Introduction to reproduction L14 Flashcards
Hypothalamus
Homeostatic regulator for reproduction, stress, body temp, hunger, thirst and sleep. Neuroendocrine organ which processes both neural and hormonal information.
Neurosecretory peptide hormones
Oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH or vasopressin)
Oxytocin and ADH
Synthesised in hypothalamus and transported to posterior pituitary, where they are stored and released.
Water soluble hormones (Peptides and proteins)
Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) - Hypothalamus
Follicle-stimulating hormone - Anterior pituitary
Luteinising hormone - Anterior pituitary
Oxytocin - Posterior pituitary
Lipid soluble hormones (Steroid hormones)
Androgens - Testes
Oestrogens - Ovary
Progestagens - Ovary
Negative feedback
A mechanism which involves signalling between the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the target organ.
Regulation of pituitary secretion cells
Regulation of gonadotrophin secretion
Hormone FSH in females
Stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, leading to estrogen production.
Hormone FSH in males
Stimulates Sertoli cells in the testes to support spermatogenesis (sperm production).
Hormone LH in females
Triggers ovulation by causing the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle. Also supports the formation of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.
Hormone LH in males
Stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, which is essential for sperm maturation and male secondary sexual characteristics.
Three major classes of sex steroid hormones
Androgens, estrogens and progestogens.
Tolestrone
Main secretory product of the testis, associated with the development and maintenance of male characteristics and fertility.
5 alpha Dihydrotestoterone (DHT)
More active form of testosterone which is involved in puberty and maintaining male structures throughout a lifetime.
Key properties of testosterone
Male sex development
Spermatogenesis
Sexual behaviour
Muscle development
Androgens
Group of reproductive hormones most abundant in males, produced from the adrenal cortex through adipose tissue. Important for hair growth, libido, bone health and muscle health.
Types of Oestrogens
Oestradiol, oestrone, oestriol
Main site of oestrogen production (and Oestradiol)
Granulosa cells of the growing follicle
Oestrogens
Development and maintenance of female characteristics and fertility
Oestrone
Weaker oestrogen produced in the adipose tissue for both males and females. Main source of oestrogen for males.
Oestriol
Weak oestrogen important in the maintenance of pregnancy, helps soften the cervix in childbirth.
Key properties of oestrogens
Female sex development
Regulation of the menstrual cycle
Growth of the endometrium (place where implantation of the embryo occurs)
Bone growth
Progesterone
Major steroidal hormone of the corpus luteum and the placenta only for females - produced after ovulation. Associated with the preparations for pregnancy and maintenance.