female sex hormones

Question 1

Hypothalamic - Pituitary - Gonadal Axis

Answer 1

Hypothalamus releases GnRH
↓ acts on pituitary gland
Pituitary gland releases LH and FSH
↓ stimulate development of follicles in ovaries
Theca Granulosa cells around follicles secrete oestrogen
↓ -ve feedback oestrogen inhibits hypothalamus + ant. pituitary
= suppression of FSH and LH.

Question 2

functions of oestrogen

Answer 2

steroid sex hormone produced by ovaries in response to LH and FSH
- 17-beta oestradiol is most prevalent and active version

acts on oestrogen receptors to promote 2’ sexual characteristics
stimulates:
- breast tissue development
- growth + development of female sex organs
- vascularisation of uterus
- development of endometrium

Question 3

functions of progesterone

Answer 3

steroid sex hormone produced by corpus luteum after ovulation
- from 10 wks gestation progesterone produced by placenta

acts on tissues that were previously stimulated by oestrogen:
- thickens and maintains endometrium
- thickens cervical mucus (to protect developing pregnancy from bacteria)
- increase body temp

Question 4

Tanner stage 1 (females)

Answer 4

under 10
no pubic hair
no breast development

Question 5

Tanner stage 2

Answer 5

10-11
light and thin pubic hair
breast buds from behind areola

Question 6

tanner stage 3

Answer 6

11-13
curly and course pubic hair
breasts begin to elevate beyond areola

Question 7

tanner stage 4

Answer 7

13-14
adult like pubic hair but not reaching thigh
areolar mound forms and projects from surrounding breast

Question 8

Tanner stage 5

Answer 8

14+
hair extending to medial thigh
areolar mounds reduce + adult breasts form