Reproduction

Draw and label diagrams of the adult male and female reproductive systems Outline the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle

Production of Eggs (Oogenesis)

Egg development - Cyclical process of 28 days. Takes place in the ovaries. It is controlled by hormones from the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. At birth, each ovary in a female has hundreds of thousands of eggs, but they are immature and remain dormant until her first menstrual cycle, which occurs during puberty (sexual maturity).

 Every 28 days or so, from puberty until menopause, between one and three eggs, are released from the ovaries. This is known as ovulation. The eggs are then move down the fallopian tubes towards the Uterus for possible fertilisation and implantation.

The menstrual cycle

The function of the menstrual cycle is to provide a favourable environment for a fetus to grow. If fertilization does not occur, the uterus lining is shed in menstruation.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by the following hormones:

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) progesterone oestrogen follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) luteinizing hormone (LH)

The secretion of these hormones is controlled by interacting positive and negative feedback loops.

3 stages to menstruation
Follicular 0-14 days Ovulation 14 Luteal 14-28 days

Hormones from the brain

Hypothalamus releases GnRH The pituitary gland is the target of the GnRH The pituitary gland releases FSH and LH into the blood stream. The target tissues for FSH and LH are the ovaries.

Hypothalamus
GnRH

Anterior lobe of pituitary gland LH ovaries FSH

Effects of FSH on ovaries

Stimulate the maturation of an ovarian follicle Increase production of oestrogen by the ovaries Oestrogen stimulates the secretion of LH A spike in the amount of FSH and LH leads to ovulation (release of the oocyte from the ovarian follicle) The inner lining of the follicle and the oocyte are released and enter the fallopian tubes.

How do hormones control the cycle?

Ovulation
The outer ring of the follicle cells remain in the ovary These follicle cells produce progesterone The follicle cells form a glandular structure the corpus luteum

 The corpus luteum produces progesterone for 10-12 days after ovulation Progesterone maintains the thickened, highly vascular endometrium (providing the conditions for an embryo to implant) Progesterone acts on the hypothalamus and prevents the production of GnRH FSH and LH not produced, another follicle cannot be formed

Progesterone

Hypothalamus
GnRH

Anterior lobe of pituitary gland negative feedback LH ovaries oestrogen Progesterone (after ovulation) FSH negative feedback

Endometrium of uterus

No pregnancy
Corpus luteum breaks down Progesterone and oestrogen levels decline Endometrium is no longer maintained Menstruation begins GnRH secreted by hypothalamus Cycle begins again

How do hormones control the cycle?

Which hormone?

What hormone is released by the hypothalamus? What two hormones are stimulated by the by this hormone? What organ do these two hormones act on?

What hormone is released?

What is the effect of the LH spike?

What secretes progesterone?

What two hormones cause the build up of the uterine lining?