Reproductive Hormones and Cycles

Flashcards for reproductive hormones, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, ovarian and menstrual cycles.

Androgens

Hormones that control the development and maintenance of the male reproductive system.

Testosterone

The principal androgen that stimulates puberty, controls spermatogenesis and influences the development of secondary male characteristics.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone released from the pituitary that controls the synthesis and secretion of testosterone.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Hormone in the hypothalamus that controls the release of LH.

Spermatogonia

Precursor cells in the testes from which sperm cells are produced.

Estrogen

Hormone that stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics and maintains sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

Hormone produced by the corpus luteum that prepares the uterus for embryo implantation, thickens the endometrium, inhibits ovulation, and maintains pregnancy.

Oogenesis

The process by which the ovaries produce an ovum (egg).

Ovulation

The monthly release of one or a few developing oocytes for possible fertilization.

Zygote

A fertilized egg.

Follicular Stage

Pre-ovulation stage (Day 0-13) where GnRH causes the pituitary to release FSH and LH, stimulating oocyte maturation and estrogen release.

Luteal Phase

Post-ovulation stage (Day 15-28) where LH causes follicle cells to form the corpus luteum, secreting estrogen, progesterone, and inhibin to prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg.

Corpus Luteum

Mass of cells formed from follicle cells that acts like a gland, secreting estrogen, progesterone and inhibin.

Inhibin

Hormone secreted by the corpus luteum that inhibits secretion of FSH.

Endometrium

The lining of the uterus that grows and thickens to prepare for egg implantation.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Hormone secreted by the embryo after implantation that keeps the corpus luteum from breaking down and suppresses the mother’s immune system.