Know the general structural organization and physiological
functions of the various segments of the female reproductive system, including the reproductive tract & ovaries. -Follicles: OOCYTE+SUPPORTING CELL -What is the function of the supporting cells? Make essential steroid hormones and regulate the regrowth and differentiation of the uterine endometrium -What are the supporting cells in a follicle? Granulosa cells: Immediately surround the oocyte like Sertoli Cells Respond to FSH and function in the nutritional and growth support of the gamete Theca Interna Cells similar to Leydig Cells. Respond to LH.Fn to make androgenic steroid hormones. THE MAIN STEROID IS ANDROSTENEDIONE.
-In the ovary, estradiol is formed from the conversion of
testosterone into estradiol by the enzyme cytochrome P450 aromatase in the GRANUOSA CELLS. -However granulosa cells do not have the enzyme 17 alpha hydroxylase/lyase and thus cannot convert progesterone into androgens -Where does the andgrogens come from for the Granulosa cells do convert testosterone into estradiol? They come from the neighbooring Theca Intern Cells.
Know the functional distinction between the ovulatory and
endometrial cycles and understand that they occur along a parallel time course and are regulated by the identical hormonal mechanism.
-Ovulatory Cycle: Related to Follicle Maturation & Ovulation within the
Ovary. -Purpose? Generate an ovum copetent for Fertilization and create a Hormonal Enviroment optimized for zygote implantation and survival within the uterus. -Endometrial (Menstral Cycle): Cause Endometrial Growth and Secretion of the lining of the Uterus -Is the female reproductive process controlled by the hypothalamic-anterior pituitary gonadal axis? So this would involve GnRH regulation of FSH and LH. -What are the primary steroid hormones that control the female repro cycle? Estradiol and Progesterone (these are secreted by the ovaries) and regulated by? FSH and LH -What hormone blocks FSH (-) regulation? Inhibin B Know (a) the physiological event that marks the end and start of a cycle, (b) the time course of an average ovulatory cycle and (c) the general processes associated with each of the major ovarian phases in relation to follicle and ova development and maturation. -What is the PHYSIOLOGICAL PURPOSE of the ovulatory cycle? PRODUCE AN OVUM (viable for fertilization). Also TO PRODUCE APPROPRIATE TYPES AND AMOUNTS OF STEROID HORMONES NECESSARY FOR THE OVUM MATURATION AND ENDOMETRIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ZYGOTE SURVIVAL AND IMPLANTATION. -How long is the average ovulatory cycle? The average total cycle length is mature females is 28 DAYS. Normal range is 20-45 days. Shorter, longer, or iregular cycles are statistically associated with decreased fertility. -What are the three PHYSIOLOGICAL PHASES THAT ARE REGULATED BY corresponding rhythimal fluctuations in the secretion of various hormones? 1. Follicular phase 2.Ovulation 3.Luteal Phase Know which phase mainly accounts for the cycle length variation between women and understand the physiological basis for this variation compared to relative consistency of other phases. Based on this principle, be able to predict the timing of ovulation during a 28 day cycle. 20 day cycle. 40 day cycle, etc.
-Day 0: First appearance of MENSTRAUL BLEEDING (new ovarian cycle).
Physiologically the start of a new cycle corresponds to the recruitment of a new cohort of ovarian follicles (6-12) by FSH. -Menses correlated well with the initiation f new follicle development. It also marks the end of the previous cycle. -ONSET OF MENSES=START OF A NEW CYCLE END OF PREVIOUS CYCLE -Follicular PHASE: FIRST PHASE OF o cycle extends temporally from the onset of menses through ovulation: release of a mature ovum from an ovarian follicle. Understand the general mechanism of ovulatory and endometrial cycle control by hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones, including the regulatory relationships and sites of secretion of GnRH, LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone, and inhibin B. Know the primary hormones involved in the regulation of each cycle phase and be able to distinguish their specific functions in the process by correlating physiological events occurs due to progressive oocyte depletion that begins before birth and is completed between the fourth and fifth decade of life. Know the mechanism by which primordial follicles are recruited to develop at the start of the follicular phase and be able to describe why only one follicle typically matures to ovulation in terms of hormonal fluxes associated with this phase. Be able to recognize and correlate events related to follicular growth with gonadotropin and ovarian hormone fluxes observed during the follicular phase and distinguish from other phases of the cycle. Know that the LH surge is responsible for and absolutely necessary for initiating ovulation and understand that it results from the positive feedback mechanism initiated between estradiol and pituitary gonadotrophs. Be able to describe the cellular mechanisms leading to rupture of the follicle during ovulation, including the specific processes initiated by the LH surge and how they collectively contribute to follicle rupture. Be able to describe the mitotic and meiotic processes as they relate to oocyte maturation, including the meiotic phase of the oocyte at different stages of development from before birth through fertilization by sperm. Know the two phases of meiosis arrest that occur during oocyte development and the physiological events that allow the oocyte to progress through each phase. Know the general cellular changes involved in the luteinization of the follicle into the corpus luteum after ovulation and be able to identify (a) hormone responsible for luteinization of follicle, (b) predominant steroid hormone secreted by corpus luteum, (c) lifespan of corpus luteum in absence of embryo implantation, (d) main cause of corpus luteum involution, (e) hormone responsible for rescuing corpus luteum during pregnancy and (f) duration of this extended lifespan. Know the 4 basic stages of the endometrial cycle and how they correspond to the phases of the ovarian cycle. Be able to describe the general physical changes that occur to the endometrium during each phase and know the hormones and hormone fluctuations that cause these changes during each stage. understand why endometrial degeneration parallels involution of the corpus luteum. Understand the general biochemical pathways leading to progesterone and estradiol biosynthesis in the ovary, including the role of aromatase, and know the predominant pathway utilized during the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. Know the three major estrogenic hormones produced in females and be able to rank them in terms of their relative potency. Know the major physiological functions of the estrogens and progesterone in addition to their roles in regulating the reproductive cycles. Be able to distinguish the terms puberty, menarch, and adrenarch. Be able to compare and contrast the effects of puberty and menopause on relative levels of estradiol, and gonadotropins based on hormonal feedback principles. Know the principle manifestations that develop in relation to female puberty and menopause. Know that female menopause and infertility fundamentally occurs due to progressive oocyte depletion that begins before birth and is completed between the fourth and fifth decade of life.
HIV Sero-Status and Risk Factors of Sero-Positivity of HIV Exposed Children Below Two Years of Age at Mityana General Hospital in Mityana District, Uganda