Hormonal Control of Reproduction

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to hormonal control of reproduction, including key hormones, reproductive phases, and significant feedback mechanisms.

Hypothalamus

Master control center for reproduction, produces GnRH.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, stimulates release of LH and FSH.

LH

Luteinizing Hormone, stimulates ovulation and testosterone production.

FSH

Follicle Stimulating Hormone, promotes follicular development.

Leydig Cells

Testosterone-producing interstitial cells in the testes.

Sertoli Cells

Nurse cells that support spermatogenesis and secrete inhibin.

Testosterone

Main male sex hormone, essential for spermatogenesis.

Androgen Binding Protein (ABP)

Protein that binds testosterone in the testes.

Inhibin

Hormone produced by Sertoli cells, inhibits FSH secretion.

Granulosa Cells

Cells that support oocyte development in female ovaries.

Estrogen (E2)

Key female sex hormone, involved in estrous cycle regulation.

Luteal Cells

Cells that form the corpus luteum and produce progesterone.

Progesterone (P4)

Hormone that prepares the uterus for gestation.

Prostaglandin (PGF2a)

Hormone involved in luteolysis of the corpus luteum.

Follicular Phase

First stage of the estrous cycle focused on follicle growth.

Proestrus

Period before estrus with low progesterone and increasing estrogen.

Estrus

Behavioral 'heat' stage where ovulation occurs.

Luteal Phase

Stage dominated by the corpus luteum following ovulation.

Metestrus

Phase after ovulation; CL develops and secretes progesterone.

Diestrus

Longest phase of the estrous cycle, with functional CL and high progesterone.

Anestrus

Resting phase when the animal is not cycling.

Recruitment

The process of follicles being recruited to grow from a pool.

Selection

The process in which some recruited follicles are chosen to develop further.

Dominance

The state in which one follicle outgrows and suppresses others.

Polyestrous

Species that breed year-round with multiple estrous cycles.

Seasonally Polyestrous

Species that breed during specific seasons but have multiple cycles.

Monestrous

Species that have a single estrous cycle per breeding season.

Positive Feedback Loop

Process where increased hormone levels stimulate further hormone release.

Negative Feedback Loop

Mechanism where hormone levels inhibit further hormone production.

LH Surge

A rapid increase in LH that triggers ovulation.

Corpus Luteum (CL)

Structure formed from an ovulated follicle that produces progesterone.

Cervical Mucus Changes

Thinning of mucus during estrus to allow sperm penetration.

Follicular Dynamics

Changes and development of follicles throughout the estrous cycle.

Estradiol's Role

Stimulates GnRH/LH surge, induces estrus behavior.

Ovarian Cycle

Includes follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.

Menstrual Cycle

Human reproductive cycle; different from estrous in most mammals.

Uterine Preparations

Physiological changes in the uterus in response to progesterone.

Luteal Regression

Involution of the corpus luteum if pregnancy does not occur.

Follicular Selection Criteria

Factors determining which follicles are selected to grow.

Estrous Behavior

Behavioral changes in female during estrus phase.

Sertoli Cell Role

Support spermatogenesis and produce inhibin to regulate FSH.

Endometrial Growth

Increase in uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy.

Ovulation Mechanics

Rupture of follicular wall and release of egg.

Follicular Atresia

Process where non-dominant follicles degenerate.

Estrual Timing Variability

Variation in timing of estrus and ovulation among species.

FSH Reception Change

Dominant follicle changes receptors from FSH to LH.

Behavioral Signs of Estrus

Physical manifestations indicating a female is in heat.