Term
| What are the principal organs of the female reproductive tract? |
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Definition
| ovaries, fallopian tubes (or uterine tubes), uterus, and vagina |
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Term
| What does the development of an ovum begin? Where does it go from there to be fertilized? |
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Definition
1. in the ovaries
2. it is expelled from the ovaries into the abdominal cavity, is sucked up by the fallopian tubes, and passes into the uterus, where is can be fertilized |
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Term
| What do primordial ova differentiate from? |
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Definition
| germinal epithelium on the outer surface of the ovary |
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Term
| Define: granulosa cells, primordial follicle, primary oocyte. |
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Definition
1. spindle cells from the ovarian stroma that have surrounded an ovum and taken on an epithelial nature
2. an ovum a single layer of granulosa cells
3. a primordial follicle that has undergone two more cell divisions and development and can now be fertilized |
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Term
| How often is GnRH secreted? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is the female monthly sexual cycle? How often does it occur? |
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Definition
1. the rhythmic pattern of changes in hormone secretion and changes in the ovaries and other sexual organs
2. about every 28 days, though is varies from 20-45 days |
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Term
| What are the two significant results of the female monthly sexual cycle? |
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Definition
1. usually only one ovum is released per month
2. the uterine endometrium is prepared in advance for implantation at the required time of the month |
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Term
| What is the most likely trigger for puberty in females? Why? |
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Definition
1. the secretion of progressively more LH and FSH
2. because these hormones activate the development of the ovaries, which are inactive prior to puberty |
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Term
| When does FSH and LH secretion start in females? When does puberty usually start? |
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Definition
1. 9-12 years old
2. 11-15 years old |
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Term
| Define menarche, primary follicle. |
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Definition
1. the first menstrual cycle
2. a follicle with multiple layers of granulosa cells |
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Term
| What is the function of the granulosa cells that cover primordial follicles? |
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Definition
| they supposedly nourish the ovum and secrete an oocyte maturation-inhibiting factor |
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Term
| Which hormone causes the majority of the follicular development? |
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Definition
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Term
| Define: theca, theca interna, theca externa, antrum. |
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Definition
1. a multi-layed mass of cells around the granulosa cells of a follicle
2. epithelioid that is able to secrete estrogen and progesterone
3. a highly vascular region that becomes the capsule of the follicle
4. a mass of fluid within the follicle |
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Term
| What is the accelerated growth at the end of the follicular phase caused by? |
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Definition
1. estrogen secreted into the follicle, causing granulosa cells to form more FSH receptors
2. FSH and estrogen causing increased LH receptors and increase follicular secretion
3. increased estrogens and LH cause proliferation of follicular thecal cells and their secretion |
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Term
| Define: mature follicle, corona radiata |
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Definition
1. the follicle that grows most during the proliferative phases and will provide the ovum for ovulation
2. the layers of granulosa cells surrounding the ovum |
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Term
| When does ovulation occur? |
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Definition
| about halfway through a menstrual cycle |
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Term
| How does LH cause ovulation? How does it help initiate the luteal phase? |
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Definition
1. a. it causes the theca externa to begin to release proteolytic enzymes that cause the dissolution of the capsule
b. it causes increase in blood vessels and prostaglandins, causing swelling
3. it converts thecal and granulosa cells into progesterone-secreting cells |
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Term
| What do the ovaries develop from (in fetal development)? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is the fundamental reproductive unit of the female reproductive system? What is it composed of? |
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Definition
1. a single ovarian follicle
2. 1 oocyte and granulosa cells around it |
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Term
| What are the stages of gamete deveopment for the female from primordial germ cell to zygote? Mention the processes by which each moves between stages. |
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Definition
| primordial germ cell to oogonium via mitotic divisions, to primary oocyte via mitotic divisions, secondary oocyte via completion of meiosis I and beginning meiosis II, fertilized egg/zygote via completion of meiosis II and fertilization by sperm |
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Term
| At what stages are oocytes in arrested development? |
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Definition
| primary oocyte, arrested in prophase of meiosis I, and secondary oocyte, arrested at metaphase of meiosis II |
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Term
| What are factors that determine the age of puberty onset? |
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Definition
| genetics, nutrition, geographical location (distance from the equator and higher altitudes stimulates early onset of puberty), exposure to light, body composition/fat deposition (higher BMI stimulates earlier onset of puberty), and exercise |
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Term
| What is the order of phase in the ovarian cycle? How long does each last? |
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Definition
1. follicular phase, ovulatory phase, luteal phase
2. 9-23 days, 1-3 days, and 1-3 days respectively |
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Term
| What does each stage in the ovarian cycle consist of? |
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Definition
follicular phase - development of a single follicle and ovum (usually)
ovulatory phase - swelling of the follicle and weakening of the capsule around it
luteal phase - development of the corpus luteum, the development of granulosa cells and thecal cells |
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Term
| In the corpus luteum, what is the function of the granulosa cells? How about the theca cells? |
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Definition
1. they develop smooth ER and form large amounts of estrogen and progesterone; they also convert testosterone and androstenedione from the theca cells into estrogens using aromatase
2. they form testosterone and androstenedione |
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Term
| What is the corpus albicans? |
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Definition
| about 12 days after ovulation the corpus luteum loses its secretory function and becomes the corpus albicans, which will soon be replaced with connective tissue and reabsorbed |
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Term
| What stimulates the change of the remaining granulosa and theca cells in the ovaries into lutein cells? Why does it not happen before ovulation? |
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Definition
1. luteinizing hormone
2. luteinization-inhibitory factor exists in the follicular fluid |
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Term
| What is inhibin, where does it come from in the female reproductive system, and what does it do? |
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Definition
| it is a hormone that inhibits secretion by the gonadotropes in the anterior pituitary, especially FSH; the lutein cells of the corpus luteum produce this |
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Term
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Definition
| 1. the loss of hormones from and the degeneration of the corpus luteum |
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Term
| What are the stages of the endometrial (uterine) cycle and how long does each last? |
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Definition
| menstruation (about 5 days), proliferative phase (about 9 days), and secretory phase (about 14 days) |
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Term
| What are the differentiating features of the thecal and granulosa cells? |
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Definition
1. thecal cells surround the follicle, do not have aromatase, only have LH receptors, get cholesterol from the blood, and have 17α-hydroxylase, which converts pregnenolone to 17α-hydoxyprenenolone to DHEA
2. Granulosa cells surround the ovum in the follicle interior, have aromatase, have no 17α-hydroxylase, and has LH and FSH receptors |
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Term
| How does a thecal cell make testosterone during the follicular phase? How does a granulosa cell make estrogen during the follicular phase? |
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Definition
1. LH stimulates Gs which activates adenylyl cyclase, eventually causing the synthesis of 17α-hydroxylase and other enzymes; LDL receptor picks up cholesterol and the enzymes convert it into androstenedione and testosterone
2. FSH stimulation activates Gs which activates adenylyl cyclase, leading to the synthesis of aromatase, which converts converts androstenedione from the thecal cells into estrogen |
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Term
| What is a "stigma" in female reproductive physiology? |
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Definition
| a protrusion of part of the follicle, causing particular ballooning and rupturing and leading to ovulation |
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Term
| How does a thecal cell make testosterone during the luteal phase? How does a granulosa cell make estrogen during the luteal phase? |
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Definition
1. a thecal cell takes in cholesterol via the LDL receptor; it can either convert the cholesterol or progesterone it takes in from the granulosa cell into androstenedione and into testosterone
2. a, FSH receptor activates Gs, which activates adenylyl cyclase and eventually aromatase is made; aromatase can convert androstenedione from the thecal cell into estrogen |
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Term
| What is the proportion of granulosa cells to thecal cells in the cortus luteum? |
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Definition
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Term
| How are estrogen and progesterone transported in the blood? How are they cleared from the blood? |
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Definition
1. they are bound to sex hormone-binding globulins
2. they can be conjugated to glucuronides and sulfates for excretion in the bile and urine; progesterone can also be converted into pregnanediol for excretion in the urine |
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Term
| What is the function of estrodiol on non-sex organs? |
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Definition
| increases fat deposition, causing more fat in women than men, and increased vascularization of the skin; fat deposition is mostly around the hips and thighs; fat deposition in breasts, development of stromal cells and ducts; increased osteoblastic activity leading to rapid increases in height and early fusing of epiphyses in long bones |
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Term
| What is the function of estradiol on the reproductive system (during puberty)? |
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Definition
| increased size of the fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, increased deposition of fat in the mons pubis and change of vaginal epithelia from cuboidal to stratified, proliferation of cells and endometrial glands |
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Term
| What is the receptor for estradiol located? What are the effects of activating estradiol receptors? What are its acute effects? |
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Definition
1. there are two receptors for estradiol (α and β) and they are nuclear; there may also be a membrane receptor associated with mitochondria
2. NOS synthesis and cell proliferation (endometrium, breast development, etc)
3. increased IC calcium, stimulating NOS to produce NO, leading to vasodilation, the inhibition of proliferation of certain cells, and it acts as an antooxidant |
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Term
| Where is progesterone's receptor located? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is mifepristone? What does it do? |
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Definition
1. a progesterone receptor antagonist
2. causes abortion and inhibits hyperhydrocortisolism |
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Term
| What is female eunuchism? What does it cause? |
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Definition
1. the absence of ovaries from birth or their nonfunctionality prior to puberty
2. no secondary sex characteristics, excess long bone growth (late fusing of the epiphyseal plates) |
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Term
| What is an ovarectomy? What does it cause? |
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Definition
1. the removal of the ovaries
2. shrinkage of the uterus and vagina and atrophy of the breasts (in early menopause) |
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Term
| What kind of tumor can cause hypersecretion in the ovaries? |
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Definition
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Term
| List the phases of the female sexual response and describe them. |
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Definition
1. excitement phase - caused by psychological/physical stimulation; involves engorgement and erection of the clitoris and vaginal congestion; it is caused by NO secretion by the PSNS
2. plateau phase - intensification of the excitement responses; increased HR, BP, respiratory rate, and muscle tension
3. orgasmic phase - culmination of sexual excitement; intense physical pleasure
4. resolution phase - returns genitalia and body system to pre-arousal state |
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Term
| How common is female sexual dysfunction? What are the possible reasons? How is it treated? |
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Definition
1. about 45% of women aged 16-50
2. psychological, illness, unknown reasons
3. counseling for psychological reasons, alleviation of illness for illness-related reasons, and testosterone may be beneficial but it has some safety issues |
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Term
| On what days of a cycle would ovulation be for a typical 28-day cycle? What are the external symptoms? |
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Definition
1. about day 13-15
2. decreased body temperature during and slightly increased after ovulation and mucus discharge consistency changes |
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Term
| Give some example of oral or patch contraceptives. What might their effects be? What are the effects of progestin-based contraceptives? |
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Definition
1. ethinyl estradiol, mestranol, gestodene, norgestimate
2. decreased androgenic effects, suppression of GnRH, FSH, and LH, preventing LH surge and ovulation
3. thickened cervical mucus, inhibiting mobility of sperm and transport of ova; the endometrium becomes non-conducive for implantation |
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Term
| What are some non-oral, non-patch contraceptives for women? How do they work? How long to they work? |
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Definition
1. implant contraceptives: norprogestins; last 5 years
2. Depoprovera: inhibits ovulation and implantation; lasts 3 months
3. intrauterine device (IUD): spermicidal effect cased by sterile inflammatory reaction and prevents implantation of zygote
4. barriers: diaphragms with spermicidal jelly or condoms
5. post coital contraceptives: RU 486 - mifeprex and mifegyne (morning after pill)
6. Surgical: tubal ligation |
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Term
| What is menopause? What is the average age of onset? |
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Definition
1. obsolescence of ovaries with lack of estradiol production, and few or no remaining ova
2. 51.4 |
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Term
| What are the consequences of the lack of estrogen that accompanies menopause? |
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Definition
| low estrogen means low levels of inhibin, meaning no negative feedback of LH and FSH, meaning high levels of both |
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Term
| What are possible causes of postmenopausal hypertension? |
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Definition
| change in estrogen/androgen ratios, activation of renin-angiotensin system, increase in endothelin, increase in oxidative stress, obesity, stimulation of SNS |
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Term
| What is toxic shock syndrome? What causes it? |
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Definition
1. the sudden onset of shock due to a flush of exotoxins for staphyllocus A or B
2. the infection may be from menstrual etiology (tampons or barrier contraceptives) or non-menstrual (burns, insect bites, varicella lesions, and surgical wounds) |
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Term
| What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome? How is it treated? |
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Definition
1. hypotension, rash, multiorgan failure, and desquamation
2. antibiotics, draining of the wound, IV fluids (for hypotension), and vasopressors (for hypotension |
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Term
| What are leiomyomas? How are they treated? |
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Definition
1. smooth muscle tumors
2. They are estrogen-dependent and can be treated with GnRH or with onset of menopause |
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Term
| What is endometriosis? What are its symptoms? How is it treated? |
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Definition
1. a condition in which endometrial tissue appears outside the uterine cavity and menstruates, covering their surfaces (sometimes including the fallopian tubes and ovaries) with fibrotic tissue
2. it responds to estradiol during menstrual cycle, causing pain and infertility
3. GnRH continuously, causing downregulation of GnRH receptor, which unfortunately does cause hypoestrogenism |
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Term
| What are the symptoms of menopause? How common is treatment for these symptoms and what does the treatment consist of? |
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Definition
1. "hot flushes" (extreme flushing of the skin), psychic sensation of dyspnea, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and decreased strength and calcification of bones
2. 15% of cases warrant treatment; if counseling does not work, doses of estrogen may be given in slowly decreasing doses to alleviate symptoms |
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Term
| What is salpingitis? What does it cause? |
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Definition
1. inflammation of the fallopian tubes
2. it can cause fibrosis of the tubes |
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