Menstrual Cycle

Question 1

What does FSH do?

Answer 1

development of follicle beyond secondary
stimulates granulosa cells to multiply and produce oestrogen
Induces LH receptors on granulosa cells of the dominant follicle

Question 2

What does oestrogen do?

Answer 2

stimulates proliferation of granulosa cells
exerts negative feedback on the secretion of gonadotrophins
works with progesterone to maintain lining in luteal phase

Question 3

What does LH do?

Answer 3

stimulates theca cells to synthesise androgens
the mid-cycle surge in LH causes ovulation

Question 4

What does progesterone do?

Answer 4

Helps to build and maintain endometrial lining
progesterone is produced in large amounts by the corpus luteum to maintain the lining

the drop in progesterone due to degeneration of corpus luteum (due to no hCG) causes endmetrial shedding

Question 5

what are the 4 key follicular stages

Answer 5

Primordial follicles
Primary follicles
Secondary follicles
Antral follicles (also known as Graafian follicles)

Question 6

what do theca cells do?

Answer 6

stimulated by LH to make androgen which can be converted to oestrogen by granulosa cells

Question 7

what do granulosa cells do?

Answer 7

stimulated by FSH to produce estrodiol