From the onset of menstrual bleeding to the next period Characterized by changes in the ovaries and uterus Influenced

by normal hormonal variation mediated by hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland via feedback mechanis Recurring cyclically beginning at puberty with first menstruation called the MENARCHE and ceasing at MENOPAUSE Mean cycle length of 28 days; normal range 25-28 day per cycle

B.Function of the cycle In preparation for the release of egg, fertilization and implantation

C.

Hormonal Control of Menstrual Cycle

1.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland during the first half of the menstrual cycle Stimulate the development of graafian follicle Thickens the endometrium

2.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Secreted by the pituitary gland Stimulates ovulation and development of corpus luteum Thickens the endometrium

3.

Estrogen

Secreted primarily by the ovaries, by the adrenal cortex and by the placenta in pregnancy Stimulates thickening of the endometrium causes suppression of FSH secretion Assist in maturation of ovarian follicles Responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics Stimulates uterine contractions Mildly accelerates sodium and water reabsorption by kidney tubules; increase water content of the uterus High estrogen contraction-inhibits secretion of FSH and prolactin but stimulates secretion of LH Low estrogen concentration after pregnancy, stimulates secretion of prolactin Accelerates protein anabolism Responsible for the fertile cervical mucus; clear, stingy, stretchable, slippery, with fern patterns when dry

4.

Progesterone

Secreted by corpus luteum and placenta during pregnancy Inhibits secretion of LH Has thermogenic effect (increases basal body temperature) Relaxes smooth muscles Responsible for infertile mucus, opaque, sticky, thick, non-stretchable, non-fern pattern when dry Maintain thickness of endometrium Allows pregnancy to be maintained

5.

Prostaglandin Fatty acids categorized a hormone Produced by many organs of the body, including the endometrium Affects menstrual cycle Influences the onset and maintenance of labor Phases of Menstrual Cycle

OVIDUCT

Menstrual Cycle 21-35 days

OVARY UTERUS MYOMETRIUM

urinary bladder
urethra CLITORIS LABIUM MINOR LABIUM MAJOR VAGINA

ENDOMETRIUM

opening of cervix

anus

Menstrual Cycle hormonal control

Menstrual Cycle hormonal control

hypothalamus

ovaries oviduct oviduct

FSH-RF anterior lobe of pituitary gland FSH+LH

hypothalamus

Ovarian cycle
first polar body

secondary oocyte ovulation

Ovarian cycle The follicle

antrum

primordial follicle

estrogen

Ovarian cycle The follicle

Primordial follicle consists of primary oocyte and layer of cells nourishing oocyte.

Ovarian cycle The follicle

Primordial follicle

Ovarian cycle The follicle

3. As the follicle matures its cells begin releasing estrogen. 4. As estrogen levels increase Pituitary releases a burst oh LH. 5. In response to the elevated LH the follicle bursts releasing the egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

LH

Ovarian cycle The follicle

6. After releasing the egg the follicle becomes a corpus luteum. 7. The corpus luteum begins producing progetsrone, which prepare the uterus & endometrium for pregnancy. 8. If no pregnancy occurs the corpus luteum degenerates and stop producing progesterone.

Estrogen

Corpus Luteum

Progesterone

hypothalamus
GnRH

anterior pituitary FSH LH

midcycle peak of LH (triggers ovulation)

hypothalamus anterior lobe of pituitary gland

FSH

LH

LH

growth of follicle

ovulation corpus luteum

Ovulation

estrogens

progesterone, estrogen

endometrium of uterus

estrogens menstruation

progesterone, estrogen

Fig. 38.21, p. 663

Fate of the egg

Pregnancy test kit

The Act of Sex

The Act of Sex

Urethra

The Act of Sex The Act of Sex

Urethra

oviduct

The Act of Sex

OVARY

uterus

cervix vagina