13.5 Ovary

Question 1

What cells make up the follicle and how are they organized?

Answer 1

The follicle is an oocyte in the center surrounded by granulosa cells and then theca cells further out.

Question 2

What is the function of theca cells?

Answer 2

Respond to LH to produce androgens

Question 3

What is the function of granulosa cells?

Answer 3

Respond to FSH to convert androgen from theca cells to estradiol

Question 4

What does the corpus luteum mainly secrete?

Answer 4

Progesterone

Question 5

What can degeneration of follicles lead to?

Answer 5

Follicular Cysts

Question 6

What is the main cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Answer 6

Increased LH and low FSH such that the ratio is greater than 2 which creates excess amounts of androgen

Question 7

What causes the low amount of FSH in PCOS?

Answer 7

Androgen converted to estrone peripherally will feed back to the anterior pituitary leading to decreased FSH secretion

Question 8

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Answer 8

• Infertility
• Oligomenorrhea
• Hirsutism

Question 9

What are PCOS patients at increased risk for?

Answer 9

Endometrial Carcinoma