CH 9 The Luteal Phase of the Estrous Cycle Flashcards
When does the luteal phase occur? What phases does it consist of?
Lasts from the time of ovulation until luteolysis (regression of CL)
Consists of metestrus and diestrus
What key things have to happen in order to have the luteal phase occur?
- Corpa lutea formation
- Production of progesterone
- Luteolysis
What happens to a follicle at ovulation?
Follicle ruptures as well as the blood vessels within the follicular wall –> forms corpus hemorrhagium (bloody body)
How is the follicle observed from day 1-3 of the estrous cycle?
Appear as small, pimple-like structures on surface of ovary
What happens to CL at day 3-5 of the estrous cycle?
CL begins to increase in size as loose hemorrhagic appearance. Gains size until middle of estrous cycle.
What is happening to Cl as diestrus?
CL has reached mature suze and maximal levels of progesterone
What happens to CL at the end of the luteal phase?
At the end of the luteal phase, luteolysis occurs and CL loses functionality and decreases in size
What happens as CL degrades?
Forms corpus Albicans - scar-like tissues
What happens to the follicle after ovulation?
After ovulation, theca internal and granulosa cells undergo dramatic transformation (lutenization)
What is luteinization?
Process whereby cells of the ovulatory follicle are transformed into luteal tissue
What two cells do luteal tissue consist of?
large cells and small cells
Where do large cells originate from?
granulosa cells
What do large cells contain?
Many dense secretory granules near plasma membrane (in ruminants)
What do secretory granules in large cells contain?
Oxytocin - CL of estrous cycle
Relaxin - CL od pregnancy
Where do small cells originate from?
theca interna cells
What are characteristics of small cells?
irregular shape, numerous lipid droplets, no secretory granules