FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE

PHYSIOLOGY
EMBRYOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
Female feedback Diagram
STEROID HORMONES
• Testosterone is converted to estradiol (E 2)
by a complex of enzymes known as
aromatase.
• Steroids with 21 C have progestagenic
activity, 19 C have androgenic or
glucocorticoid activity, and 18 C have
estrogenic activity.
• Estrogenic compounds found in plants are
known as isoflavones, found in legumes
(genistein & coumesterol). Zearalenone is
an estrogenic compound produced by mold.
PROGESTAGENS
• Progesterone is the most prevalent progestagen and is
secreted by the CL, placenta, and adrenal gland.
• P4 prepares the endometrium for implantation and
maintenance of pregnancy by increasing secretory
activity and by inhibiting motility of the myometrium.
• P4 acts synergistically with estrogens to induce estrus
behavior.
• P4 develops the alveoli of the mammary gland
• High levels of P4 inhibits estrus and the ovulatory surge
of LH.
ESTROGENS

• Produced by specific cells in the graffian follicle

– Thecal cells of the follicle are stimulated by LH to produce androgens with
diffuse across the basement membrane where they are converted to estrogens
by granulosa cells under the influence of FSH
• Estrogens consist of estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Estradiol is the primary
estrogen produced by the ovary
ESTROGENS
• Estrogens act on the CNS to cause behavioral estrus in
the female
• Act on the uterus to increase the amplitude and
frequency of contractions by potentiating actions of
oxytocin and PGF2a,
• Cause physical development of 2o sex characteristics
• Stimulate duct growth and development of the
mammary gland
• Exert positive and negative feedback on LH and FSH
through the hypothalamus
 THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
• Menstrual, Proliferative and Secretory
phases
• Correlated to the Follicular and Luteal phases
of the ovarian cycle
• Menstrual phase (days 1-5)
• Proliferative phase (days 5-14)
• Secretory phase (days 14-28)
MENSTRUAL CYCLE

• Endometrial cycle

• Ovarian cycle

• Cervical/Vagina cycle
THE HISTOLOGIC CHANGES IN ENDOMETRIUM
DURING AN OVULATORY CYCLE

• The purpose of Two-thirds “fungsionalis “ layer endometrium is to

prepare for the implantation of blastocyst.
• Therefore, it is the site of proliferation, secretion, and
degeneration.
• The purpose of the one-third “basalis” layer is to provide the
regenerative endometrium following menstrual loss of the
fungtionalis.
 THE PROLIFERATIVE PHASE

• This is governed by increasing levels of

ovarian ß-oestradiol (E2)
• Mitosis occurs within both epithelial and
stromal cells
• General thickening of the tissue
• Growth of the glands, which may appear
pseudostratified
• Glandular epithelial cell nuclei are basal
 THE EARLY SECRETORY PHASE
• Begins on the day of ovulation
• Increasing levels of luteal progesterone (P 4)
• Sub-nuclear secretory vacuoles develop within
the glandular epithelium (days 14-20)
• Glands become corkscrew-shaped, develop a
nuclear channel system, an enlarged Golgi
complex and giant mitochondria
11
R

10
• Ovarian structure :
– Fixed no germ cell (oocytes)
– Weeks 22 gestation --- 7 millions immature oocytes
– Birth---2 millions oogonia
– Puberty each ovary weigh 5-10 g
– Only 500 oocytes will become mature rest die (atretic)
FIGURE 28.16 THE OVARIAN CYCLE

Figure 28.16
FIGURE 28.16 THE OVARIAN CYCLE

Figure 28.16
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
• Estrogen in low plasma concentration cause ant-or pituitary to
secrete less FSH and LH in response to GnRH and also may inhibit
the hypothalamus neurons that secrete GnRH
• Inhibin acts on the pituitary to inhibit the secretion of FSH
• Estrogen increse dramatically cause ant-or pituitary cells to secrete more
LH and FSH in response to GnRH. Estrogen can also stimulate the
hypothalamus neurons that secrete GnRH
• High plasma concentration of progesterone in the presence of estrogen
inhibit the hypothalamus neurons that secrete GnRH
GRANULOSA CELLS

• Nourish oocyte
• Secrete chemical messenger that influence the oocyte and the theca cells
• Secrete antral fluid
• Are the site of the action for estrogen and FSH in the control of follicle
development during early and middle follicular phases
• Express aromatase, which converts androgen to estrogen
• Secrete inhibin, which inhibits FSH secretion via an action on the pituitary
• Are the site of action for LH induction of changes in the oocyte and follicle
culminating in ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum
• Inhibin B reaches a peak in the early- to mid follicular, and a second peak at
ovulation

• Inhibin A reaches its peak in the mid luteal

• Activin enhances FSH biosinthesis and secretion, and participates in the
regulation of the menstrual cycles
• Activin is produced in the gonads, pituitary gland, placenta
• activin increases FSH binding and FSH-induced aromatization
• It participates in androgen synthesis enhancing LH action in the ovary
• AMH is expressed by granulosa cell during the reproductive years
• Controls the formation of primary follicles by inhibiting excessive follicular
recruitment by FSH
• Role in folliculogenesis
• From 25 y.o AMH declines to undetectable levels at menopause