Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the Ovarian Cycle
A series of events that occurs in the ovaries. It includes the maturation for an egg and its release into a uterine tube
What is the first stage of the Ovarian Cycle?
Primary Follicle stage where single layer of cells in the ovary that surrounds the immature egg.
What is the second stage of the Ovarian Cycle?
Secondary Follicle stage, develops at puberty, and only happens to a few primary follicle each cycle
Cells forming the wall of the primary follicle enlarge and divide layer of cells around the egg.
Secretions from these cells create a fluid-filled space. Thus the egg is gradually forced to the edge of the follicle.
What is the third stage of the Ovarian Cycle?
Mature Follicle stage, As more fluid fills the follicle, it continues to enlarge and move towards the surface of the ovary. On reaching the surface it forms a bulge.
What is the fourth stage of the Ovarian Cycle?
Ovulation Cycle, when a mature follicle ruptures and releases the ovum. Finger-like projections called firmbriaie guide the ovum into the uterine tube.
The ovum is gradually swept down the uterine tube by the beating of cilia
What is the fifth stage of the Ovarian Cycle?
Corpus Luteum, after ovulation, the ruptured follicle collapses and the blood within forms a clot.
The remaining follicular cells enlarge and form a cream-coloured corpus luteum.
What is the sixth stage of the Ovarian Cycle?
Corpus Albicans, If there is no fertilisation
After 8-10 days, the corpus luteum degenerates into scar tissue - corpus albicans - which eventually disappears.
Another ovarian cycle begins.
If there is fertilisation and pregnancy does occur:
Corpus luteum continues development and ovarian cycle stops.
CL reaches the peak of its development in the third month of pregnancy. Then, it begins to degenerate slowly
