Physiology: Female Reproduction

Question 1

The major functions of the ovary are production of [], and production of [].

Answer 1

The major functions of the ovary are production of the female germ cell, the ovum (oogenesis), and production of female sex steroid hormones (steroidogenesis).

Question 2

Reproductive physiology in the female performs two distinct functions: [] and [].

Answer 2

Reproductive physiology in the female performs two distinct functions: development of female germ cells, and maintenance of the fetus until it can survive in the outside world.

Question 3

The system that is responsible for gametogenesis (oogenesis) consists of [] and [].

Answer 3

The system that is responsible for gametogenesis (oogenesis) consists of an ovarian structure, the follicle, within which oogenesis occurs, and the hormone 17 ß-estradiol is produced by the follicle.

Question 4

The other endocrine system is responsible for [] and produces [] synthesized in the corpus luteum.

Answer 4

The endocrine system responsible for maintenance of the fetus and produces the hormone progesterone, synthesized in the corpus luteum.

Question 5

The ovary contains two endocrine glands: the [] and the [].

Answer 5

The ovary contains two endocrine glands: the follicle and the corpus luteum. However, these structures are coupled in that the corpus luteum is derived from follicular tissue following ovulation.

Question 6

The primary oocyte is halted at [] of Meiosis I. [] N DNA

Answer 6

The Primary oocyte is halted at Prophase I of Meiosis I. 4N DNA

Question 7

The 1st polar body appears during [], [] N DNA.

Answer 7

The 1st polar body appears during Telophase I as the follicle matures and readies for ovulation, 2N DNA.

Question 8

The 2nd polar body appears during [], [] N DNA.

Answer 8

The 2nd polar body appears during Telophase II after fertilization, 1N DNA.

Question 9

The secndary oocyte halts at [].

Answer 9

The secondary oocyte halts at Metaphase II.

Question 10

The largest antrum follicle chosen for ovulation is called the [].

Answer 10

The largest antrum follicle chosen for ovulation is called the Graffian follicle.

Question 11

Folliculogenesis is gonadotropin independent/dependent.

Answer 11

Folliculogenesis is gonadotropin independent.

Question 12

Follicular development is gonadotropin independent/dependent.

Answer 12

Follicular development is gonadotropin dependent.

Question 13

Answer 13

Question 14

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Question 15

Answer 15

Question 16

During the follicular phase, theca cells are vascular/avascular.

Answer 16

During the follicular phase, theca cells are vascular.

Question 17

During the follicular phase, granulosa cells are vascular/avascular.

Answer 17

During the follicular phase, granulosa cells are avascular.

Question 18

During the luteal phase, theca cells are vascular/avascular.

Answer 18

During the luteal phase, theca cells are vascular.

Question 19

During the luteal phase, granulosa cells are vascular/avascular.

Answer 19

During the luteal phase, granulosa cells are vascular. This allows for the uptake of LDL and production of progesterone.

Question 20

Answer 20

Question 21

Answer 21

Question 22

Answer 22

Question 23

Upon receipt of an as yet unknown signal for development, the [] becomes active and is called a [].

Answer 23

Upon receipt of an as yet unknown signal for development, the primordial follicle becomes active and is called a primary follicle.

Question 24

As the follicle develops, there is proliferation of the granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte, and acquisition of a layer of [] cells surrounding the granulosa layer. The outer surface of the oocyte becomes covered with a glycoprotein coat called the []. A [] is present between the two cell layers. Once the follicle develops to a certain size, an [] develops inside the granulosa cell layer to become an [].

Answer 24

As the follicle develops, there is proliferation of the granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte, and acquisition of a layer of theca interna cells surrounding the granulosa layer. The outer surface of the oocyte becomes covered with a glycoprotein coat called the zona pellucida. A basal lamina is present between the two cell layers. Once the follicle develops to a certain size, an antrum (space) develops inside the granulosa cell layer to become an antral follicle.

Question 25

The primary and secondary follicles are [].

Answer 25

The primary and secondary follicles are pre-antral.

Question 26

The tertiary follicle is [].

Answer 26

The tertiary follicle is antral.

Question 27

Theca interna cells are responsible for synthesis of []which is regulated by []. These cells are located in a [] compartment of the ovary.

Answer 27

Theca interna cells are responsible for synthesis of androgens (testosterone and androstenedione) which is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH). These cells are located in a vascularized compartment of the ovary.

Question 28

The granulosa cells surround the developing gamete, and help support its development and maturation. In early follicular development, granulosa cells are regulated by []. One of the effects of [] is to stimulate expression of [] (the enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens).

Answer 28

The granulosa cells surround the developing gamete, and help support its development and maturation. In early follicular development, granulosa cells are regulated by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). One of the effects of FSH is to stimulate expression of aromatase (the enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens).

Question 29

In the late stages of follicular development, granulosa cells also acquire receptors for [] (under the combined influence of []). This prepares these cells to receive the appropriate signal for ovulation, which is in the form of a massive surge of [] release from the anterior pituitary.

Answer 29

In the late stages of follicular development, granulosa cells also acquire receptors for LH (under the combined influence of FSH and estradiol). This prepares these cells to receive the appropriate signal for ovulation, which is in the form of a massive surge of LH release from the anterior pituitary.

Question 30

Both LH and FSH receptors are coupled to [] regulatory proteins. Therefore, binding of these hormones to their receptors results in activation of [] and increases in [].

Answer 30

Both LH and FSH receptors are coupled to Gs regulatory proteins. Therefore, binding of these hormones to their receptors results in activation of adenylyl cyclase and increases in cAMP.

Question 31

There is interaction between the theca interna and granulosa cells in the developing follicle as regards steroidogenesis. This has been termed the []. By this, [] synthesized and secreted by theca cells diffuse across the basal lamina (located between the theca and granulosa cells,). The [] are readily taken up by the adjacent granulosa cells and converted by [] to [].

Answer 31

There is interaction between the theca interna and granulosa cells in the developing follicle as regards steroidogenesis. This has been termed the two cell theory. By this, androgens synthesized and secreted by theca cells diffuse across the basal lamina (located between the theca and granulosa cells,). The androgens are readily taken up by the adjacent granulosa cells and converted by aromatase to estrogens.

Question 32

Luteal cells formed by luteinization of the theca and granulosa cells following ovulation primarily produce [], which is absolutely required for implantation and maintenance of early pregnancy. Synthesis and secretion of progesterone in these cells is stimulated by [].

Answer 32

Luteal cells formed by luteinization of the theca and granulosa cells following ovulation primarily produce progesterone, which is absolutely required for implantation and maintenance of early pregnancy. Synthesis and secretion of progesterone in these cells is stimulated by LH.

Question 33

In humans, the corpus luteum synthesizes and secretes []; however, [] output is much greater.

Answer 33

In humans, the corpus luteum also synthesizes and secretes 17ß-estradiol; however, progesterone output is much greater.

Question 34

In the non-pregnant woman, the corpus luteum undergoes [] within [] of formation. Conversely, in pregnancy, the corpus luteum receives a signal from the developing conceptus in the form of []. [] binds to the [] receptor and thereby causes the corpus luteum to be maintained and continue to secrete progesterone for establishment and early maintenance of pregnancy.

Answer 34

In the non-pregnant woman, the corpus luteum undergoes luteolysis (apoptosis) within two weeks of formation. Conversely, in pregnancy, the corpus luteum receives a signal from the developing conceptus in the form of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG binds to the LH receptor and thereby causes the corpus luteum to be maintained and continue to secrete progesterone for establishment and early maintenance of pregnancy.

Question 35

estrogens

Answer 35

• There are two ovarian estrogens, 17ß-estradiol, and estrone.
• 17ß-estradiol, being the most physiologically significant, is a steroid and circulates 98% bound to serum binding proteins. Of this, 38% is bound to testosterone binding globulin (TeBG), also called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG, which also binds testosterone), and 60% to albumin (low affinity). The remaining 2% is free, in the active form.
• Estradiol, in its ovarian effect is responsible for follicular maturation.
• In the reproductive tract, estradiol stimulates hyperplasia of the endometrium, uterine smooth muscle, and uterine vasculature during the follicular phase.
• In the endometrium, estradiol also stimulates synthesis of receptors for 17ß estradiol and progesterone (a priming for hormonal regulation in pregnancy).
• Estradiol provides both negative and positive feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary for regulation of LH and FSH secretion.
• Finally, in the prepubertal female, estradiol promotes a) breast development, b) maturation of the external genitalia, and c) the female pattern of fat distribution.

Question 36

androgens

Answer 36

• Androgens in the female are responsible for sex drive and for the development of axillary and pubic hair at the time of puberty

Question 37

Progesterone

Answer 37

• Progesterone, also a steroid hormone, circulates 98% bound to serum binding proteins; 49% to CBG (cortisol binding globulin) and 49% to albumin (low affinity).
• The effects of progesterone on the reproductive tract include

a) a requirement for implantation
b) stimulation of gland coiling and glycogen secretion in the endometrium
c) inhibition of uterine contractions for maintenance of pregnancy
d) inhibition of endometrial sloughing for maintenance of pregnancy.

• Progesterone provides negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary for inhibition of release of LH and FSH.
• Finally, in prepubertal females progesterone promotes development of breast alveoli.

Question 38

WHy a large LH surge, but not an equally large FSG surge?

Answer 38

1. Inhibin (suppresses FSH, but not LH)
2. Increased GnRH pulse frequency (increases LH secretion relative to FSH)
3. Increased gonadotroph sensitivity to GnRH

Question 39

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Question 40

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Question 41

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Question 42

Answer 42