Question

Name the phases preceded and followed by ovulation in a menstrual cycle. Explain the events occuring during these phases ?

Answer 1

Ovulation is the second phase of ovarian or uterine cycle. It is preceded by follicular phase and followed by luteal phase.
The cycle describes the changes occuring in the endometrium lining (uterine cycle) and changes in follicles produced by ovary (ovarian cycle).
The cycle is divided into 3 phases- Follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase.

1. Follicular phase- The ovarian follicles get mature and get ready to be released as egg. There will be rise in the level of follicle stimulating hormone. Out of many, only one follicle will get matured and known as graffian follicle
2. Ovulation- It is the phase when mature graffian follicle or mature egg is released from ovary and comes to fallopian tube for fertilisation. Uterine lining get thickened to prepare for fertilised egg.
3. Luteal phase- It is the final phase of ovarian cycle. The mature follicle transform into corpus luteum and start producing progesterone. High level of progesterone induces the release of estrogen. Levels of FSH nad LH falls down. Decreased level of progesterone leads to menstruation.