Intro To Reproduction Flashcards
Basics of reproduction
-essential/non essential for what
-the only system that differed between males and females
Essential for survival of species but not specifically animal
Female generates mature egg called…
-function in reproduction
Oocyte
-Receives germ cells from male
-Facilitates fertilisation, implantation
-Nurtures embryonic and fetal growth
-Deliver foetus
-Provide nourishment in early life
Male role of reproduction
Production of mature sperm for fertilisation
Name the parts of female sex organ
On anki cards repro
What organ controls the gonads of reproductive system
Brain (hypothalamus)—>controls activity of pituitary gland that release the hormones which activate gonads
What is the gonad
The part of the reproductive system that produces and releases eggs (ovary) or sperm (testicle/testis)
Which hormone links the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland (regulates reproduction)
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
What type of hormone is GnRH (Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone)?
decapeptide protein hormone
Size of decapeptide protein hormone and cleaved between what positions of amino acids?
Very small molecule
Between positions 6 & 7
Communication between the pituitary gland and the gonads is via which hormones
Luteinising Hormone
(LH) and
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
(Both are a type of gonadotropin hormone)
The LH and FSH are released from what lobe of pituitary gland?
Anterior pituitary
LH and FSH are both types of
Gonadotrophin hormones
Where is Hypothalamic pituitary system/ reproductive axis found?
Sits at base of brain
Name the structures of the hypothalamic-pituitary system and more structures
On anki cards repro
Posterior pituitary gland forms from….
Hypothalamus during foetal life
I.e anterior and posterior come from different structures
Which fluid is found in the hypothalamus?
Third ventricle cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
What is the median eminence?
-where is it found
Structure at the base of hypothalamus
-critical area where hormones coming from hypothalamus are released to go into pituitary gland
(Neuro hemo organ containing capillary Bed into which hypothalamic neurosecretory fibres will release their hormones)
Once hormones released into median eminence how are they transmitted to anterior pituitary?
Transmitted through blood vessels called hypophysial portal system (portal vessel)
Location of the GnRH neurone cell bodies?
Where do they project their neurones to?
Found in preoptic area
Terminals of GnRH nerurones lie down at region called arcuate nucleus (the arch)
Why are the GnRH hormones released first into portal vessels after being in median eminence and not transported straight to bloodstream?
Have very short half life so have to released somewhere near to quickly get degraded and activated
The GnRH release pattern is…
Pulsatile (beating rythmically)
Where are gonadroph cells found?
What do they contain?
-Anterior pituitary gland
-Contain GnRH receptors for the GnRH hormone
GnRH must be released in a …
Pulsatile manner for it to have an intracellular effect
What are the similarities & differences between structures of LH and FSH hormones
-both have same alpha subunit but different beta subunits
-both containing N-linked glycosylation sites
