Neurohormonal Basis of Female Reproductive Cycle

Question 1

The female reproductive cycle is driven by a feedback loops between what structures? (2)

Answer 1

• Anterior pituitary
• Ovaries

Question 2

How long is the typical female reproductive cycle?

Answer 2

28 days

Question 3

The female reproductive cycle can range from ______

Answer 3

20 - 45 days

Question 4

The menstrual cycle consists of what 2 interrelated cycles?

Answer 4

• Ovarian cycle
• Endometrial cycle

Question 5

What are the 3 phases of the ovarian cycle?

Answer 5

• Follicular phase
• Ovulatory phase
• Luteal phase

Question 6

What is the function of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)?

Answer 6

Stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen

Question 7

What is the function of luteinizing hormone (LH)?

Answer 7

Stimulates corpus luteum to produce progesterone

Question 8

Describe the feedback mechanism that regulates LH and FSH secretion

Answer 8

Elevated estrogen inhibits FSH and promotes LH

Question 9

How long does the follicular phase last?

Answer 9

12 - 14 days

Question 10

When does the follicular phase begin?

Answer 10

First day of menstruation

Question 11

Describe the follicular phase (2)

Answer 11

• Follicle matures
• Estrogen is produced

Question 12

When does the ovulatory phase begin?

Answer 12

Day 14 - peak of estrogen levels

Question 13

Describe the ovulatory phase (2)

Answer 13

• Oocyte is released from the mature follicle
• Ovum enters ampulla of fallopian tube

Question 14

Lower abdominal discomfort on the side where ovulation has occurred is known as ______

Answer 14

Mittelschmerz

Question 15

How long is the ovum fertile for?

Answer 15

6 - 24 hours

Question 16

The LH surge triggers ______ 1 - 2 days after ovulation

Answer 16

A rise in temperature

Question 17

When does the luteal phase occur?

Answer 17

After ovulation until the start of menstruation

Question 18

Under the influence of LH, the ______ develops from the ruptured follicle

Answer 18

Corpus luteum

Question 19

What happens if fertilization does not occur? (4)

Answer 19

• Corpus luteum degenerates
• Estrogen and progesterone decrease
• LH and FSH increase
• Menstruation begins

Question 20

What happens if fertilization occurs? (2)

Answer 20

• Corpus luteum continues to release progesterone and estrogen
• Fertilized egg secretes hCG

Question 21

What are the 3 phases of the endometrial cycle?

Answer 21

• Proliferative phase
• Secretory phase
• Menstrual phase

Question 22

Describe the proliferative phase

Answer 22

Endometrium prepares for implantation - becomes thicker

Question 23

What phases of the ovarian cycle correlate with the proliferative phase? (2)

Answer 23

• Follicular phase
• Ovulatory phase

Question 24

What is the primary hormone during the proliferative phase?

Answer 24

Estrogen

Question 25

Describe the secretory phase

Answer 25

Endometrium continues to thicken

Question 26

What phase of the ovarian cycle correlates with the secretory phase?

Answer 26

Luteal phase

Question 27

What is the primary hormone during the secretory phase?

Answer 27

Progesterone

Question 28

When does the development of the endometrium peak?

Answer 28

7 - 8 days after ovulation (most favorable time for implantation)

Question 29

Describe the menstrual phase

Answer 29

Sloughing off of endometrial tissue