The Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the function of LH and FSH?
Stimulates the development of follicles in the ovaries.
What stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to produce LH and FSH?
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
What stimulates the secretion of oestrogen?
The theca granulosa cells around the follicles in the ovaries.
What is the active version of oestrogen?
17-beta oestradiol.
State one thing oestrogen stimulates.
Breast tissue development. Growth and development of the female sex organs (vulva, vagina, and uterus at puberty). Blood vessel development in the uterus. Development of the endometrium.
State one thing progesterone stimulates.
Thickens and maintains the endometrium. Thickens the cervical mucus. Increases the body temperature.
What produces progesterone.
Corpus luteum after ovulation. Placenta from 10 weeks gestation onwards.
What develops during female puberty?
Development of female secondary sexual characteristics. Onset of the menstrual cycle and ability to conceive children.
What ages does puberty occur in girls?
8-14 (earlier in girls).
What ages does puberty occur in boys?
9-15 in boys.
Why do overweight children enter puberty earlier?
Aromatase is an enzyme found in adipose (fat) tissue that results in creation of oestrogen.
What scale is used to determine female pubertal development?
Tanner scale.
State stage 1 of the Tanner scale (under 10).
No pubic hair. No breast development.
State stage 2 of the Tanner scale (ages 10-11).
Light and thin pubic hair. Breast buds form behind alveola.
State stage 3 of the Tanner scale (ages 11-13).
Course and thin pubic hair. Breasts begin to elevate beyond the areola.
State stage 4 of the Tanner scale (ages 13-14).
Areola mounds form and project from surrounding breast.
State stage 5 of the Tanner scale (above 14).
Areolar mounds reduce, and adult breasts form.
What happens to Growth Hormone level during puberty?
They spurt in growth during the initial phases of puberty.
Why are females shorter than males?
Oestrogen suppresses growth hormones. therefore growth slows down.
State the 2 phases of the Menstrual Cycle.
Follicular phase. Luteal phase.
State the dates of the follicular phase.
Start of menstruation to the moment of ovulation (first 14 days in a 28-day cycle).
State the dates of the luteal phase.
Moment of ovulation to the start of menstruation (final 14 days of the cycle).
