whore-mones Flashcards
Oestrus cycle
set of recurring physiological changes induced by reproductive hormones
Process of fertilisation and whatnot
- gametogenesis occurs (cell entering meiosis) in the testes and ovaries
- fertilisation is achieved through combing sperm cells with egg cell (in fallopian tubes)
- fertilised egg moves down the fallopian tube to the uterus, going through transitional stages
- zygote: DNA combines, giving the number of chromosomes (single celled still)
- blastocyst: cells undergo mitosis
- development of the utero lining for the blastocyte to implant
Types of mammals
- monotremes: lay eggs (exposed to the environment and predation)
- marsupials: development of a pouch that allows for more protection
- placental: development and fertilisation occurs internally, providing increased protection from environmental stresses and allows a constant supply of nutrients via placenta (however this takes a lot of energy)
Seasonal breeders
Hormones regulated fertility - limited to certain periods of time within the year (oestrus)
Continuous breeders
female fertility occurs in a cycle that repeats throughout the year - typically higher order primates and some other mammals such as pigs, mice, rabbits
Seasonal breeders adv
- young born when conditions are favourable (food resources, temperature) creating an increased chance of survival
- parents benefit from reduced time when mating(gestation and rearing young take place (most vulnerable to predators and energy drain)
Continuous breeders adv
Can breed all year round (no restrictions therefore greater number of offspring)
Types of hormones (categories)
Gonotrophic: acts on gonads (an organ that produces gametes)
Sex hormones: (produced by a sex gland)
Types of gonotrophic hormones
FSH = follicle stimulating hormone LH = luteinising hormones
FSH (female)
- causes an egg to mature in an ovary
- stimulates the ovaries to release oestrogen 14 days into cycle
FSH (male)
- produced by pituitary gland
- stimulates production of a protein in Sertoli cells (testes) which maintains testosterone levels that achieve spermatogenesis
LH (female)
- anterior pituitary gland sends a spike of LH to signal for the release of the egg (ovulation)
LH (male)
- stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes (leydig cells)
Types of sex hormones
Predominately female:
- progesterone
- oestrogen
(produced by the follicle and corpus luteum)
Predominately male
- testosterone (Leydig)
- inhibin (Sertoli cells)
Role of progesterone
- maintains the lining of the uterus during pregnancy (if an egg is fertilised the body produces this to ensure the process is not restarted)
- blocks the release of FSH and LH so that further ovulation does not occur during pregnancy