The Female Reproductive System

Question 1

What are the phases of the ovulation cycle and what happen during those ?

Answer 1

Follicular : 1-14
- a cohort of follicle are recruited and a dominant one is selected and mature.

Ovulatory : 14
- the oocyte is released from the graffian follicle and enters the fallopian tube

Lutéal : 15-28
- graffian follicle becomes the corpus luteum and start the production of progesterone

Question 2

What are the phases of the menstrual cycle and what happens during those ?

Answer 2

Menstruation : 1-5
- shedding of the endometrium and stratum functionalis with its spiral arteries

Proliferation : 6-14
- Regeneration of stratum functionalis and start of mucus production

Secretory phase :
- Thickening of the s.functionalis and music produced to plug the cervix

Question 3

What happens if an embryo implant ?

Answer 3

It secretes HCG which stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone.

Question 4

What happens if there’s no embryo implantation at the end of the secretory phase ?

Answer 4

Low production of progesterone by the corpus luteum leading to the relaxation of the spiral arteries. Eventual rupture of those.
Ischemia of the s.functionalis which shed.
Corpus luteum dies and becomes the corpus albican.

Question 5

Which vitamin should be limited in pregnant women and why ?

Answer 5

Vitamin A : increased risk of congenital disorders

Question 6

What are the causes of hypo-estrogeny ?

Answer 6

Age : with menopause it decreases due to change of primary form of estrogen. Also present in primary ovarian insufficiency.
Eating disorder and hypothalamic aménorrhea.
Conditions : Turner, fragile X, autoimmunity
Treatment for cancers affecting ovaries.