Lesson #5: The Female Reproductive System

The estrogen-induced secondary sex characteristics of females include:

- Breast development - Increasing deposition of subcutaneous fat, especially in the hips and breasts - Development of a wider and lighter pelvis

endometrium of uterus

2

__________ are produced by the anterior pituitary.

FSH and LH

Which of the following statements referring to the uterine cycle is *false*? - estrogen is secreted by developing follicles - FSH and LH directly promote development of endometrium - a decrease in the levels of ovarian hormones signals menstruation - the corpus luteum is formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation

FSH and LH directly promote development of endometrium

_____________ seems to be driven by both estrogen and DHEA (an androgen produced by the adrenal cortex).

Female libido

__________ stimulates the anterior pituitary to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

__________ acts upon the __________ to encourage the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); anterior pituitary

Select the *correct* statement about hormonal events of the ovarian cycle. - The follicles secrete progesterone in response to estrogen stimulation. - A spike in estrogen starts follicle development. - High estrogen levels result in a surge of LH. - The LH surge stimulates the oocyte to complete meiosis II.

High estrogen levels result in a surge of LH.

__________ is a sexually transmitted infection that is associated with cervical cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Select the *correct* statement about the uterine cycle. - If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum is maintained by a hormone secreted by the developing embryo. - During the proliferative phase, levels of progesterone rise as the follicle produces more. - The menstrual phase of the cycle is normally from day 10 to day 14. - During the secretory phase, estrogen levels are at their highest.

If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum is maintained by a hormone secreted by the developing embryo.

____ cells, located between seminiferous tubules, produce testosterone.

Interstitial

_________ triggers ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum.

LH surge

___________ occurs on day 14 of average menstrual cycle.

Ovulation

_________ have a single layer of *cuboidal* pregranulosa cells surrounding a primary oocyte.

Primary follicles

_________ have a single layer of *squamous* pregranulosa cells surrounding a primary oocyte.

Primordial follicles

_________ is mainly produced by the corpus luteum.

Progesterone

Which cell type is actually ovulated from the ovary?

Secondary oocyte

Which of the following will occur immediately after ovulation? - The endometrium enters its secretory phase. - The secretion of anterior pituitary gonadotropins is enhanced. - The corpus luteum degenerates. - The corpus luteum switches to secreting only estrogen.

The endometrium enters its secretory phase.

________ have a fluid-filled cavity called an *antrum* ("cave").

Vesicular follicles

The functional layer of the endometrium is shed in response to __________.

decreased ovarian hormones

The function of the granulosa cells of vesicular follicles is to produce _________.

estrogen

The developing follicles and corpus luteum produce ________ .

estrogens

What does the corpus luteum release after ovulation?

estrogens and progesterone

The uterine tubes, also called fallopian tubes or oviducts, are the site of _________.

fertilization

FSH stimulates _____________ to release estrogens.

granulosa cells

The basic difference between spermatogenesis and oogenesis is that ____

one mature ovum is produced in oogenesis, and four mature sperm are produced in spermatogenesis

The __________ develop into the female duct system.

paramesonephric ducts

Which hormone reaches its highest levels during the secretory phase of the uterine cycle? - progesterone - FSH - estrogen - LH

progesterone

Estrogen is responsible for the ____________ characteristics found in women.

secondary sex

Progesterone promotes the _____________ of the uterine cycle.

secretory phase

The __________ is shed during menstruation.

stratum functionalis

menarche

the first menstrual period