Biology of Reproduction Summers

Endocrinology Homeostasis/Feedback Adult Female Steroid Production Ovulation

Adult Male Gonadal Axis Regulation Sexual Differentiation Sexual Behavior Puberty

Reproductive Cycling Estrous Cycles Menstrual Cycle Menopause Fertilization

Fertilization Systems Gamete Interaction Pregnancy Labor and Parturition Lactation

Sexual Response & Behavior Pheromones STDs text: Human Reproductive Biology2nd Edition- RE Jones & KH Lopez,: pp 24-28 Acronyms/Abbreviations    end

VII. Adult Female 	

	A. Reproductive Anatomy

		1. Uterus


		2. Fallopian Tube or Oviduct


		3. Broad ligament


		4. Ovary


			a. Surface Epithelium


			b. Cortex (outer layer)


				i. primary oocytes
				   (female germ cells, found within follicles)


				ii. some vertebrates have germinal bed


					(1) for continued production of 1o oocytes


			c. Medulla (inner layer)


				i. arteries, veins, nerves


			d. Hilus


	B. The Follicle


		1. Follicular Wall


		2. Oocyte


		3. Primordial Follicle   50 mm diameter


			a. 1o oocyte


			b. membrana granulosa


			c. zona pellucida


		4. Primary Follicle


			a. granulosa becomes cuboidal


			b. gains Theca


				i. connective tissue


				ii. invaded by blood vessels immediately


		5. Secondary Follicle


			a. up to six layer granulosa


				i. cell division = mitosis


		6. Tertiary Follicle   25mm diameter


			a. Theca externa = connective tissue


			b. Theca interna


				i. glandular


			c. 2-3 layers of granulosa


			d. Antral fluid in Antrum


				i. filtrate of blood from capillaries in the Theca


			e. corona radiata


			f. cumulus oophorus


		7. Follicular Atresia


			a. a female (any mammal) is born with all
			   the oocytes she'll ever have


				i. human embryo has 3.5 million follicles


				ii. fish, amphibians, reptiles & birds
				    have germinal beds


					(1) \ can produce 1o oocytes throught life


						(a) produced mitotically,
						    mature to ova meiotically


			b. most follicles are lost by atresia


				i. can happen at any stage


				ii. more prevalent at later, larger stages


					(1) atresia often occurs as a result of supporting
					    (steroidally) the follicle which will ovulate 


			c. follicular selection


				i. very few oocytes are ovulated


					(1) larger follicles,
					    with a greater blood supply,
					    get a greater share of gonadotropins


						(a) \ grow faster


					(2) which oocytes begin to grow are probably
					    controlled by the hypothalamus
					    via the vagus nerve


				ii. many follicles grow and then die


			d. those that grow and do not ovulate help make
			   steroids (E2) for positive feedback