BMS 409: Human and Animal Reproduction Lecture 8

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to the estrous and menstrual cycles in the context of human and animal reproduction.

Reproductive cyclicity

Fluctuating hormone concentrations, tissue growth/function, and behavior that occur in females.

Estrous Cycle

A cycle occurring in most species except humans and some primates, characterized by behavioral estrus and an opportunity for pregnancy.

Menstrual Cycle

A cycle in humans and some primates, involving sloughing of the endometrial lining and no defined period of sexual receptivity.

Estrus

The noun describing the period of sexual receptivity in females during the estrous cycle.

Anestrus

A period of absent estrous cycles.

Follicular Phase

The phase of the estrous cycle where the dominant structures on the ovary are follicles producing Estradiol (E2).

Luteal Phase

The phase of the estrous cycle where the dominant structure is the corpus luteum producing Progesterone (P4).

KNDy Cells

Neuroendocrine cells that influence the release of GnRH and therefore LH and FSH.

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)

Hormone involved in the regression of the corpus luteum and signaling from the uterus to the ovary.

Luteolysis

The regression of the corpus luteum, leading to decreased Progesterone concentrations.

Inhibin

A protein hormone that acts on the pituitary gland to suppress FSH secretion.

GnRH Surge

A rapid increase in Gonadotropin-releasing hormone that leads to ovulation.

Proceptive Behavior

Actions taken by the female to approach the male in the context of reproduction.

Estrous Behaviors in Cattle

Include increased activity, restlessness, standing to be mounted, and clear mucus discharge around the vulva.

E2

Estradiol, an important hormone involved in stimulation of estrus behavior and ovulation.

P4

Progesterone, a hormone produced by the corpus luteum important for maintaining a potential pregnancy.

Estrous Cycle Phases

Include estrus, metestrus, diestrus, and proestrus, each characterized by different hormone levels and ovarian structures.

Corpora lutea

The structure formed from the rupture of the follicle after ovulation, responsible for producing Progesterone (P4).

Corpus albicans (CA)

The structure that forms after the regression of the corpus luteum.