Reproductive endocrinology

Question 1

What hormones secreted by the pituitary stimulate the follicle to develop?

Answer 1

FSH and LH

Question 2

In the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, ______ cells around the egg enlarge, releasing ______, causing uterine lining to thicken.

Answer 2

granulosa cells

oestrogen

Question 3

Ovulation happens at the peak of the ______ growth, when the LH levels are ____.

Answer 3

follicular growth

high

Question 4

Following ovum release, the follicle becomes the ______ ______ and secretes ______

Answer 4

corpus luteum

progesterone

Question 5

The ______ _______ of the hypothalamus produces GnRH. This stimulates __ and __ release from the pituitary

Answer 5

arcuate nucleus

LH and FSH

Question 6

What is the function of Sertoli cells, found in the testes?

Answer 6

Facilitation of spermatogenesis

Question 7

What pro-fertilisation events occur in the female reproductive tract?

Answer 7

• thinning of mucous
• muscular contractions of the uterus and fallopian tube
• fimbrial end comes into contact with the ovary

Question 8

Capacitation is essential for fertilisation. What is it?

Answer 8

The physiological change sperm undergo in order to be able to penetrate the egg

Question 9

Describe the process of sperm binding to the ovum.

Answer 9

1. attachment of sperm to zona pellucida of egg
2. Acrosomal reactions are triggered
3. Enzymes from acrosome break through tough coating

Question 10

What mechanisms prevent polyspermy?

Answer 10

-sperm penetration modifies zona pellucida of egg