Human Reproduction
SUMMARY OF PRESENTATION
Menstrual Cycle
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The menstrual cycle refers to the
changes that occur in the ovary and uterus of a
female over a period of 28 days.
The menstrual cycle is actually made up of 2
cycles.
These 2 cycles are the…
1. Ovarian cycle and
2. Uterine cycle.
Lets look at each of these cycles.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The Ovarian Cycle:
The ovarian cycle describes the changes
that occur within the ovary during the
development of the egg within the Graafian
follicle.
The ovarian cycle is controlled by 2 hormones.
These 2 hormones are the follicle
stimulating hormone and the
luteinising hormone.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The follicle stimulating hormones is also known
as the FSH.
The FSH is produced by the hypophysis or
pituitary gland.
The FSH is responsible for the development of a
large sac like structure called the Graafian
follicle.
The germinal epithelium gives rise to the follicles.
One follicle develops into large follicle called the
Graafian follicle.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The egg or ovum is found within the Graafian
follicle.
The Graafian follicle then secretes a hormone
called oestrogen.
The oestrogen is involved in preparation of the
uterus for pregnancy.
This is achieved by making the endometrium…
a. Thicker
b. Having an increased supply of blood vessels
c. More glandular
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
After about 14 days the Graafian follicle raptures
to release an egg.
This process is called ovulation.
Ovulation is the process during which the mature
egg is released from the Graafian follicle.
The funnels of the fallopian tube collects the egg.
The ruptured Graafian follicle becomes the
corpus luteum.
The conversion of the ruptured Graafian follicle
into the corpus luteum is controlled by a
hormone.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
This hormone is called the luteinising
hormone.
This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland.
The corpus luteum secretes a hormone.
This hormone is called progesterone.
The function of progesterone is to maintain
pregnancy.
If fertilization does not occur the corpus luteum
breaks down.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Then progesterone is no longer secreted.
The unfertilized egg then leaves the body by a
process called menstruation.
The Uterine Cycle and Menstruation:
The uterine cycle refers to the changes
that occur until menstruation.
If the egg is fertilized then the corpus luteum
continues to produce progesterone.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Progesterone ensures that the fertilized egg
remains attached to the uterine wall.
In other words progesterone maintains
pregnancy.
BUT…
Iffertilization does not occur then the corpus
luteum ruptures.
Then the secretion of progesterone stops.
Then menstruation occurs.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Menstruation refers to the discharge of blood
and other material from the lining of the uterus
at intervals of about one month.
Menstruation starts during puberty between 11
to 14 years.
But in some females may start as early as 9 years
of age but other females may start as late as 21
years of age.
Menstruation occurs 14 days after ovulation.
Menstruation lasts between 5 to 7 days.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The new ovum is then released 14 days after
menstruation.
When a female stops menstruating, this means
that the ovaries no longer produce the eggs this
is known as menopause.
Menopause occurs between ages 45 and 55.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Here is another way to look at the menstrual cycle.
The first day of the menstrual bleed is the start of the
menstrual cycle.
The menstrual bleed may last between 5 to 7 days.
The menstrual bleed is also called a period.
About 14 days later the egg is released from the
Graafian follicle.
This process is called ovulation.
The egg is captured by the funnels of the fallopian
tube.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The ruptured Graafian follicle is converted to the
corpus luteum.
This conversion is controlled by the luteinising
hormone.
The corpus luteum is responsible for the secretion
of the hormone progesterone.
The progesterone is responsible for maintaining
pregnancy.
But if fertilization does not occur then the corpus
luteum ruptures.
No progesterone is released.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE:
Therefore unfertilized egg together with the blood
vessels will leaves the body through the vagina.
This process is called menstruation.
To summarize…
The ovarian cycle describes the formation of the
ovum within the ovary until it is released and the
corpus luteum is formed.
The uterine cycle describe the changes that occur in
the uterine wall as the body prepare itself for
pregnancy.
Both the ovarian and uterine cycle makes up the
menstrual cycle.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE:
The hormones progesterone and oestrogen are
involved in maintaining pregnancy.
The hormones FSH and LH controls the menstrual
cycle.
