Female Reproductive Functions
Ovarian Cycle
Follicular Phase (preovulatory)
Luteal Phase (postovulatory)
maturation, ovulation, degeneration
ovary bulges due to tertiary ovarian follicle
LH levels rise and meiosis I finishes
Ovulation: oocyte is released into pelvic cavity then moves into uterine tube
Corpus luteum: converts cholesterol into progestorone, which
prepares uterus for pregnancy
Production of the corpus albicans
Marks end of Ovarian cycle
Uterine Cycle (menstrual cycle)
Menarche; first uterine cycle
Menopause; end of uterine cycle
menstrual phase
Proliferative phase
secretory phase
rate of secretion increases (14 days)
uterine epithelium is restored; sustained by estrogen
patchy degeneration of uterine layer
causes MENSES
period cycles as we know it
dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation
Estrogen
Three types:
Functions
most abundant is estradiol
stimulates bone/muscle growth, maintains female sex characteristics, affects CNS activity, maintains reproductive glands/organs, catalyst for repair/growth of uterine epithelium
Hormone regulation
Hormone regulation
High LH levels maintain structure and function of corpus leteum
FSH stimulates follicular development; circulates estrogens
Hormone Regulation
Corpus luteum degenerating leads to more female sex hormones
Estrogen levels increase until epithelium regeneration is stimulated
tldr all phases are affected by the amount of estrogen/progesterone secreted/reached