Reproductive Physiology Basics (Parts 1-6) Flashcards
Describe the structure of ovaries
surface, cortex, medulla
- surface: connective tissue capsule covered with layer of simple cuboidal epithelium.
- cortex: peripheral part, connective tissue containing ovarian follicles (one oocyte surrounded by single layer of cells).
- medulla: central part, connective tissue with blood vessels.
what are the functions of ovaries?
- oocyte production
- steroid hormone production: estrogen develops secondary sexual characteristics, progesterone prepares endometrium for implantation, 50% of testosterone produced by ovaries before menopause
outline the process of oogenesis
- primordial germ cell mitosis in fetal life only and primotdial follicles arrested in the stage of 1st meiotic division until puberty.
- first meiotic division complete and second division starts after puberty and leads to release of one secondary oocyte in a menstrual cycle which is capable of fertilisation.
- second meiotic division completes after fertilisation of oocyte with sperm.
describe primordial follicles
primary oocyte arrested in first meiotic division surrounded by one layer of squamous pre granulosa cells
describe a primary follicle
oocyte surrounded by zona and cuboidal granulosa cells
describe a secondary follicle
increased oocyte diameter and multiple layer of granulosa cells, resumption of first meiotic division
describe tertiary/graffian follicles
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 are the four phases of the ovarian cycle?
- follicular phase
- ovulation
- luteal phase
- menstruation
what happens during the follicular phase of ovarian cycle?
- FSH causes follicle to mature and produce oestrogen (inhibiting development of other follicles)
what happens during the ovulation phase of ovarian cycle?
- an LH surge causes ovulation (follicle ruptures and releases a secondary oocyte).
what happens during the luteal phase of ovarian cycle?
- ruptured follicle forms a corpus luteum and secretes progesterone (and some oestrogen).
what happens during the menstruation phase of ovarian cycle?
- when the corpus luteum degenerates (forms a corpus albicans), a new ovarian cycle can begin.
what problems can cause amenorrhoea (no periods)?
- problem with regulating hormones
- problem with ovarian function
- problem with uterus or outflow tract
which conditions/drugs can cause ameorrhoea due to a problem with regulating hormones?
- functional: excessive weight loss or gain, over exercising, stress
- chronic medical conditions: diabtetes, sarcoidosis, renal disease, TB
- intracranial space occupying lesion: prolactinoma, tumours, cysts
- infection or trauma: meningitis, intracranial bleed, Sheehan’s
- drugs: glucocorticoids, anabolic steroids, opiates
- genetic: Kallmann’s syndrome
List some problems with ovarian function that can cause amenorrhoea
- hypergonadotropic hypogonadism: high or normal FSH,LH
- genetic: Turner’s syndrome (46X), fragile X
- ageing: steep decline in ovarian function past 35 years
- primary ovarian insufficiency
- chronic illness: autoimmune disease
- radiotherapy or chemotherapy
- infection: tuberculosis, mumps oophoritis