Reproduction

Question 1

the menstrual cycle

Answer 1

-follicular phase-hypothalamus releases factors that cause anterior pituitary to produce FSH and LH and ovary will begin to produce mature ovarian follicles
ovary produces estrogen which increases LH and decreases FSH
-ovulation-surge in LH levels trigger follicle to release ovum
-luteal phase-LH induces ruptured follicle to develop into corpus luteum which secretes estrogen and progesterone
-menstruation-if ovum is not fertilized the corpus luteum atrophies and estrogen and progesterone levels drop
endometrium will slough off (menstrual flow)

Question 2

if fertilization occurs

Answer 2

• developing placenta produces human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)
• hCG maintains the corpus luteum