BI211 Reproductive System

gametes

cells that fuse with other cells to make an embryo

embryo

in humans, sperm+egg

gametogenesis

making gametes

gonads

organs that produce gametes

ovaries

in female humans, organs that make gametes

uterus

organ that houses the fetus. Has three distinct muscle layers.

fallopian tubes

transports egg to uterus, also the site of fertilization

vagina

entrance or exit of female reproductive system

cervix

"doorway" from vagina to uterus

oocytes

aka eggs, produced in full in ovaries during fetal period. encased in follicles.

ovulation

the release of the egg from the follicle, making it available for fertilization. Happens in the middle of the menstrual cycle (around day 14 in a 28 day cycle).

corpus luteum

hormone/steroid-producing gland that is made from the left over follicle after ovulation. if fertilization occurs, it will control hormone signaling until the placenta takes over.

corpus albicans

dead corpus luteum that occurs after NO fertilization

zona pellucida

a jelly-like coat that forms around the oocyte during maturation

follicle

wraps around the oocyte in the ovary and helps bring the oocyte to maturation and plays a role in ovulation. There are 3 types of cells: the oocyte itself, granulosa cells, and thecal cells

granulosa cells

cells in follicle that surround the oocyte. as the oocyte matures, these cells begin to secrete antral fluid into the follicle. estrogen is also secreted in order to stimulate ovulation.

follicular phase

phase of the menstrual cycle in which estrogen is the dominant hormone. multiple follicles (and oocytes) are brought to maturation and killed w/ one exception.

estrogen

hormone that inhibits follicle stimulating hormone, prepares uterine lining, breasts for lactation, surge triggers LH

Lutenizing Hormone

triggered by a high concentration of estrogen and produced by the anterior pituitary, causes ovulation

luteal phase

phase of menstruation in which the corpus luteum acts as an endocrine structure in the fem/ reproductive system.

FSH

stimulates the development of follicle

LH

triggers ovulation

estrogen

prepares uterine lining, breasts fro lactation, surge triggers LH

progesterone

maintains uterine lining (no contraction)

endometriosis

a condition in which the ednometrial tissue lands on the outer surface of abdominal organs, irritating them

aromatases

enzymes that transform androtenedione to estrogens in the granulosa cells, fat cells, liver cells, and breast cells

cholesterol

catalyzed by ACTH in the adrenal cortex and thecal cells in ovaries into androstenedione

estrogen positive feedback loop

low levels of estrogen promote GnRH and FSH, FSH drives follicular development, bigger/more/mature follicules produce more estrogen...

basic

acidity of semen

placenta, embryo/fetus

two structures the fertilized egg divides into

placenta

attaches to the uterine wall and is bathed in maternal blood. diffusion of nutrients across is how baby gets nutrients and oxygen.

amniotic sac

structure made by fetus that is filled with fetal urine in which the fetus floats

human chorionic gonadotropin

made by the embryo/fetus and is used to communicate with the corpus luteum to continue to produce hormones.

parturition

a sudden prop in hormones that triggers labor

oxytocin

a positive feedback loop that mediates labor contractions, hormone

corticotropin releasing hormone

secreted by the placenra, increases estrogen to make uterine muscle stronger as well as promotes maturation of fetal lungs.