Ovarian Cycle and Female Reproductive System Quiz

Female Reproductive Cycle

• Regular monthly cycles in females are controlled by hormonal regulation involving estrogen and progesterone.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acts on cells in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, stimulating hormone release.

Ovarian Follicle Development

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the development of ovarian primary follicles into mature follicles.
• Follicular cells produce estrogen in response to FSH, contributing to the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Function

• LH is vital in the ovarian cycle, particularly for triggering ovulation and maintaining the corpus luteum.
• The luteal phase of the ovarian cycle is characterized by the presence of the corpus luteum, which secretes hormones.

Ovulatory Triggers

• The early development of ovarian follicles is stimulated by FSH and can be supported by other factors such as inhibin.
• Ovulation is triggered by a surge in LH, occurring mid-cycle.

Fertilization and Sperm Function

• The site of fertilization in the female reproductive system is typically the ampulla of the fallopian tube.
• Capacitation is the process that enhances sperm motility and prepares them for egg penetration.

Uterine Tube and Ovulation

• Fimbriae at the end of the uterine tube help guide the released egg into the fallopian tube just before ovulation.
• Final maturation stages of ovarian follicles are stimulated by both LH and FSH.

Hormonal Changes and Mucus Production

• Estrogen and progesterone play roles in thinning cervical mucus, facilitating sperm passage during fertile periods.
• Granulosa cells within the ovarian follicles are primarily responsible for producing estrogen.

Summary of Key Hormones and Cells

• Estrogen is produced mainly by follicular cells and granulosa cells during the maturation process.
• LH and FSH are critical hormones governing the female reproductive cycle and ovarian function.