hormones in human reproduction Flashcards
bbc bitesize
clomifene
definition
Fertility drug used to stimulate ovulation (egg release).
corpus lutuem
definition
The remains of the follicle in a mammalian ovary after it has released an ovum (egg) into the fallopian tube. The corpus lutuem secretes hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.
follicule
definition
Fluid filled ball of cells found in the ovary containing an ovum (egg).
FSH
definition
Follicle Stimulating Hormone. It stimulates oestrogen production and the growth of follicles (egg-sacs) in the ovary. It is secreted by the pituitary gland.
gland
definition
An organ or tissue that makes a substance for release, such as a hormone.
hormone
definition
Chemical messenger produced in glands and carried by the blood to specific organs in the body.
IVF
definition
The letters stand for ‘in vitro fertilisation’. This involves bringing the sperm and the egg together to create an embryo, which is placed into the woman’s womb to increase the chance of giving birth.
LH
definition
Luteinising Hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, which stimulates ovulation.
menstrual cycle
definition
Recurring series of events in the human female reproductive system.
menstruation
definition
Also called a ‘period’. The loss of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus through the vagina during the menstrual cycle.
negative feedback mechanism
definition
Mechanism to lower raised levels of something, and to raise reduced levels of something.
oestrogen
definition
A female sex hormone produced in the ovaries, which is responsible for puberty in girls and the regulation of the menstrual cycle.
ovulation
definition
The process of releasing an egg from an ovary.
placenta
definition
The organ in the uterus of pregnant mammals that allows the transfer of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the fetus through the umbilical cord.
progesterone
definition
Sex hormone produced by the ovaries and placenta.
uterus
definition
Also known as a womb. This is where the fertilised egg (ovum) develops.
What is a hormone?
A hormone is a chemical substance, produced by a gland and carried by the blood, which alters the activity of specific target organs (and is then destroyed by the liver).
What is menstruation?
The menstrual cycle is a recurring process that takes around 28 days. During the process, the lining of the uterus is prepared for pregnancy. If implantation of the fertilised egg into the uterus lining does not happen, the lining is then shed. This is known as menstruation.
What do the hormones involved in menstruation do?
basic
Several hormones control this cycle - for example, they are involved in controlling the release of an egg each month from an ovary, and changing the thickness of the uterus lining.
Several hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle of a woman:
- follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the maturation of an egg in the ovary
- luteinising hormone (LH) stimulates the release of the egg
- oestrogen is involved in repairing and thickening the uterus lining, progesterone maintains the uterine lining
Menstrual cycle
step by step
1) Menstruation
2) Linging of the uterus builds up.
Egg is released.
3) Lining maintaining.
4) Lining breaks down (menstruation)
Menstrual cycle
What does the pituitary gland do and what does this cause?
The pituitary gland produces FSH which causes the development of a follicle in the ovary.