Ovarian cycle and its regulation.
Ovarian Cycle and Its Regulation:
The ovarian cycle is a series of events that occur in the ovaries of females, leading to the release of an egg (ovulation) and preparation of the uterine lining for potential pregnancy.
The cycle is divided into two phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase.
The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH.
FSH stimulates the development of ovarian follicles, each containing an immature egg.
LH surge triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle.
After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone and some estrogen during the luteal phase.
If fertilization and implantation do not occur, the corpus luteum regresses, leading to a decrease in progesterone and estrogen, which triggers menstruation and the start of a new cycle.
If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum continues to produce hormones to support pregnancy until the placenta takes over hormone production.
The ovarian cycle and the regulation of gonadal hormones are tightly controlled by feedback loops involving the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and the ovaries. These hormonal changes drive the menstrual cycle and support female reproductive health.
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