Reproduction

Question 2

When are females able to reproduce?

Answer 2

From puberty onset until menopause

Question 3

In female reproduction, what does the hypothalamus release and to where?

Answer 3

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) to the anterior pituitary

Question 4

When the anterior pituitary receives GnRH from the hypothalamus, what will it release?

Answer 4

Leutinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Question 5

When granulosa cells receive FSH from the anterior pituitary, what will they secrete?

Answer 5

Estrogens (especially estradiol) and inhibin

Question 6

How does FSH influence the follicle?

Answer 6

Causes the follicle to grow

Question 7

Days 1-14 of the menstrual cycle, where estrogen is increasing, is termed what?

Answer 7

Follicular stage

Question 8

What occurs during the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 8

Estrogen is increasing
Endometrium of uterus begins building
Leads to secondary sexual characteristics of female

Question 9

What are some secondary sexual characteristics of females that result from the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 9

Decreased muscle mass
Stimulates bone growth
Closes bone growth plate

Question 10

Granulosa cells secrete inhibin. What is the effect of inhibin?

Answer 10

Decreases secretion of anterior pituitary hormones, FSH and LH

Question 11

Where does the anterior pituitary send LH?

Answer 11

Thecal cells (and granulosa cells)

Question 12

What stage of menstruation corresponds to LH sent to thecal cells?

Answer 12

Luteal or secretory phase

Question 13

When does LH peak and what does it cause?

Answer 13

Peaks at day 14 and causes ovulation

Question 14

After ovulation, what does corpus luteum do?

Answer 14

Secretes progesterone days 14-26

Question 15

Effects of progesterone on the uterus

Answer 15

Thickens uterine lining, thickens cervical mucus, prepares uterus for implantation of fertilized egg

Question 16

Both estrogen and progesterone have what effects on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, and their hormones?

Answer 16

Inhibitory effect reducing GnRH, FSH, and LH

Question 17

What happens when progesterone drops?

Answer 17

Menses (days 0-5)

Question 18

Describe the pulsatile release that occurs 8-15 times a day from male puberty to death

Answer 18

Hypothalamus releases GnRH to the anterior pituitary which releases LH and FSH

Question 19

Where does the anterior pituitary send LH in males? What reactions then occur?

Answer 19

Interstitial cells of Leydig produce androgens (DHEA and androstenedione) which make testosterone

Question 20

What are some functions of testosterone?

Answer 20

• Secondary sexual characteristics
• Thought to inhibit production of osteoclasts
• Increase of erythropoietin stimulating red blood cell production
• Stimulates sodium and water reabsorption in proximal tubule of kidney

Question 21

Testosterone becomes DHT with what enzyme?

Answer 21

5a reductase

Question 22

Function of DHT

Answer 22

• Fetal development of penis, penile urethra, scrotum, prostate
• Pubertal growth of scrotum, prostate, sexual hair, sebaceous glands
• Prostatic secretion

Question 23

Testosterone becomes estradiol with which enzymes?

Answer 23

Enzymes in peripheral adipose tissue, especially of liver and breast

Question 24

High levels of estradiol in men can lead to…

Answer 24

benign prostatic hypertrophy and possibly prostate cancer

Question 25

Where does the anterior pituitary send FSH in males? What is made in response?

Answer 25

Sertoli cells of seminiferous tubules which will make sperm and inhibin