Reproductive Physiology Flashcards
Describe the structure of the cortex of an ovary.
Connective tissue containing ovarian follicles
What does the medulla of the ovary contain?
Connective tissue with blood vessels
What is a primordial follicle?
Primary oocytes arrested in first meiotic division
Surrounded in one layer of granulosa cells
What is a primary follicle?
An oocytes surrounded by zona and cuboidal granulosa cells.
What is a secondary follicle?
Increased oocyte diameter and multiple layre of granulosa cells
Resumption of first meiotic division
What is a graffian follicle?
Tertiary follicle
Follicular fluid between the cells which coalesce to form antrum
Completion of first meiotic division to form secondary oocyte and start of second meiotic division
What is the corpus albicans?
Degenerated corpus luteum
What is the function of the cervix?
Connects vagina to uterus
Produces mucus that changes in consistency during the menstral cycle.
Dilates during child brith
When are the primordial follicles arrested?
First meiotic division
From where are FSH and LH released from?
Anterior pituitary
What hormones does the ovary release?
Oestrogen
Progesterone
Inhibin
AMH
What secondary sex characteristics do estrogens control?
Breast development
Pattern of fat distribution
What secondary sex characteristics are governed by androgens?
Pubic and axillary hair
Sex drive
What are androgens?
Hormones that contribute to growth and reproduction
Prevent bone loss and bone disease
Where are androgens released from?
Primarily from the adrenal glands and ovaries
What hormone causes the endometrium to grow and proliferate after menstration?
Oestrogen from developing follicles
What causes several follicles in the ovary to mature?
FSH
What decreases follicle sensitivity to FSH?
AMH
This prevents the additional recruitment of additional primary follicles
What is the role of oestrogen in the early follicular phase?
Exerts a negative feedback effect on the pituitary FSH and LH secretion which prevents the develop of additional follicles.
Oestrogen is produced from the follicles.