Session 2 - Part II Flashcards
What happens in the Preparatory phase of the Menstrual cycle?
Follicles grow in the ovary
Uterus prepares for sperm transport & implantation
Changes to facilitate sexual interactions
Also called Follicular/Proliferative phase
What happens in the Ovulation phase of the Menstrual cycle?
Brief period of fertility (Around 36 hours)
Formation of the Corpus Luteum
What happens in the Waiting phase of the Menstrual cycle?
Corpus Luteum in the ovary
Changes in preparation for pregnancy
Also called Luteal (Ovary) or Secretory (Uterus) phase
What does species variation show us?
That ovulation can be very precisely linked to the environment
What are Induced Ovulators?
There is no ovulation without copulation
eg cats & rabbits
What are Induced Waiting phase?
Spontaneous ovulation
No Corpus Luteum formed without copulation
What is unique about the Menstrual cycle in higher primates only?
They always ovulate and always have a waiting phase.
How is the Menstrual cycle ended?
Shredding of part of the endometrium
What hormones co-ordinate the Menstrual cycle?
Gonadotrophins (LH & FSH)
Gonadal steroids
Oestrogen
Progesterone
What is the level of FSH on day 0 of the Menstrual cycle?
High
They then fall after the Preparatory phase
When is the lowest level of FSH in the Menstrual cycle?
In the waiting phase
Peak for ovulation
What is the level of LH on day 0 of the menstrual cycle?
Low
Increase for LH surge then drop again
What are the actions of Gonadotrophins in the Follicular phase?
FSH binds to Granulosa cells
LH binds to Thecal cells in the Theca interna (Secretes Androgens which is then converted to Oestrogen then released)
Stimulates the development of the follicle
What are the actions of Gonadotrophins in the Pre-ovulation phase?
LH surge stimulates ovulation
What are the actions of Gonadotrophins in the Luteal phase?
LH maintains the Corpus Luteum
How does LH cause ovulation?
At very high levels it breaks down collagen in the Theca externa. This causes it to burst and the ovum is released
Usually happens due to LH surge