(16) Female reproductive system

What is the half life of GnRH? Why is this important?

- 2-4 minutes (short half life) - allows for tight regulation of gonadotrophs

Continuous __________ release inhibits gonadotrophs function

CnRH

The following key events are part of what cycle? 1. Menstruation 2. Endometrial Growth & Proliferation 3. Differentiation of the endometrial epithelium into a glandular secretory phenotype

Endometrial cycle

What hormone is released in hourly pulses by the arcuate nucleus in order to regulate hormone release?

GnRH

Cells in the anterior pituitary that release hormones that stimulate the gonads by releasing LH and FSH

Gonadotrophs

What cells produces ESTROGEN, inhibins, and activins in the female reproductive system?

Granulosa cells

Hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, the negative feedback loop that regulates sex-hormone production.

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis

The following key events are part of what cycle? 1. Folliculogenesis 2. Ovulation 3. Formation of the Corpus Luteum 4. Atresia of Corpus Luteum

Ovarian cycle

Rapid and slow pulses of GnRH favor the production of what two hormones? (females)

Rapid = LH Slower = FSH

What cells produces androgens in the female reproductive system?

Theca cells

What are the two phases of the ovarian cycle?

i) Follicular phase ii) Luteal phase

General pathway for the HPG axis:

i) Hypothalamus releases GnRH ii) GnRH stimulates Ant. pituitary to release LH + FSH iii) LH and FSH stimulate the ovaries iv) Ovaries release estrogen + progesterone

GnRH is synthesized and released by what neurons and nuclei in the hypothalamus?

i) Preoptic area ii) Arcuate nucleus

What are the 3 phases of the menstrual cycle?

i) menstrual phase ii) proliferative phase iii) secretory phase