Reproductive Hormones and The Uterine Cycle

The male reproductive system is dependent on 3 hormones:

Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

produced in the interstitial cells of the testes; responsible for maturation of reproductive organs & secondary sex characteristics

Testosterone

produced in anterior pituitary; stimulates release of testosterone

Luteinizing Hormone

produced in anterior pituitary; stimulates sperm production

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Increased muscle mass & strength

Increased bone mass

Facial and pubic hair growth

Deepening of voice

Increased sex drive

Secondary Sex Characteristics in Men

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are also produced in females when stimulated by the ______ ______ gland.

Anterior Pituitary

Additionally, ______ are secreted by the ______ , causing female secondary sex characteristics.

Estrogens, Ovaries

_______ is produced by the ______ ______ after ovulation. It helps to maintain the _____ _______.

Progesterone, Corpus Luteum, Menstrual Cycle

Breast development

Pubic hair growth

Increased fat deposits on hips and breasts

Widening of hips

Onset of menstrual cycle

Secondary Sex Characteristics in Females

Both sexes have mammary glands, but _______ cause female mammary glands to increase in size during _______.

Estrogens, Puberty

Within the center of each breast is a darker _______ surrounding a ______.

Areola, Nipple

Beneath the skin, 15-25 ______of alveolar glands are connected by ________ _______ and ______.

Lobes, Connective Tissue, Fat

When lactating, the alveolar glands produce _____ and pass it via the ____ ______through the nipple.

Milk, Lactiferous Ducts

The _______ (or menstrual) cycle involves recurring changes to the ________ of the uterus due to _______ fluctuations.

Uterine, Endometrium, Hormone

On average, the cycle is _____ ____ long with ________occurring on day __.

28 Days, Ovulation, 14

Days 1-5

Menstruation

Days 6-14

Proliferative Phase

Days 15-28

Secretory Phase

The endometrium is shed through the vagina

Menstruation

The follicles in the ovaries grow and produce estrogens, which cause the endometrial lining to thicken again. One of the mature follicles release an egg.

Proliferation

LH and FSH levels peak, causing the egg to be released from the ovary into the uterine tubes

Ovulation

The corpus luteum secretes progesterone which causes the uterine lining to further thicken. Glands within the endometrium secrete nutrients to sustain and embryo. If the egg is unfertilized, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease.

Secretion