HUMAN HEALTH & PHYSIOLOGY

Topic 6.6 Reproduction

6.6.1a Male Reproductive System

6.6.1b Female Reproductive System

6.6.2 Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle

Hypothalamus produces a hormone (when estrogen and progesterone levels are low), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). (Negative feedback system) This activates the pituitary gland causing it to produce two hormones FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) to be released into the blood and active on the ovaries. FSH & LH effect the ovaries by:

Increases production & secretion of estrogen in the ovaries, which targets the endometrium of the uterus (increasing the blood vessels). Another effect is creation of Graafian follicles from follicle cells and oocytes. Once the Graafian follicle releases its oocyte and inner lining of the follicle into the Fallopian tube, the outer ring of the follicle cells remain in the ovary and secrete another hormone, progesterone. These remaining cells begin to form a corpus luteum which remains active for 10-12 days after ovulation producing progesterone. Progesterone is responsible for maintaining the thickened, highly vascular endometrium. (as long as it is present endometrium wont break down and embryo can implant, then when levels drop capillaries & small blood vessels rupture and menstruation begins)

6.6.2 Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle

Negative Feedback Loop

Signaled by high levels of estrogen and progesterone Hypothalamus does not produce GnRH when estrogen & progesterone levels are high FSH and LH at high levels is not conducive to the production of Graafian follicle Corpus luteum begins to break down, leads to a decline in progesterone & estrogen.

Not Pregnant

Endometrium can not be maintained Capillaries & blood vessels rupture menstration begins Drop in hormones signals hypothalmus to secret GnRH

Negative Feedback Loop

Hormone Levels & Menstrual Cycle

6.6.4 Three Roles of Testosterone

Determines the development of male genitalia during embryonic development; Ensures development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty; Maintains the sex drive of males throughout their lifetime.

6.6.5 In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Woman is usually injected with FSH for about 10 days in preparation to ensure the development of many Graafian follicles. Several eggs (secondary oocytes) are harvested surgically Sperm cells are collected Harvested eggs are mixed with sperm cells in separate culture dishes and observed microscopically to find fertilized and healthy embryos. Usually two or three healthy embryos are introduces into the womans uterus for implantation.

Process is very expensive and introduction of one could mean high risk of failure.

Unused cultures can be frozen and used for another implantation if necessary.

6.6.6 Ethical Issues associated with IVF

For:

Against:

It enables those unable to have children to have a family Enbryos that are not visibly healthy can be eliminated from implantation Genetic screening is possible before implanting to eliminate change of passing on some genetic disorders. IVF technology will advance and lead to further benefits in reproductive technology.

Embryos produced but not used are frozen or destroyed. Legal issues concerning frozen embryos when couples split up. Genetic screening of embryos could lead to society choosing desirable characteristics. Some reproductive problems of an individual are genetically passed on and IVF bypasses natures way of decreasing the genetic frequency of that reproductive problem. Multiple births and problems associated with multiple births are more likely with IVF than with natural conception.

DBQ

Identify hormones I and II.

I:_____________ Progestero

ne Estrogen II:_____________

DBQ

Outline the roles of FSH in the menstrual cycle.

FSH

stimulates follicle development; FSH stimulates estrogen secretion (by the follicle/ovary)

DBQ

FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. During pregnancy, FSH is inhibited. Suggest how FSH secretion could be inhibited during pregnancy.
High

levels of progesterone/estrog en inhibit FSH production (during pregnancy)