A + P Reproductive System II Flashcards
female reproductive cycle
- two cycles
- other components that affect the reproductive cycle
ovarian cycle uterine cycle other -hormonal changes that regulate them -cyclical changes in the breasts and the cervix
ovarian cycle
- what is it
- phases
a series of events associated with the maturation and release of an ovum phases -follicular phase -ovulation -luteal phase
follicular phase
-days
period of follicular growth in the ovary
most variable in length, from 10-14 days
ovulation
-days
once the follicle has ripened, the ovary releases the ovum
occurs approximately on day 14
luteal phase
-days
days 15-28
luteal phase
-if fertilization and implantation do not occur
corpus luteum degenerates
decreased secretion of progesterone and estrogens
-causes shedding of the stratum functionalis
-initiates another uterine and ovarian cycle
luteal phase
-if fertilization and implantation do occur
will occur within 24 hours after ovulation
corpus luteum is maintained until the placents takes over its hormone-producing function
during this time th ecorpus luteum secretes estrogens and progesterone to support pregnancy and breast development for lactation
this interrupts the menstrual cycle and prevents the loss of the stratum functionalis
once the placenta begins its secretion, the corpus luteum will degenerate
uterine (menstrual) cycle
involves changes in the endometrium to prepare for the reception of a fertilized ovum
highly variable duration from 20-45 days (28 is average)
uterine cycle phases
menses (menstruation)
proliferative phase
secretory phase
menses
- days
- 1st day
- stratum functionalis
- secondary follicles
first 3-7 days of the cycle
1st day of menstruation or blooding considered 1st day of the cycle
during this phase, the stratum functionalis is shed, which discharges blood tissue fluid, mucus, and epithelial cells
small secondary follicles in each ovary begin to develop from primary follicles
proliferative phase
- days
- endometrium
lasts from days 6-13 in a 28-day cycle
endometrium adds a new layer of cells (stratum basalis) in anticipation of implantation of a fertilized ovum
secretory phase
- days
- after ovulation
- if no pregnancy
usually on day 14 in a 28-day cycle
after ovulation, hormones from the corpus luteum convert the stratum basalis into a secretory structure and the stratum functionalis is formed
if no pregnancy occurs during this phase, the stratum functionalis is prepared to be released again during menses
when does hormonal regulation of the female reproductive cycle begin
onset of puberty
hormones involved in the female reproductive cycle
GnRH Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) leutenizing hormone (LH) estrogens progesterone relaxin inhibin
GnRH
- from
- controls
- stimulates
from the hypothalamus
controls ovarian and uterine cycles
stimulates the relase of FSH and LH by the anterior pituitary gland
follicle-stimulating hormone
-stimulates
stimulates
- secretion of estrogens by the ovaries
- initial development of ovarian follicles
- full development of at least one follicle each month to produce a mature ovum
leutenizing hormone
-stimulates
stimulates
- further development of ovarian follicles
- ovulation
- secretion of estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries
estrogens
- how many
- functions
at least 6 different estrogens have been isolated from the plasma of human females
functions
-development and maintenance of female reproductive structures, menstruation, secondary sex characteristics
-regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance
-stimulation of protein synthesis
progesterone
- works with
- function
works with estrogens to prepare the endometrium for implantation and the mammary glands for milk synthesis
relaxin
- when is it produced
- function
- during pregnancy
produced monthly to relax the uterus by inhibiting contractions
-makes it easier for a fertilized ovum to implant in the uterus
during pregnancy, relaxin relaxes the pubic symphysis and helps dilate the uterine cervix to facilitate delivery