Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
Know the stages of the menstrual cycle
What is the 1st step in the menstrual cycle?
The hypothalamus produces GNRH
What does GNRH stand for?
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone
Where does GNRH bind?
The pituitary
What does the pituitary gland release?
LH and FSH
What does LH stand for?
Luteinising hormone
What does FSH stand for?
Follicle stimulating hormone
Where does FSH bind?
The ovaries
What does FSH stimulate in the ovaries?
- Development of ovarian follicles
- Secretion of oestrogen
- Secretion of inhibin
What is the Graafian follicle?
The follicle that is most sensitive to FSH that becomes the dominant follicle
Where does LH bind?
The ovaries
What does LH cause?
- Production of oestrogen, required for ovulation and thickening of the endometrium
- Conversion of the Graafian follicle in the progesterone producing corpus luteum
- Progesterone causes the endometrium to become receptive to implantation of a fertilised ovum
What does progesterone do?
Progesterone causes the endometrium to become receptive to implantation of a fertilised ovum
Progesterone = pro-gest = solely used for gestation / pregnancy
What is oestrogen needed for?
Ovulation and thickening of the endometrium
What do oestrogen, progesterone and inhibin all do?
Cause negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary
What does negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary do?
Reduces GNRH, LH and FSH production
