Reproductive Physiology

By
Dr. Isam Eldin Mohamed Abd
Alla

Puberty

 Definition :
The period when the endocrine &
gametogenic function of gonads
have first
developed to the point where
reproduction is possible
onset :
Varies according to genetic,
nutritional and environmental
factors .

Mechanism of onset :.
A neuroendocrine mechanism act
at a
certain body weight & age causing
pulsatile secretion of
hypothalamic
gonadotropins releasing hormone
GnRH
The link between body weight and
puberty

GnRH stimulates the anterior

pituitary
to secrete gonadotropins (FSH ,
, LH)
Gonadotropins act on the
, gonads (testes
ovaries) causing release of
androgens
in males, estrogens &( testosterone)
.progesterone in females

Control of secretion of
Gonadotropin

Gonadotropins are glycoproteins

that
contain and protein
subunits
.carbohydrates &
:They include
Follicle stimulating hormone. 1
.FSH with half life of 170 minutes
Luteinizing hormone LH with. 2
. half life of 60 minutes

:Stages of puberty
Rapid (adolescent) somatic growth. 1
stimulated by Oestrogens in female &
.Androgens in male
Appearance of secondary sexual. 2
characteristics due Oestrogens &
Androgens
Attainment of reproductive capacity by. 3
production of mature sperms in male &
. mature ovum monthly in female

The secondary sex characteristics

In males
Body configuration (development of
skeletal muscles & broading of shoulders
Enlargement of genitalia
The glands start secretion
Deep voice due to growth of the larynx &
elongation &thickening of the vocal cords
Hair growth in face, chest, axilla &
Pubic

On the skin & secretion of thick

sebum that retained in the sebaeceous
glands leads to appearance of acne .
The hairline begins to recede.

In females:
Enlargement of the breasts (thelarche)
enlargement of the genitalia.
The voice remain high pitched as the larynx is
not enlarged.
Deposition of body fats in certain parts
(around breast, hip area) give the body
contour broad hip & narrow shoulder.
Development of pubic & axillary hair
(pubarche)
menarche, the first menstrual period.

Precocious puberty :
it is an early development of
secondary sex characteristics
due to early release of sex
hormones (androgens in males &
estrogen in females ).
The early release of sex
hormones may be or may be not
associated with gonadotrophin
release

gametogensis (True precocious

puberty) .
When the gonadotrophins are
not released ,the child is not
capable for
gametogenesis( pseudo
precocious puberty)

Causes of precocious true

puberty
Constitutional (no apparent cause )
Lesions in posterior hypothalamus (tumor
or infection)
Congenital abonormality

Causes of precocious pseudo

puberty :
congental adrenal hyperplasia
( in males)
adrenal tumers secreting
androgens or estrogen
testicular tumors secreting
androgens
ovarian tumors secreting
estrogens

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF
PRECOCIOUS
it results in early closure of
epiphyseal plate in bonses
short stature
it may indicate adrenal or
gonads tumors

 DELAYED PUBARTY

6 feature of puberty
Can be considered if
fail to develop by age of 17 in females &
20 in males
The Delay occur due to failure of
gonadotrophins or sex hormones
secretion
oCauses of delayed puberty :
Pituitary disorders (e.g.
panhypopituitarism )
Chromosomal abnormalities
Gonadal problems
Unknown causes

U
O
Y
K
N
A
TH