Reproduction Flashcards
what is the name for the earliest recognisable germ cell in females?
primordial germ cell
true or false: primary oocytes are formed after the first mitotic division
false
the first meiotic division
what is a polar body in oogenesis?
small haploid cell formed during meiotic divisions that is not able to be fertilised
what does the presence of two polar bodies imply?
completion of 2nd meiotic division
entry of sperm into egg
how long does the ovarian cycle normally last?
28 days
what are the two phases of the menstrual cycle?
follicular phase
luteal phase
what happens in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?
maturation of ovum/preparation for ovulation
ovulation signals the end of the follicular phase
what happens in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
post ovulatory phase involving development of the corpus luteum
preparation of reproductive tract for pregnancy if fertilisation occurs
what is a primary follicle?
layer of granulosa cells surrounding a primary oocyte that is capable of producing an ovum
what is a secondary follicle?
differentiated follicle due to oocyte growth, resulting in some follicles undergoing ovulation (signalling the end of the follicular phase)
what happens to follicular cells left behind that are not part of ovulation?
undergo luteinization
what happens in luteinisation?
transformation of follicular cells into the corpus luteum
what hormone does the corpus luteum secrete?
progesterone
what is the importance of oestrogen and progesterone to the reproductive tract?
prepare the uterine lining for implantation
when is oestrogen secreted?
the follicular phase
when is progesterone secreted?
the luteal phase
how long does the corpus luteum grow for following ovulation?
8-9 days
if fertilisation does not occur, how long will the corpus luteum survive?
no longer than 14 days
true or false: the degeneration of the corpus luteum signals the start of the next follicular phase of menstruation
true
which hormone does the hypothalamus secrete to act on the anterior pituitary in hormonal control of the ovaries?
GnRH
which two hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary in the female gonadal axis?
LH
FSH
what does FSH do?
acts on the ovary to stimulate production of follicles and in turn stimulate oestradiol secretion
what does LH do?
acts on the ovary to stimulate follicle maturation, ovulation and development of the corpus luteum
what is the purpose of oestradiol?
thickens endometrium
thins cervical mucus
true or false: oestrogen suppresses FSH production
true
what are the three main clinical signs of detecting ovulation?
high progesterone at day 21
high LH spike
increase in temperature by 1 degree
how does the corpus luteum know if fertilisation has taken place?
hCG production by the embryo at 12 days
if this doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum degenerates
what is the corpus albicans?
the remnant/degenerated corpus luteum
