Define: tunica albuginea; cumulus oophorus; corona radiata; atresia; zona pellucida; ovulation stigma; ovulation fossa; ovarian bursa; common epithelial ovarian cancer; mesovarium, mesosalpinx, mesometrium; diapedesis; spiral artery; dysmenorrhea; endometriosis; PMS; premature ovarian failure; polar body; luteinization; angiogenesis; luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome.
Trace the life history of an ovulatory follicle. What structural criteria distinguish follicular and luteal classifications?
Describe the functional significance of the differentiated cellular layers that comprise the wall of a preovulatory follicle.
Assign a primary function to each component of the female duct system: oviducts (infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus), uterus (endometrium-stratum functionalis, basalis; myometrium), cervix, vagina.
Contrast the architectural features that discriminate the various types of female reproductive tracts; list some representative species for each classification.
What is reflex/induced ovulation; exemplary species?
Describe the respective roles of estradiol and progesterone in the regulation of hypothalamic and pituitary gonadotropic activites in spontaneous-ovulating females.
Diagram the relative profiles of gonadotropins and steroid hormones throughout a typical spontaneous (estrous) cycle; indicate the cause-and-effect relationship(s) for each change depicted.
Outline the 2-cell, 2-gonadotropin mechanism of follicular steroidogenesis.
Describe the ovarian/hormonal/reproductive tract/behavioral alterations associated with each stage of the estrous cycle.
List the durations of estrus and estrous cycles for the rat/mouse, farm species, and dog.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of estrous synchronization (cattle)? Describe the basic approaches (progestin vs. prostaglandin) and advantages/disadvantages of each.
Describe the phases of a typical human menstrual cycle. In what respects is a menstrual cycle different from an estrous cycle?
Describe the contraceptive mechanisms of action of "the pill." List the medical benefits of combination oral contraceptives.
What is the primary causative factor in menopause; associated symptoms?
What hormones can be used to "rescue" follicles from atresia and thereby cause superovulation?
Describe the proposed target tissue actions of prostaglandins in ovulation and luteolysis.
Summarize the events in oogenesis.
What role does the uterus play in the mechanics of luteal regression in farm animals; primates?