Endocrine Control Female Reproduction 1 Flashcards

Describe the components of the female reproductive system.

1
Q

What are the unique features of the endocrine control of reproduction?

A
  • Pulsatile secretion of the hypothalamic releasing hormone GnRH
  • Synthesis of both pituitary trophic hormones, LH and FSH, by the same cell, the gonadotrope
  • The critical role of pulsatile GnRH secretion in the regulation of LH and FSH release
  • In women, positive hormone feedback by E2
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2
Q

List the components of the female reproductive system.

A
  • Hypothalamus
  • Gonadotropes
  • Ovary
  • Uterus
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3
Q

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the female reproductive system?

A
  • GnRH in the arcuate nucleus of medial basal hypothalamus
    • Decapeptide synthesized and secreted into portal circulation in pulses
  • Migrate with olfactory placode during fetal development
  • Anosmia and other midline defects found in GnRH
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4
Q

What is the role of gonadotropes in the female reproductive system?

A
  • About 10% of the anterior pituitary - gonadotropes
  • Secretes LH and FSH
    • common alpha-subunit to TSH and hCG
    • beta subunit is unique
    • Role of LH
      • stumlates androstenedione and testosterone production by ovarian follical theca cells
      • stimulates progesterone production by granulosa-lutein cells of the corpus luteum as well as inhibin A production
    • Role of FSH
      • regulates E2 production by stimulating ovarian follicle granulosa cell growth and aromatase activity as well as inhibin B production
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5
Q

What is the role of the vary in the female reproductive system?

A
  • Gamete - oocyte in meiosis, full complement at birth
  • Steroidogenic cells - follicles contain granulosa and theca cells
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6
Q

What is the role of the uterus in the female reproductive system?

A
  • Uterine lining, the endometrium, is exquisitely sensitive to estrogen and progestins
  • Shedding of the functional portion of the endometrium following the withdrawal of E2 and P secretion results in menses
  • The remaining endometrium regenerates in response to E2
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