Reproduction Flashcards
When does oogenesis begin and begin again after suspension?
Begins in utero, begins again at puberty
When does oogenesis complete?
Fertilisation
When does oogenesis cease?
Menopause
What is the primordial germ cell?
Earliest recognisable germ cell
When do the primordial germ cells migrate to the genital ridge by?
Week 6 of embryo development
What are oogonia?
Small diploid cells which on maturation form primordial follicles
What does the presence of two polar bodies signify?
Sperm entry and completion of 2nd meiotic division
What are the two phases of the ovarian cycle?
Follicular phase and luteal phase
What happens in the follicular phase?
Maturation of egg, ready for ovulation at midcycle- ovulation signals end of follicular phase
What happens in luteal phase?
Development of corpus luteum. Induces preparation of reproductive tract for pregnancy
What is the primary follicle?
A structure made up of the primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of granulosa cells
How many ovum is a primary follicle capable of producing?
1
How does the secondary follicle occur?
Oocyte grows and follicle expands and becomes differentiated under hormonal influence. After puberty about 400 will be ovulated, rest undergo atresia. Follicular phase ends with ovulation
What happens to follicular cells left behind after ovulation?
They undergo luteinisation- transformation into the corpus luteum
What does the corpus luteum secrete?
Progesterone
If no fertilisation occurs, how long will the corpus luteum survive?
No longer than 14 days after ovulation
What signals the start of a new follicular phase?
Degeneration of corpus luteum
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilisation occurs?
It persists and produces increasing quantities of progesterone and oestrogen until after pregnancy
What is secreted from the hypothalamus that acts on the anterior pituitary?
GnRH
What does the anterior pituitary secrete with regards to ovarian action?
FSH and LH
What does FSH to do the ovary?
Stimulates follicular development, along with LH stimulates secretion of oestradiol and ovulation
What does LH do to the ovary?
Stimulates follicle maturation, ovulation and development of corpus luteum
What hormonal secretions happen in the follicular phase?
Hypothalamus secretes GnRH, in response Ant Pituitary secretes FSH and some LH. Rescues about 15 follicules- their granulosa and theca cells develop
What do the theca cells of the ‘rescued’ follicles do?
Produce androgen which is converted by the granulosa to oestradiol
What does oestradiol do to the uterus?
Thickens endometrium/thins cervical mucus
What does oestrogen do to FSH?
Suppresses its production by ant. pituitary (dominant follicle selection)
What does granulosa in the dominant follicle express?
LH receptor
What does high levels of oestrogen mid cycle cause?
Hypothalamus to release GnRH, causes FSH/LH surge from AP