Female Development

Gonads

The organs that produce the gametes

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Gamete

Mature male or female reproductive cell with a haploid set of chromosomes (produced by gametogenesis)

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Oocyte

Female gamete produced by oogenesis

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Germ cell

Sperm or oocyte, or their developmental precursors

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Week 3-7

PGCs appear in the epithelium of the yolk sac and proliferate by mitosis. They migrate to the genital ridges where the gonads are formed (gonadal ridges have secreting factors that act as chemoattractants)

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SRY

The gene on the Y chromosome that is expressed from week 7 onwards which triggers male development.

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Sex cord cells

These cells come in from the coelomic epithelium and they form the granulosa. They cluster around the PGCs

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PGC

When these cells reach the genital ridges, they are called oogonia. They are surrounded by the sex cord cells and the structure is called the primordial follicle

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Mesonephric

These cells come from the mesonephros and these form the vasculature of the ovaries and the theca cells

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Primordial follicle

A primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flattened granulosa which are then surrounded by theca cells

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Stra8

The gene which controls meiosis in the fetal period

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Polar bodies

These are formed after each round of meiosis by the oocyte. It ensures the oocyte remains large and has rich cytoplasmic contents to make up for the lack in sperm in the formation of a zygote

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Prophase I

The meiotic phase in which oogenesis is arrested in primary oocytes

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LH

The surge in this hormone at puberty allows meiosis I to re-commence, forming a secondary oocyte and a polar body

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Metaphase II

The meiotic phase in which oogenesis is arrested in secondary oocytes (still diploid)

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Ovulation

This occurs after the first meiotic division has been completed and the secondary oocyte formed. Cumulus oophorus loosens, increase in follicular fluid. Mature follicle ruptures and releases ovum from inside

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Fertilisation

This step allows the secondary oocyte to complete meiosis II and form the mature tertiary oocyte which is haploid

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Primary

The follicle which synthesises proteins needed for development post-fertilisation. The granulosa cells become cuboidal, theca cells and zona pellucida become visible. This is independent of the menstrual cycle

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Zona pellucida

A mesh-like structure fully of holes so the granulosa can be in contact with the egg. It prevents polyspermy and allows for proteolytic enzymes released from the acrosome to penetrate

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Secondary

The follicle where the granulosa proliferates and the theca cells form two distinct layers - interna and externa. For the follicles to develop any further, they are dependent on gonadotropins

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Tertiary

The follicle where the granulosa secretes follicular fluid into the antrum. The granulosa cells immediately outside of the ZP are called the corona radiata. Around those are the cumulus oophorus which form a stalk-like structure

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GnRH

Releasing hormone from the hypothalamus which acts on the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH. Released at puberty and is pulsatile (60-90 mins)

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Kisspeptin1

A neuropeptide transmitter which is synthesised from the KISS1 gene. It induces puberty

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FSH

Hormone which acts on the ovary and stimulates the development of follicles

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LH

Hormone which acts on the ovary and stimulates follicle maturation, ovulation and development of the corpus luteum)

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Corpus luteum

The remains of the follicle after ovulation. Releases progesterone.

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hCG

Hormone released from trophoblast cells of the embryo. Binds to receptors on lutein cells to maintain the corpus luteum

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Oestradiol

Dominant oestrogen from puberty to menopause

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Oestriol

Dominant oestrogen during pregnancy

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Oestrone

Dominant oestrogen post-menopause

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Oestrogen production

Theca cells produce testosterone which diffuses into the granulosa cells. These have the aromatase enzyme which catalyses conversion to oestrogen (LH increases cholesterol uptake by theca cells; FSH increases aromatase activity)

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Oestrogen

Hormone for: growth of body and sex organs, development of SSC, follicle maturation, thinning of cervical mucous, preparation of endometrium for pregnancy

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Progesterone

Hormone produced by the corpus luteum and then the placenta. Maintains the endometrium for pregnancy

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Menses

Low levels of oestrogen and progesterone trigger menstruation. Hypothalamus secretes GnRH, so LH and FSH levels are relatively low

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Proliferative phase

Oestrogen levels increase, suppressing FSH levels but increasing LH. Ovulation occurs.

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Secretory phase

Corpus luteum forms. Granulosa becomes large lutein cells and secrete progesterone and oestrogen. LH and FSH levels decrease. Corpus luteum deteriorates without hCG, so oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease

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Histiotrophic nutrition

During first 6 weeks of pregnancy, progesterone acts on the endometrium, causing it to be secretory and glandular (decidualised). These secretions nourish the embryo until placenta takes over

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hPL

Hormone produced by trophoblast cells of the embryo - levels rise as hCG falls. Decreases insulin sensitivity, to increase maternal blood glucose

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Menopause

Over 50 and there has been 12 months of amenorrhoea or under 50 and 24 months of amenorrhea. Mood changes, loss of libido, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, low oestrogen and high LH/FSH

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Hormonal

Contraception which mimics the hormones during the secretory phase (high progesterone, moderately high oestrogen)

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Morning after pill

Pill with higher doses of hormones than normal contraceptives - progesterone only. Prevents/delays ovulation and alters the environment of the uterus

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Barrier

Contraception which blocks the sperm and the egg from meeting. Can be combined with spermicides

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IUDs

Long acting contraception consisting of a copper coil inserted into the uterus, inducing a foreign body response. Copper is spermicidal

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Permanent

Contraception involving tubal ligation and vasectomy

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Natural

Contraception using: withdrawal, rhythm method, fertility awareness method, natural family spacing and abstinence

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Hormone tests

FSH/LH = day 3. Progesterone = day 21

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Progesterone challenge test

If you don't know "day 1" of menses: give a synthetic form of progesterone for 5 days, causing the breakdown of endometrium after stopping. This will be day 1

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PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: oligomenorrhea, polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism

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Clomiphene

Fertility treatment: an oral anti-oestrogen taken for 5 days increases FSH levels, developing more follicles. Risks: multiple ovulation

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IUI

Intrauterine insemination: injections of prepared sperm into the uterine cavity using a catheter when woman is ovulating. Low success rate, high chance of multiply pregnancy

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IVF

Infertility treatment: stimulation to produce many eggs which are then mixed with 100,000 motile sperm and left to fertilise

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ICSI

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection: 1 sperm injected into one egg, only used if IVF fails

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Ovarian stimulation

Suppress pituitary by using a GnRH agonist or GnRH antagonist, give rFSH to stimulate ovary for multiple follicles, trigger hCG, inseminate, transfer embryos, luteal support

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Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Condition which results in enlarged ovaries and fluid build up in the ovarian cavity. A risk of IVF and ICSI

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Female Development

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