Female Reproductive System Flashcards
What are the differences between oogenesis and spermatogenesis?
Oogeneis begins before birth, spermatogenesis after
Meiotic divisions result in 1 egg & 2/3 polar bodies in oogenesis, but result in 4 symmetrical sperm during spermatogenesis
Oogenesis meiosis is interrupted for long time, Meiosis is not interrupted in spermatogenesis
What are the 3 stages of follicle development?
Primary/Preantral stage
Secondary/Graafian/Antral stage
Preovulatory stage
What changes does the primary oocyte/primordial follicle undergo during the preantral/primary stage?
Epithelial cells proliferate
Change from squamous to cuboidal (granulosa cells)
Secretion of Zona pellucida
When do primary oocytes enter the diplotene stage?
Month 8/9
What events take place during the Graafian stage of development of follicles?
Cumulus oophorus
Oocyte no longer at the center
Theca interna, Theca externa
Formation of antrum (fluid-filled space)
When does the Graafian oocyte complete meiosis I?
In the preovulatory stage
Which hormone pushes the graafian follicle into the preovulatory stage?
LH
How do the thecal cells stimule the graafian follicle to complete meiosis I?
By secreting estrogen, which causes pituitary gland to secrete more LH, which causes the follicle to enter stage 3 and complete meiosis I
At which meiotic phase does the pre-ovulatory follicle get stuck in?
metaphase II 3 hours before ovulation
What are the 3 phases of the ovarian cycle?
Follicular
Ovulation
Luteal
Explain the mechanism of ovulation.
increase in LH = stigma on follicle balloons + collagenase activity increases
increase in LH = increase in prostaglandin –> contractions of ovary wall = expulsion of oocyte into peritoneal cavity
Some women experience “middle pain”. When and why?
Occur around midcycle (day 14/28) due to ovulation
How can you have an idea that a female patient may be undergoing ovulation or is about to?
Ovulation is accompanied by slight drop in basal body temperatu
