Question

What are the events that take place in the ovary and uterus during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Answer 1

Menstrual cycle:

Menstrual cycle refers to the cyclic changes occurring in the reproductive tract of the female primates including human beings. It includes multiple phases like menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulatory phase and secretory phase.


Follicular phase:

Follicular phase lasts for about 14 days in a 28 days menstrual cycle. This phase is also called the proliferative phase in which the follicular cells mature and give rise to the Graffian follicle.


Ovarian changes during follicular phase:

Ovarian changes during follicular phase involves the following:

• The primary follicle in the ovary grows to become a fully mature Graafian follicle.
• LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) attain a peak level in the middle of the cycle (around the 14th day).
• Rapid secretion of LH leads to LH surge.
• LH surge induces the rupture of Graffian follicle and the release of the secondary oocyte.
• Production of estrogen also stops after ovulation.

Uterine changes during follicular phase:

Uterine changes during follicular phase involves the following:

• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secreted by the anterior pituitary stimulates the ovarian follicles to secrete estrogen.
• Estrogen stimulates the proliferation of endometrium of the uterine wall in this phase.
• This results in an increase in the uterine glands and blood vessels. Hence it becomes more thick and vascular.