Reproduction Flashcards
what is sexual maturity?
having the correct parts to do the specific jobs required for reproduction, NOT a behavioral attribute
Female - tanner stages (physiological attributes)
breast development & pubic hair distribution
- *scored from 1>5
1: no change = prepubescent
5: adult = full maturity
Thelarche age
secondary breast development (this is the FIRST change in the female during puberty)
***If patient has not started thelarche by age 13, they need to be evaluated
Adrenarche age
growth of pubic hair (occurs 2-6 months after thelarche)
-occurs pretty quickly
Menarche age
menstural cycle begins (occurs 2 years after thelarche)
- **age range: 10.5-15 years of age
- ***if patient goes through thelarche and does NOT have their period within 4 years, needs to be evaluated
when does linear growth decelerate?
once a girls period begins, the linear growth stops!
can a girl become pregnant before her period begins?
YES! super rare but possible
Male - tanner stages
pubic hair distribution + size/placement of penis, testes, scrotum
- *scored from 1>5
1: no change = prepubescent
5: adult = full maturity
Male tanner stages 1-5
1: testicular enlargement
2: growth of hair everywhere
3: rapid increase in height
4: changes in larynx/voice (happens when penis enlargement occurs)
5: nocturnal emissions
^^^^deceleration of linear growth
when do males need to be referred for evaluation?
if nothing begins by age 14 OR
if nothing has changed/completed within 4 years
what is gynecomastia?
gynecomastia is the growth of breasts in males and 1/3 males have this!
where does reproduction begin?
THE HYPOTHALAMUS! The hypothalamus makes the first hormone of the reproductive cycle > GnRH (gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone)
What does GnRH (gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone) effect/stimulate?
GnRH stimulates/effects the PITUITARY. The PITUITARY makes FSH hormone (follicle stimulating hormone) after receiving GnRH from the hypothalamus
What does FSH do?
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) stimulates the growth of a follicle. A follicle is an egg encased in fluid
How many follicles are produced when FSH is releaesd?
Several! Many follicles are grown, but only one becomes the dominant follicle, the DOMINANT FOLLICLE will be released when ovulating that month
how does ovulation occur?
Estrogen is produced, which in turn causes a higher level of GnRH to be produced, which then creates LH (luteinizing hormone), LH stimulates the release of the dominant follicle, resulting in ovulation!!!
what is special about LH (luteinizing hormone)?
The surge in LH causes the release of the follicle/egg during ovulation!
Ovulation process
Ovary makes estrogen Hypothalamus receives estrogen Estrogen stimulates GnRH Hypothalamus makes more GnRH GnRH stimulates FSH production FSH stimulates egg growth Ovary stimulates release of more estrogen More estrogen causes higher stimulation of GnRH GnRH stimulates LH LH stimulates release of egg
what is progesterone?
Progesterone = PRO gestational agent
Progesterone helps the woman’s body prepare for gestation.
IF pregnancy occurs, the tiny little yellow body can make enough progesterone to sustain the baby (fetus) for the first 14 days of the pregnancy! (implanted in uterus)
how is the progesterone made after the first 14 days
Progesterone is produced by the placenta AFTER the first 14 days
what happens to the corpus luteum if pregnancy DOES NOT occur?
If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum is released through menses; menstrual cycle.
what is the significance of estrogen?
Estrogen makes the uterine line proliferate>GROW.
what is the significance of progesterone?
Progesterone makes the uterine lining become VERY LUSH after ovulation because of the amount of progesterone in the corpus luteum!
what is the textbook menstrual cycle vs. the average/common menstrual cycle?
Textbook cycle = 28 days (but is not typical IRL)
Average/common cycle = 21-37 days
OVULATION can occur at any period of time from the start of the cycle, shorter or longer than textbook states
Ovulation to start of new cycle is ALWAYS 14 DAYS!
