Menstrual cycle Flashcards
When the menstrual cycle is described in terms of ovarian function there are two predominate phases. What are these phases?
Follicular phase
Luteal phase
When the menstrual cycle is described in terms of endometrial activity there are three predominant phases. What are these phases?
Menstrual phase
Proliferative phase
Secretory phase
What endometrial phase does the follicular phase correspond to?
Proliferative phase
What endometrial phase does the luteal phase correspond to?
Secretory phase
What histologic unit does the oocyte develop within?
Ovarian follicle
The ovarian follicle develops through a series of two stages known as the preantral and the antral follicles. What is included in the preantral follicles?
Primordial follicle
Primary follicle
Secondary follicle
The ovarian follicle develops through a series of two stages known as the preantral and the antral follicles. What is included in the antral follicle?
Tertiary follicle
Graafian follicle
While a few follicles reach the antral stage each month, typically only one achieves dominance and is ovulated. Once ovulation occurs, what is the resulting histologic unit that remains?
Corpus luteum
If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum remains functional during the first several weeks of pregnancy, after which it regresses and becomes what?
Corpus albicans (regression also occurs in the absence of fertilization)
What cells respond to LH to produce VEGF?
Granulosa cells
In what stage of the antral follicle does the primary oocyte undergo meiosis 1?
Graafian follicle
What factors differentiate the dominant follicle from its cohort of primary follicles?
More estrogenic environment due to: Increased blood supply Increased FSH receptors Increased granulosa cells Increased aromatase activity
The primordial follicle destined to ovulate becomes a primary follicle. Primary follicles contain a larger primary oocyte surrounded by a layer known as the zona pellucida. What is the zona pellucida?
Glycoprotein coat- facilitates sperm attachment to and fertilization of the secondary oocyte
When does the antrum (filled fluid space between granulosa cells) develop during follicular maturation?
Tertiary follicle
Estradiol is inhibitory at the levels of the hypothalamus and pituitary. When is there an exception to this rule?
Mid-follicular phase- E2 positively feedbacks leading to a LH surge which induces ovulation
