Reproduction Physiology

Question 1

What is the name for the earliest recognisable germ cell in females?

Answer 1

Primordial germ cell

Question 2

Primary oocytes are formed after the 1st mitotic division. True/False?

Answer 2

False

1st MEIOTIC division!

Question 3

What is a polar body in oogenesis?

Answer 3

Small haploid cell formed during meiotic divisions that is not able to be fertilised

Question 4

What does the presence of 2 polar bodies imply?

Answer 4

Completion of 2nd meiotic division

Entry of sperm into egg

Question 5

How long does the ovarian (menstrual) cycle normally last?

Answer 5

28 days

Question 6

What are the 2 phases of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 6

Follicular phase

Luteal phase

Question 7

What happens in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 7

Maturation of ovum/preparation for ovulation

Ovulation signals end of follicular phase

Question 8

What happens in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 8

Post-ovulatory phase involving development of corpus luteum

Preparation of reproductive tract for pregnancy if fertilisation occurs

Question 9

What is a primary follicle?

Answer 9

Layer of granulosa cells surrounding a primary oocyte that is capable of producing an ovum

Question 10

What is a secondary follicle?

Answer 10

Differentiated follicle due to oocyte growth, resulting in some follicles undergoing ovulation (signalling end of follicular phase)

Question 11

What happens to follicular cells left behind that are not part of ovulation?

Answer 11

Undergo luteinisation - transform into the corpus luteum

Question 12

What hormone does the corpus luteum secrete?

Answer 12

Progesterone

Question 13

Oestrogen is secreted in the follicular phase of menstruation; progesterone is secreted in the luteal phase. What is the importance of these hormones to the reproductive tract?

Answer 13

Prepare uterine lining for implantation

Question 14

How long does the corpus luteum grow for following ovulation?

Answer 14

8-9 days

Question 15

If fertilisation does not occur, how long will the corpus luteum survive?

Answer 15

Survives no longer than 14 days

Question 16

The degeneration of the corpus luteum signals the start of the next follicular phase of menstruation. True/False?

Answer 16

True

Question 17

Which hormone does the hypothalamus secrete to act on the anterior pituitary in hormonal control of the ovaries?

Answer 17

GnRH

Question 18

Which two hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary in the female gonadal axis?

Answer 18

LH

FSH

Question 19

What does FSH do?

Answer 19

Acts on ovary to stimulate production of follicles, and in turn stimulate oestradiol secretion

Question 20

What does LH do?

Answer 20

Acts on ovary to stimulate follicle maturation, ovulation and development of corpus luteum

Question 21

Describe levels of FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone during the follicular phase of menstruation

Answer 21

FSH rises (to recruit follicles)
Oestrogen rises (as follicles develop)
Oestrogen stimulates LH rise
LH peak just before ovulation
Progesterone rise after ovulation

Question 22

What is the purpose of oestradiol?

Answer 22

Thickens endometrium

Thins cervical mucus

Question 23

Oestrogen suppresses FSH production. True/False?

Answer 23

True

Question 24

What are the 3 main clinical signs of detecting ovulation?

Answer 24

High progesterone at day 21
High LH spike
Increase in temp. by 1 degree

Question 25

How does the corpus luteum “know” if fertilisation has taken place?

Answer 25

hCG production by the embryo at 12 days - if this doesn’t occur, corpus luteum degenerates

Question 26

What is the corpus albicans?

Answer 26

Remnant/degenerated corpus luteum