and the ovarian cycle are crucial processes in female reproduction. These intricate mechanisms involve the formation of egg cells and their maturation within ovarian follicles. Understanding these processes is key to grasping how the female reproductive system prepares for potential pregnancy.
The ovarian cycle is tightly regulated by hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries. This hormonal dance orchestrates follicle development, ovulation, and the preparation of the uterus for possible implantation. The cycle's phases and their timing are essential for successful reproduction.
Oogenesis Process and Stages
Fetal Development and Early Stages
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Oogenesis forms female gametes (ova) in ovaries throughout reproductive life
Primordial germ cells migrate to developing ovaries during fetal development
Oogonia differentiate from primordial germ cells through mitotic divisions
Primary oocytes form from oogonia and enter prophase I of meiosis
Arrest at diplotene stage of prophase I until puberty (dictyate stage)
Approximately 1-2 million primary oocytes present at birth
Puberty and Maturation
Select primary oocytes resume at puberty
Meiosis I produces and first
Unequal cytokinesis results in large secondary oocyte and small polar body
Secondary oocyte begins but arrests at metaphase II
Remains arrested until fertilization occurs
If fertilization occurs, meiosis II completes
Results in and second polar body
One functional ovum and three polar bodies produced from single
Polar bodies typically degenerate and do not contribute to reproduction
Ovarian Follicle Structure and Function
Follicle Development Stages
Primordial follicles contain primary oocyte surrounded by single layer of flattened granulosa cells
Primary follicles develop from primordial follicles
Growing oocyte and cuboidal granulosa cells
Formation of around oocyte
Secondary follicles have multiple granulosa cell layers and theca layer
Theca interna produces (testosterone)
Theca externa provides structural support
Antral follicles form fluid-filled cavity (antrum)
Specialized surround oocyte
Mature (Graafian) follicles are large, preovulatory structures
Fully developed antrum and cumulus oophorus supporting oocyte
Follicle Functions
Provide nurturing environment for oocyte development
Produce hormones crucial for ovarian and menstrual cycles
(primarily estradiol) synthesized by granulosa cells
produced by granulosa cells
Androgens produced by theca cells (precursors for estrogen)
Facilitate oocyte maturation and preparation for ovulation
Respond to and produce signaling molecules for intercellular communication
Hormonal Regulation of Ovarian Cycle
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis
(GnRH) from hypothalamus stimulates anterior pituitary
Pulsatile GnRH release essential for proper gonadotropin secretion
Anterior pituitary releases (FSH) and (LH)
FSH promotes follicular development and estrogen production
LH triggers ovulation and formation
Ovarian hormones (estrogen, , inhibin) provide feedback to hypothalamus and pituitary
Follicular Phase Regulation
Rising FSH levels stimulate follicle development
Granulosa cells produce estrogen and inhibin
Estrogen exerts negative feedback on FSH production
Inhibin suppresses FSH secretion from pituitary
High estrogen levels trigger positive feedback on LH production
Results in LH surge, initiating ovulation
Luteal Phase Regulation
Corpus luteum produces progesterone and estrogen
Prepare uterus for potential implantation
Progesterone and estrogen exert negative feedback on GnRH, FSH, and LH
If pregnancy occurs, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) maintains corpus luteum
Without pregnancy, corpus luteum degenerates
Decreased hormone levels trigger menstruation and new cycle
Ovarian Cycle Phases and Characteristics
Follicular Phase
Begins with menstruation, lasts until ovulation (typically 14 days in 28-day cycle)
Early :
FSH stimulates follicle development
Multiple follicles begin to grow and produce estrogen
Estrogen levels gradually rise
Late follicular phase:
Dominant follicle emerges, continues to grow
High estrogen production from dominant follicle
Endometrial proliferation in uterus
Ovulation
Occurs at end of follicular phase, triggered by LH surge