Define: pheromone; flehmen reaction, vomeronasal organ; lordosis; Whitten effect; Coolidge effect; capacitation; acrosomal reaction; corona-penetrating enzyme; acrosin; zona block, polyspermy; Foley catheter; histotrophe; diapause; zygote; morula, blastula, gastrula; trophoblast, inner cell mass; Turner's, Klinefelter's syndromes; pseudohermaphroditism, freemartin; SRY; embryonic gene transfer, cloning; thalidomide; DES; placentome; Rh factor; decidual response; accessory CL; pseudopregnancy; stages of labor; dystocia; colostrum; puberty, sexual maturity.
Describe the roles of steroid hormones in the regulation of male and female mating behaviors.
List the average gestational lengths of the farm species.
What is the adaptive significance of seasonal breeding strategies? What primary factor dictates whether an animal is a short- or long-day breeder? Trace the pathway by which photoperiodic information is transmitted to the pineal gland. Describe the circadian rhythm of melatonin synthesis. Describe the transitional changes in hypothalamic sensitivity to negative steroid hormone feedback that occur in seasonal breeders.
How long do sperm and ova normally survive within the female reproductive tract? What factors act as barriers to sperm transport?
What purposes do the various ingredients of semen extenders afford?
Describe the mechanisms of contraceptive action of intrauterine devices. What adverse effects have limited the use of IUDs in the US?
Delineate the standard protocols for embryo transfer in cattle and IVF-ET in women.
Explain the fundamental differences between the mechanics of intrusive and superficial/central implantation; indicate representative species.
Do primordial germ cells originate within the gonads? Explain.
Indicate the reproductive organs derived from the Wolffian and Mullerian duct systems. How is phenotypic differentiation regulated by testicular hormones?
Name the layers of the placenta. Classify the comparative aspects of placental anatomy and indicate representative species.
List the theories of maternal tolerance of a fetal allograft.
What are the progestational roles of progesterone? Indicate the basic mechanisms of CL rescue in primates, pigs, ruminants, and rats.
How early can pregnancy be detected in cattle by rectal palpation? When can pregnancy be detected in women by ultrasonography?
Outline the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in labor and parturition in the sheep.
How do hormones affect maternal behaviors?
Describe the basic anatomy of the mammary alveolus. How is lactogenesis controlled by hormones? Outline the neuroendocrine mechanism involved in the milk-ejection reflex.
Describe the respective roles of lactation (prolactin) and uterine involution in the resumption of fertility postpartum in women, beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, and rodents.