Female Reproduction

Question 0

The menstrual cycle is two separate, coordinated cycles. What are they?

Answer 0

Development of and rupture of Graafian follicle into Fallopian tube and the breakdown and build-up of the surface of the placenta.

Question 1

List the developmental stages of primordial germ cells to fertilized eggs and list when these things happen.

Answer 1

1. Primordial Germ Cells (Oogonia) - up to 20/24 wks gestation
2. Primary Oocyte - Starting Gestational Wk 8/9 and completed at about 6 mos after birth, stalled at first stage of meiosis
3. The FOLLICLE AROUND THE OOCYTE develops to primary follicle (w/ granulosa cells) and stays dormant until puberty.
   Stage 2:
4. At puberty, groups of primary follicles w/ oocytes further develop to include other levels (eg., thecal cells) and become ANTRAL (GRAAFIAN) FOLLICLES

Question 2

Phases of Ovarian Menstrual Cycle and phases of uterine menstrual cycle.

Answer 2

1a. Follicular phase in ovaries (proliferative phase of uterine).
1b. Uterine switches to secretory phase.
2. Ovulation
3. Luteal phase

Question 3

Major events of Follicular Menstrual phase (Ovarian and hormonal events).

Answer 3

Development of primary follicle to Graafian. Choose one follicle to develop.
Estrogen SURGE before ovulation causes positive feed-forward of LH and FSH secretion. Beginning of LH/FSH surge.

Question 4

Major event(s) of Ovulation Phase (ovarian and hormonal events).

Answer 4

Peak of LH/FSH surge causes

Ovulation

Question 5

Major event(s) of Luteal Phase.

Answer 5

Progesterone becomes more abundant than Estrogen (from corpus luteum).
Negative feedback on FSH and LH, so that estrogen pulses slow down.

Question 6

Estrogen Functions in Development of Female Reproductive tract

Answer 6

Develop the internal structures: Uterus, Fallopian Tubes, Cervix, Vagina
Puberty and secondary sex characteristics
Proliferation of granulosa cells in follicle development
Pulsatile Negative feedback on LH/FSH secretion at low levels (upregulation at higher levels before ovulation)
Lower uterine threshold to contractile sitmuli
Blocks action of prolactin (inhibits breast milk production)
Build-up effects on bone (majorly decrease osteoclast, minorly increase osteoblast)

Question 7

Progesterone Effects on Female Reproductive Tract

Answer 7

Uterine secretions in luteal phase
Reduce estrogen effects in uterus
Negative feedback on LH/FSH
RAISE uterine threshold for contractile stimuli
Stimulate transietn breast epithelial proliferation (coordinate with estrogen)
Imcrease body temp

Question 8

How do estrogens act?

Answer 8

Multiple receptors IN NUCLEUS and act as transcription regulators.
Need two estrogens + ligands that will dimerize and bind to estrogen response element.
Recruit coactivator molecules to get histone acetylases and other transcription factors to come and start transcription.