Question

Discuss hormonal factors involved in the maturation of an ovum, ovulation and formation and maintenance of the corpus lyceum during a normal menstrual cycle

Answer 1

Ovarian cycle have three phase:

1. Follicular phase: During this phase the ovarian follicles develop in response to follicle stimulating (FSH). Increased level of FSH recruits 5 to 7 ovarian follicles for entry into the menstrual cycle. FSH causes the proliferation in these follicles leading to expression of leutinizing hormone receptor. Once the level of LH begins one or sometimes two of the follicles become dominant. The dominant follicle releases estrogen resulting into slow down of FSH and LH which causes death of follicles other than dominant one.

2. Ovulation: Ovulation is the release of ovum from mature follicles. Ovulation occurs due to increased level of FSH and LH.

3. Leuteal phase: it begins with the formation of corpus leuteu. The estrogen secreted during follicular phase begin the process of formation of endometrium which is later thickened by the hormone progesterone. Progesterone makes the uterus implantable.