Ovarian Cycle and Follicular Phase

Flashcards about the ovarian cycle, phases, follicles, and the hormones.

How long is the average ovarian cycle?

28 days

What are the two phases of the ovarian cycle?

Follicular phase and luteal phase

Which days of the ovarian cycle does the follicular phase encompass?

Day 1 through day 14

What structure houses the oocyte?

The follicle

Which days of the ovarian cycle does the luteal phase cover?

Day 14 through day 28

What event marks the transition between the follicular and luteal phases?

Ovulation

What is released from the ovary during ovulation?

A secondary oocyte stalled in metaphase II

What accounts for the variation in the length of a woman's menstrual cycle?

Variability in the length of the follicular phase

What is the typical length of the luteal phase?

Almost always 14 days

What name is given to the layers of cells that house the oocyte?

The follicle

Are women's cycles compared from month to month or ovary to ovary?

Month to month

What is another name for immature gamete?

oocyte

What is a primordial follicle?

An oocyte with a single layer of cells around it

Where are primordial follicles found?

In the ovary

During childhood, in which stage is the oocyte stalled?

Prophase I

What are the layers of cells in a follicle called?

Granulosa cells

What are the cells surrounding the granulosa cells called?

Thecal cells

What is a primary follicle?

More than one layer of cells surrounding the oocyte including granulosa and thecal cells

What distinguishes a secondary follicle from a primary follicle?

Pockets of fluid are present

What is the significance of secondary follicles?

Responsive to hormones

What are other names for a vesicular follicle?

Graafian follicle

What defining feature characterizes the vesicular follicle?

Oocyte to one side with a large fluid-filled pocket (antrum)

What type of oocyte is present in a vesicular follicle?

Secondary oocyte

Which hormone is responsible for the follicle's hormone secretion?

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

What do granulosa cells do with thecal cell secretions?

Convert hormones from thecal cells into estrogen

What does FSH stimulate?

Follicle development

What causes the surge of FSH and LH?

A rise in small amounts of estrogen

What does the hypothalamus produce in the follicular phase?

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

What does GnRH target?

Anterior Pituitary