Pathoma: Ovary

Question 1

___________ cells produce androgens in response to LH.

Answer 1

Theca cells

Question 2

Oocytes mature in response to ___________.

Answer 2

estradiol from granulosa cells

Question 3

The endometrium undergoes proliferation in response to ____________.

Answer 3

estrogen from the granulosa cells

Question 4

The corpus luteum secretes progesterone which _______________.

Answer 4

prepares the proliferating endometrium for implantation

Question 5

How big can the corpus luteum become?

Answer 5

Almost as big as the ovary (during pregnancy)

Note: hemorrhages can develop in the corpus luteum which will make it get even bigger.

Question 6

When follicles degenerate –which happens in every woman –they become ________________.

Answer 6

cystic

Question 7

_____________ is the estrogen made by adipose tissue.

Answer 7

Estrone

Question 8

The pathophysiology of PCOS is not well agreed upon, but describe the best theory so far.

Answer 8

In some woman, LH is increased (classically with a 2:1 ratio to FSH). That increased LH leads to increased testosterone. The increased testosterone gets peripherally converted to estrone which shuts off the pituitary secretion of FSH. Thus, granulosa cells degenerate and the follicles become cystic (and amenorrhea can develop).

Question 9

PCOS increases risk of _________________.

Answer 9

endometrial carcinoma (due to increased levels of estrone)