11.2 Female Reproduction

Describe the timing of Oogenesis in the female life cycle. At what age does it begin? When does it end?

>Begins in fetal life >Is arrested prior to birth >Resumes at puberty with the menstrual cycle >Ends with menopause

What is the function of the corpus luteum?

>Produces estrogen, but also produces progesterone. >In the absence of pregnancy, the corpus luteum degenerates to become a nonfunctional corpus albicans, and the cycle begins again. > If pregnancy occurs, then the corpus luteum remains functional for approximately 3 months.

List the effects of estrogen on the female body.

>Stimulate development and maintenance of primary sex organs (vagina, ovaries, etc.) >Stimulates development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics (breasts) >Stimulate proliferation of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy. This is the proliferative phase of the endometrium. >Stimulate production of thin cervical mucus in preparation for fertilization.

What structure(s) within the ovary secretes estrogen? Secretes progesterone?

Estrogen: Follicular cells Progesterone: Corpus Luteum

Describe how the luteal phase progresses if fertilization does not occur.

In the absence of pregnancy, the corpus luteum degenerates to become a nonfunctional corpus albicans, decreasing the level of progesterone, which causes the endometrium to shed and the cycle begins again.

Explain the effects of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone decreases and causes the endometrium to shed, starting the beginning of a new cycle.

How does secretion of estrogen during the follicular phase affect the endometrium?

Stimulates proliferation (growth) of the endometrium.

What happens to the corpus luteum if the egg is not fertilized?

The corpus luteum degenerates to become a nonfunctional corpus albicans.

What structure secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?

The placenta.

What is Oogenesis?

Egg production

What happens to the levels of estrogen and progesterone during the luteal phase if the egg is not fertilized?

Levels decrease.

What structure within the ovary contains the egg?

Primary follicle

Describe how the luteal phase progresses if fertilization does occur

If pregnancy occurs, then the corpus luteum remains functional for approximately 3 months. Then it becomes nonfunctional and placenta takes over secretion of estrogen and progesterone.

Where does Oogenesis take place?

In the ovaries

What is the origin of the corpus luteum?

In the ovary.

Describe the location and function of the female endometrium and myometrium.

In the uterus. >Endometrium is the inner epithelial layer and site of implantation of embryo. >Myometrium is smooth muscle that expels the baby during parturition.

What affect does human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have on the corpus luteum?

Maintains the life of the corpus luteum.