Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
What are the 5 types of ovarian follicle?
Primordial follicle Primary follicle Pre-antral follicle Early antral follicle Mature / graafian follicle
What is the primordial follicle?
Primary oocyte surrounded by granulosa cells
What is the primordial follicle?
Primary oocyte surrounded by ZONA PELLUCIDA and granulosa cells
How does the primary follicle differ from pre-antral follicle?
Pre-antral follicle has a theca layer around the granulosa cells
What forms in the early antral follicle?
Antrum (fluid-filled space) in the granulosa cell layer
Which follicle, out of the developing antral follicles, is chosen for ovulation?
The dominant follicle
What day does ovulation occur?
Day 14
What does the corpus luteum release?
Progesterone
Oestrogen
Inhibin
If fertilisation doesn’t occur, how long does it take for the corpus luteum to reach maturation?
10 days
What triggers menstruation and the start of a new menstrual cycle?
The degeneration of the corpus luteum
What is the range of days for the menstrual cycle?
Every 21 - 35 days
Having sex during which period will most likely lead to fertilisation?
3 days before ovulation and 1 day after
Describe the stages of the follicular phase (7)
- GnRH stimulates release of FSH and LH from AP
- FSH causes follicle to mature
- Follicle secretes oestrogen in low amount
- LH is inhibited
- High oestrogen levels stimulate endometrial growth (proliferative phase)
- LH surge
- Ovulation
Describe the stages of the luteal phase (7)
- Follicle becomes corpus luteum
- CL releases inhibin, oestrogen and progesterone
- Inhibin (FSH), oestrogen and progesterone all inhibit HT and AP
- Progesterone maintains the endometrium (secretory phase)
- No fertilisation: corpus luteum degenerates
- Inhibition on HT and AP via I, O and P removed
- Menses
When is cervical mucus abundant, clear and watery and why? (3)
At the time of ovulation
Under the influence of oestrogen
Allows sperm to travel easily
