Female reproductive system Flashcards
The spike of what hormone stimulates ovulation?
LH spike at midcycle
What becomes of the granulosa cells that remain embedded in the ovarian cortex following ovulation?
Form corpus luteum
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?
- Continues to produce estrogen and PG for about 14 days to maintain endometrial lining2. Degenerates to become corpus albicans, resulting in drop in estrogen and PG levels, causing endometrium to shed
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does occur?
- Persists beyond second half of menstrual cycle; maintained by hCG released by syncytiotrophoblast of chorion2. Continues to produce estrogen and PG to maintain endometrium
What are the microscopic features of the ovary?
- Germinal epithelium2. Tunica albuginea3. Cortical region4. Medullary region
What is the result of oogenesis?
One mature ovum and three polar bodies
When does meiosis I occur during oogenesis?
Prenatally
Prenatally, at what stage does meiosis I arrest?
Prophase
When is a primordial germ cell referred to as a primary oocyte?
Once it enters meiosis I
What type of cell is found within primordial follicles in the newborn ovarian cortex?
Primary oocytes; suspended in prophase I
When does meiosis I resume in a primary oocyte?
Prior to ovulation (completes meiosis I)
What is the term for the cell at the end of meiosis I?
Secondary oocyte
Is there interphase prior to onset of meiosis II?
No
Where does meiosis II arrest?
Metaphase II
When the secondary oocyte is released at ovulation, in which phase is it?
Metaphase II
When will the secondary oocyte complete meiosis II to become a mature ovum?
Only if fertilized
When does follicle development begin?
Puberty
What comprises an ovarian follicle?
- Oocyte2. Epithelial follicular cells or epithelial granulosa cells
Which follicles contain a primary oocyte in prophase I?
- Primordial2. Growing (primary, unilaminar, multilaminar, secondary)
Which follicles contain a secondary oocyte in metaphase II?
Mature (Graafian)
What are features of the primordial follicle?
- Has primary oocyte in prophase I2. Simple squamous follicle cells with desmosomes3. Basal lamina4. Formed prenatally5. Dormant, most immature follicle6. Present in ovary at birth and until menopause