Female Physiology Flashcards
What is oogenesis?
The creation and production of oocytes
What occurs in the first 7 months of oogenesis?
Oogonia die and some divide via meiosis to produce primary oocytes
To which phase of meiosis do primary oocytes divide to?
Prophase until diplotene phase where they are held until puberty
When is meiosis continued ?
At the onsite of puberty
How many oocytes mature and ovulate?
400
What type of oocytes are capable of fertilisation?
Secondary oocytes
When are females at their most fertile ?
19 - 31 years old
Which stage of ovum development and maturity is independent on FSH?
Development from an oocyte to a primordial follicle to a primary follicle
Which stage of ovum development and maturity is dependent on FSH?
Development of a primary follicle to a theca cell to a mature follicle into ovulation
What occurs after ovulation?
The corpus luteum and the corpus albicans develops
What is female reproduction reliant on?
THE HPO AXIS, HORMONES, THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND THE OVARIAN CYCLE
Explain the HPO axis?
Hypothalamus releases GnRH which stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH which triggers the ovaries to release oestrogen, progesterone and ova
What does GnRH do?
Stimulates LH and FSH section from Ant. Pituitary
What does FSH do?
Stimulates follicular recruitment and development
What does LH do?
Maintains dominant follicle induces follicular maturation and ovulation. Stimulates the Corpus Luteum function
What is the function of oestradiol?
Supporsts secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive organs
Negative feedback control of LH and GnRH
Positive control of LH surge
Negative control of FSH
What is the function of progesterone?
To maintain secretory endometrium, -ve feedback control of HPO
When ovarian follicle is growing, what happens to LH and FSH levels?
FSH levels are higher than LH levels to permit for follicle growth
What happens during the LH spike?
The mature follicle forms the CL
When does ovulation occur in the FSH and LH cycle?
36 hours after the LH surge
For how long into pregnancy does the CL produce progesterone?
12-13 Weeks
At the start of the cycle, what occurs to oestrogen and progesterone?
Oestrogen levels are higher than progesterone
When are progesterone levels higher than oestrogen levels?
During ovulation
What occurs as oestrogen levels rise?
Menstruation