Reproduction

Question 1

what is sexual maturity?

Answer 1

having the correct parts to do the specific jobs required for reproduction, NOT a behavioral attribute

Question 2

Female - tanner stages (physiological attributes)

Answer 2

breast development & pubic hair distribution

• *scored from 1>5
  1: no change = prepubescent
  5: adult = full maturity

Question 3

Thelarche age

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Adrenarche age

Answer 4

growth of pubic hair (occurs 2-6 months after thelarche)

-occurs pretty quickly

Question 5

Menarche age

Answer 5

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

Question 6

when does linear growth decelerate?

Answer 6

once a girls period begins, the linear growth stops!

Question 7

can a girl become pregnant before her period begins?

Answer 7

YES! super rare but possible

Question 8

Male - tanner stages

Answer 8

pubic hair distribution + size/placement of penis, testes, scrotum

• *scored from 1>5
  1: no change = prepubescent
  5: adult = full maturity

Question 9

Male tanner stages 1-5

Answer 9

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

Question 10

when do males need to be referred for evaluation?

Answer 10

if nothing begins by age 14 OR

if nothing has changed/completed within 4 years

Question 11

what is gynecomastia?

Answer 11

gynecomastia is the growth of breasts in males and 1/3 males have this!

Question 12

where does reproduction begin?

Answer 12

THE HYPOTHALAMUS! The hypothalamus makes the first hormone of the reproductive cycle > GnRH (gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone)

Question 13

What does GnRH (gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone) effect/stimulate?

Answer 13

GnRH stimulates/effects the PITUITARY. The PITUITARY makes FSH hormone (follicle stimulating hormone) after receiving GnRH from the hypothalamus

Question 14

What does FSH do?

Answer 14

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) stimulates the growth of a follicle. A follicle is an egg encased in fluid

Question 15

How many follicles are produced when FSH is releaesd?

Answer 15

Several! Many follicles are grown, but only one becomes the dominant follicle, the DOMINANT FOLLICLE will be released when ovulating that month

Question 16

how does ovulation occur?

Answer 16

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!!!

Question 17

what is special about LH (luteinizing hormone)?

Answer 17

The surge in LH causes the release of the follicle/egg during ovulation!

Question 18

Ovulation process

Answer 18

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

Question 19

what is progesterone?

Answer 19

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)

Question 20

how is the progesterone made after the first 14 days

Answer 20

Progesterone is produced by the placenta AFTER the first 14 days

Question 21

what happens to the corpus luteum if pregnancy DOES NOT occur?

Answer 21

If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum is released through menses; menstrual cycle.

Question 22

what is the significance of estrogen?

Answer 22

Estrogen makes the uterine line proliferate>GROW.

Question 23

what is the significance of progesterone?

Answer 23

Progesterone makes the uterine lining become VERY LUSH after ovulation because of the amount of progesterone in the corpus luteum!

Question 24

what is the textbook menstrual cycle vs. the average/common menstrual cycle?

Answer 24

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!