Hormones and the Human Reproductive System

These flashcards cover the key hormones and processes involved in human reproduction as discussed in the lecture.

What hormones are produced by the anterior pituitary gland related to reproduction?

TSH, ACTH, PRL, GH, FSH, and LH.

What is the function of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)?

stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary.

What role does human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) play during early pregnancy?

maintains the ovarian corpus luteum, keeping levels of progesterone and estrogen elevated.

How do prostaglandins affect menstruation?

cause contractions of the smooth muscle in the uterus, leading to menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea).

What are the four phases of the uterine (endometrial) cycle?

Menstrual, proliferative, secretory, and ischemic phases.

Average duration of a menstrual cycle

28 to 32 days

What does estrogen do in the female reproductive system?

promotes the maturation of ovarian follicles and the development of secondary sex characteristics.

What is the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized ovum and inhibits contractions of the myometrium.

What hormonal event marks the beginning of puberty?

The production of GnRH in the hypothalamus initiates the onset of puberty.

What is amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation; primary amenorrhea is lack of menarche by age 16, while secondary is absence for over 3 months.

What is the luteal phase in the ovarian cycle?

The luteal phase begins at ovulation and ends with menstruation, during which the corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone.

What triggers the shedding of the endometrial lining during menstruation?

Declining levels of estrogen and progesterone lead to the shedding of the endometrial lining.

What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation caused by myometrial contractions and is associated with prostaglandins.

What is the role of relaxin during pregnancy?

Relaxin aids in softening and lengthening the uterine cervix and promotes uterine relaxation.

What changes occur in the ovaries during the menstrual cycle?

The ovaries undergo follicular maturation, ovulation, and eventually corpus luteum formation.

What is the effect of FSH on the ovaries?

FSH initiates the development of ovarian follicles and stimulates estrogen production.