Question 7

Describe the process after fertilization that occurs in oocyte and sperm.

Answer 7

• Meiosis of maternal chromosomes resume, forming female pronucleus (23 chromatids) and 2nd polar body
• Sperm chromosomes decondense to form male pronucleus (23 chromatids)
• Chromatids in both pronuclei are duplicated
• Align on mitotic spindle, and are separated inot 2 identical ‘daughter’ cells (1st cleavage division of embryo)