Reproductive Physiology

• The ovaries are located on either side of the uterus.
• Ovulation occurs when one follicle ruptures, releasing its egg into the oviduct.
• Each ovary is connected to the uterus by an oviduct (fallopian tube).
• Corpus luteum is formed from the remnants of the ovulated follicle and produces progesterone to prepare the endometrium for implantation.
• Follicles develop from primordial cells within the cortex of the ovary.
• Fertilization can occur if sperm enters the oviduct at this time.
• If fertilization does not occur within 24 hours, the corpus luteum degenerates and menstrual bleeding begins.
• Follicular phase (days 1-13): Follicles grow under FSH stimulation, estrogen production increases, LH levels rise slightly, and cervical mucus becomes more abundant and thin.
• Primordial cells divide mitotically until they form primary follicles with a single layer of granulosa cells surrounding the developing oocyte.
• Primary follicles grow larger as they mature, forming secondary follicles with multiple layers of granulosa cells around the oocyte.
• Primary follicles grow through mitosis and differentiation of granulosa cells.
• If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and menstrual bleeding begins.
• Menstrual cycle refers to changes that take place during the reproductive life of a female mammal.
• Primordial cells divide mitotically until they form primary follicles with a single layer of granulosa cells surrounding them.
• It involves cyclic changes in the size and shape of the ovaries, uterine glands, and thickness of the endometrial layer.
• Ovulatory phase (day 14): A surge of LH triggers ovulation, which occurs about 36 hours later.
• Secondary follicles have multiple layers of granulosa cells and begin to secrete estrogen.
• Female mammals have two functional ovaries, which produce eggs or ova.
• The female reproductive system consists of external genitalia and internal organs involved in reproduction.
• Menstrual cycle: If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum breaks down and menstruation starts on day 28.
• Secondary follicles continue to grow and eventually become antral follicles, which contain fluid-filled spaces called antra.
• Secondary follicles have multiple layers of granulosa cells and begin producing inhibin, which suppresses further FSH release.
• Luteal phase (days 15-28): The ruptured follicle forms into the corpus luteum, producing progesterone and inhibiting further follicle growth.
• Internal organs include the uterine tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, and perineum.
• External genitalia include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, vaginal orifice, hymen, urethral opening, and Bartholin's glands.
• Primary follicles are surrounded by a basement membrane called the tunica albuginea.
• The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones produced by the pituitary gland and ovaries.
• LH surge triggers ovulation and rupture of the dominant follicle.
• Progesterone inhibits GnRH release from hypothalamus and prevents further ovulation.
• The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones produced by the pituitary gland (FSH) and ovary (estrogen).
• Estradiol inhibits further growth of other follicles and promotes development of the dominant follicle.
• Major Parts of the male reproductive system are Testes, Epididymis, Tail of Epididymis, Accessory Sex Glands, Penis
• Ovulation occurs when the mature egg is released from its follicle.
• Corpus luteum produces estrogen and progesterone to maintain uterine lining.
• Testosterone stimulates spermatogenesis and maintains secondary sex characteristics.
• Inhibin released by granulosa cells inhibits FSH secretion.
• Inhibin released by Sertoli cells inhibits FSH secretion when testicular size increases.
• Sperm production occurs continuously throughout life.
• Ovulation occurs when LH levels increase and trigger the rupture of the mature follicle.
• Sperm production takes place within the testicles.