Reproductive physiology I (Female) Flashcards
Ovaries
- held in place by
Broad ligament
Suspensory ligament
Ovarian ligament
mesenteries
Ovaries function
- follicle development
-estrogen/progesterone prod.
- LH stimulates…
- FSH triggers..
Follicle development
- 700,000 at birth
Mature 1-2 per month (puberty to menopause)
* (~400 per lifetime)
Estrogen / progesterone production
-Follicular cells
-Corpus luteum
LH stimulates Theca
cells to make androgens
- FSH triggers granulosa cells to convert
androgens to estrogen
Oogenesis
- what is
- Identical steps of chromosome
replication and division during gamete
production in both sexes - Quality vs Quantity
- Take anywhere from 12 to 50 years
to complete on cyclic basis from onset of puberty until menopause - Female born with limited, largely
nonrenewable supply of germ cells
Follicle development
- primary oocyte
- primary follicle
Primary oocyte: Surrounded by single layer of granulosa cells
Oocyte + granulosa cells → primary follicle
Primary follicle: Several primordial follicles start to develop – one becomes the primary follicle
Follicle development
- follicle matures in
- at ovulation
structure of ovary
- Follicle matures in ovary :Secondary follicle
-At ovulation: Pushes out of ovary
wall - cortex
- medulla
Ovarian tubes
- length
- site of fertilization
~10 cm long
Site of fertilization:
- Fimbrae draw ovum into Fallopian (ovarian) tubes
- Cilia and smooth muscle help move the ovum toward the uterus
Uterus
- muscular wall
-endometrium
- cervix
-Muscular wall
Endometrium
-Site of implantation
- Basal layer (constantly dividing)
- Functional layer (shed each month)
Cervix
* “neck” of uterus
* Dilates to 10 cm and
effaces in labour
Vagina
- birth canal and site of
- mucous and acid secretion
Billings method
- studies showed
- Birth Canal, site of sperm deposition
Mucous and acid secretion
-Protective
-Mucous aids sperm survival
-Study showed that 32% of couples who were sub- fertile achieved
pregnancy with Billing’s
Menstrual cycle
- ovarian and uterine cycle
- hormone controlled
- correlation between
Ovarian Cycle, prepares ova
Uterine Cycle, prepares endometrium
- Hormone controlled
- there is a correlation Between Hormonal Levels and Cyclic Ovarian and Uterine Changes
Ovarian cycle
- length
- phase 1
- ovulation
- phase 2
-28 days - Two phases
-Follicular phase (day 1-14)
maturing follicles (higher FSH)
* Secrete estrogen
- Ovulation – day 14
Due to spike in FSH and LH - Luteal phase (day 14-28)
Corpus luteum (remaining follicular cells) - Secretes estrogen and progesterone
Uterine or menstrual cycle
- length
- phase 1
- phase 2
- phase 3
Averages 28 days - three phases
- Menstrual phase (day 1-7)
Shedding of functional layer
Triggered by drop in estrogen and progesterone - Proliferative phase (day 7-14)
Higher estrogen
Repairs uterine wall - Secretory or progestational phase
High estrogen and progesterone
Endometrium thickens in readiness for
implantation
Corpus Luteum
- if egg is not fertilized
- if egg is fertilized
If egg is not fertilized
Corpus luteum degenerates
Estrogen and progesterone drop
menses
If egg is fertilized
Secretes HCG
Causes corpus luteum to be maintained
Estrogen progesterone stay high
Endometrium kept (no menses)
Female infertility
- reasons
Abnormal production of FSH and/or LH
* Or E / P – endometrium is not ready
Irregular menstrual cycles
Endometriosis
Vagina too acidic
Pelvic inflammatory disease
* Scarred, blocked oviducts
Mucous too thick
* Sperm can’t penetrate
Aging
Blocked tubules
Enhancing fertility
Fertility-enhancing drugs
Artificial insemination
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Fertilization in test tube outside of the body
* After several cell divisions, embryo is inserted into the uterus via the vagina
GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer)
- Unfertilized eggs and sperm placed in oviduct
ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer)
- Fertilized egg is placed in oviduct
Menopause
Cessation of woman’s menstrual cycle
~ ages 45 - 55
Triggered by hypothalamic change
Preceded by period of progressive ovarian failure (peri-menopause)
Increasingly irregular cycles
Dwindling estrogen levels
* Hot flashes / Metabolism changes
* Weight gain / mucous loss
transition called climacteric
Female reproductive conditions
- Endometriosis
- what is/happens
- symptoms
- treatment
Abnormal growth of endometrial tissue inside and outside of uterus
* Fibroids, over-shedding
Common implantation sites:
* Ovaries
* Fallopian tubes
* Abdominal wall
* Intestines
Symptoms:
* Dysmenorrhea
* pelvic cramping
* Heavy menses
* Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Treatment:
* Hormones
* Remission (pregnancy, nursing, and menopause)
* Panhysterectomy
STD - bacterial infections include:
- syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
Syphilis - Lesions, rashes, and then
heart/nerves
Gonorrhea - Discharge, painful urination, burning itch
Chlamydia - Discharge, burning, itch
Can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease
Viral STDs: HIV and Hepatitis B
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
HIV: one of the most dangerous STDs
- Slowly destroys the immune system, causing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
- Treatment may achieve remission, but no cure
Hepatitis B virus
More contagious than HIV, but not as deadly. Affects liver
Vaccine available for prevention
Viral STDs
- Herpes
- HPV
Genital herpes: Herpes simplex virus
Painful blisters may recur
May infect infants during birth
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Genital warts
Two types can cause cervical cancer
