LECTURE 8 (Ovulation to Implantation) Flashcards
Describe the first week of development
1) Ovulation
2) Fertilisation
3) Cleavage
4) Cleavage continues
5) Implantation
Which organ controls the Menstrual cycle?
The hypothalamus
Describe the Ovarian cycle
HYPOTHALAMUS produces GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (GnRH) which acts on cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (ADENOHYPOPHYSIS) which secrete GONADOTROPINS -> GONADOTROPINS, FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH) and LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH) stimulate and control cyclic changes in the ovary -> At the beginning of each ovarian cycle, 15-20 primary-stage-preantral follicles are stimulated to grow under the influence of FSH -> Only one follicle reaches full maturity & only one OOCYTE is discharged -> Other follicles degenerate and become ATRETIC
What symptoms can be felt during ovulation?
- Slight pain called MITTELSCHMERZ
[occurs near the middle of the menstrual cycle] - Rise in basal temperature
What can be given to women who fail to ovulate?
Women that fail to ovulate due to a low concentration of GONADOTROPINS can be given an agent ti stimulate gonadotropin release
What happens to Granulosa cells after ovulation?
GRANULOSA CELLS in the wall of the ruptured follicle with cells from the THECA INTERNA are vascularised by surrounding vessels -> Under the influence of LH, the cells develop a YELLOWISH PIGMENT and change into LUTEIN CELLS which form the CORPUS LUTEUM and SECRETE OESTROGENS AND PROGESTERONE -> PROGESTERONE & OESTROGEN cause the UTERINE MUCOSA to enter the PROGESTATIONAL/SECRETORY STAGE in preparation for implantation of the embryo
How long does it take the fertilised oocyte to reach the uterine lumen?
3 to 4 days
Describe how Oocytes move from the ovaries into the uterine tube
FIMBRIAE of the uterine tube sweep over the ovary surface and contract RHTHMICALLY -> Oocyte surrounded by GRANULOSA CELLS is carried into the tube by sweeping movements of FIMBRIAE and by motion of cilia on epithelial lining -> Once in tube, CUMULUS CELLS withdraw their cytoplasmic processes from ZONA PELLUCIDA and lose contact with the oocyte -> Oocyte is propelled by MUSCULAR CONTRACTIONS of the tube and CILIA
What happens if fertilisation does not occur?
CORPUS LUTEUM reaches maximum development around 9 days after ovulation -> CORPUS LUTEUM shrinks because of degeneration of LUTEIN CELLS and forms the CORPUS ALBICANS -> PROGESTERONE production decreases causing menstrual bleeding
What happens if fertilisation does occur?
CORPUS LUTEUM continues to grow and forms the CORPUS LUTEUM OF PREGNANCY -> Yellowish LUTEAL CELLS continue to secrete progesterone until the end of the fourth month -> Luteal cells regress slowly as secretion of progesterone component of the placenta becomes adequate for maintenance of pregnancy
Degeneration of the corpus luteum is prevented by which hormone secreted by embryo?
Human chorionic gonadotropin
Describe what happens to Primary oocytes during meiosis
One PRIMARY OOCYTE gives rise to four daughter cells (each with 22 plus 1 X chromosome) -> Only one of these develops into a mature gamete (OOCYTE) -> The other three (THE POLAR BODIES) receive little cytoplasm and degenerate during development
Describe what happens to Primary spermatocytes during meiosis
One PRIMARY SPERMATOCYTE gives rise to four daughter cells (two with 22 plus 1 X chromosomes and two with 22 plus 1 Y chromosomes) -> All four develop into mature gametes
What is Fertilisation?
The process by which female and male gametes fuse
Where does Fertilisation occur?
In the AMPULLARY REGION of the uterine tube (the widest part of the tube and is close to the ovary)
How does movement of sperm from the cervix to the uterine tube occur?
By muscular contractions of the uterus and uterine tube and very little by their own propulsion
How long does the trip from the cervix to the oviduct take?
30 mins to 6 days
Fertilisation can only occur after the spermatozoa undergoes which processes?
1) Capacitation
2) The acrosome reaction