Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
What s menopause?
You have no follicles left to stimulate so you can’t make oocytes
How are GnRH neurons used?
Send gonadotrophin releasing hormone in the blood to the anterior pituitary which then releases LH and FSH
What hormones are released from the posterior pituitary?
Oxytocin and ADH
Which half of the pituitary gland has the stalk?
Posterior
Where in the hypothalamus are the GnRH neurons?
Preoptic region
Name the 3 phases and when they occur
Follicular 1-10
Ovulatory 11-14
Luteal 14-28
Describe the follicular phase
FSH makes a follicle grow
They fight for FSH until one follicle remains
LH stimulates thecal cells grow and make androgens which the granulose absorbs
Granulose converts androgens to oestradiol which they then secrete
Describe the ovulatory phase
FSH, LH and oestradiol levels continue to rise
LH peaks starting ovulation and the occyte leaves the follicle
The follicle collapses and forms the corpus luteum which secretes progesterone
Describe the layers of the follicle
Thecal
Granulosa
Antrum surrounds oocyte
Describe the luteal phase
The corpus luteum releases progesterone and oestradiol
If no pregnancy occurs the oocyte degenerates and the hormone levels fall
Which hormone grows the granulosa?
FSH
Where are the hormones made?
Pituitary gland and ovaries
Why does the uterine lining shed?
When the corpus luteum stops making progesterone
What keeps the corpus luteum alive?
Gonadotrophin hormone
