Ovulation To Implantation

Question 1

What controls the ovarian cycle?

Answer 1

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland

Question 2

What does the body release to control the ovarian cycle and from where are these released?

Answer 2

Gonadotropins

From the pituitary gland and hypothalamus

Question 3

Which gonadotropics control the ovarian cycle?

Answer 3

FSH and LH
(Follicle stimulating hormone)
(Luteinizing hormone)

Question 4

Describe the effects of FSH on a primary oocyte

Answer 4

Follicle stimulating hormone supports the maturation of a primary oocyte

Question 5

Describe the maturation of a primary oocyte; which hormone supports the maturation?

Answer 5

A primary oocyte is arrested in prophase of meiosis 1 - surrounded by follicular cells - grows and matures into a growing follicle surrounded by zona pellucida and granulosa cells (cuboidal now and not flat) - finally matures into a vesicular follicle with zona pellucida, granulosa cells, antrum, theca interna, and theca externa
FSH supports this maturation (follicle stimulating hormone)

Question 6

What are the three different stages of maturation of a primary oocyte into a mature follicle?

Answer 6

Primordial Follicle
Growing Follicle
Vesicular Follicle

Question 7

Describe the growth and differentiation between a primordial follicle and a growing follicle during the ovarian cycle

Answer 7

A primordial follicle is a primary oocyte surrounded by flat follicular cells
Maturation changes these flat follicular cells into cuboidal granulosa cells and a zona pellucida forms between the primary oocyte and the granulosa cells

Question 8

Describe the growth and differentiation between a growing follicle and vesicular follicle during the ovarian cycle

Answer 8

The primary oocyte, surrounded by a zona pellucida, is also surrounded by cuboidal granulosa cells that proliferate around it - within which an antrum begins to form
The outer follicular cells develop into a thicker layer and differentiated into two layers - theca interna and theca externa - both of which secrete estrogen

Question 9

What is another term for a mature vesicular follicle?

Answer 9

Graafian Follicle

Question 10

At ovulation, in which stage of meiosis is the primary oocyte arrested?

Answer 10

At ovulation - metaphase of meiosis II

Question 11

Describe what happens when a follicle bursts at ovulation

Answer 11

The oocyte is arrested in metaphase of meiosis II

Theca and granulosa cells differentiate into luteal cells - which secrete progesterone

Question 12

What are the cells that make up the corona radiata and what is its function?

Answer 12

Zona pellucida

Granulosa cells

Question 13

Following the release of a secondary oocyte from a follicle, describe its path to the Fallopian tubes

Answer 13

Fimriae sweep the secondary oocyte into the Fallopian tube and peristaltic muscular contractions propel the oocyte to the uterus

Question 14

How long does a typical secondary oocyte survive?

Answer 14

12 to 24 hours

Question 15

What is a corona radiata in reference to embryological development?

Answer 15

Surrounding layer of granulosa cells and zona pelucida on a secondary oocyte that has been released from a follicle - provides necessary proteins

Question 16

At which portion of the Fallopian tube is fertilization most common?

Answer 16

Ampulla - portion of Fallopian tube closest to the fimbriae and ovary

Question 17

Define fertilization

Answer 17

Fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote

Question 18

What forms after fertilization of an oocyte

Answer 18

Zygote

Question 19

How long are spermatozoa viable in the female reproductive tract?

Answer 19

3 to 5 days