Follicle Phase and Ovulation

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on the follicle phase and ovulation.

Monotocous species

Species that ovulate one dominant follicle.

Polytocous species

Species that ovulate multiple large follicles.

Ovulation rate

The number of eggs ovulated, which is heritable.

Dominant follicle

The primary follicle that ovulates during the follicle phase.

Photoperiod

The duration of light exposure that can trigger reproductive cycles in some species.

Luteolysis

The process of breaking down the corpus luteum, which occurs when cycling but not pregnant.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which stimulates the release of LH.

LH surge

An increase in luteinizing hormone that triggers ovulation.

Atresia

The process by which follicles undergo degeneration and are absorbed.

Estrous cycle

The reproductive cycle in female mammals, which involves phases such as proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus.

Induced ovulators

Species which only ovulate in response to mating or specific stimuli.

Spontaneous ovulation

Ovulation that occurs without the need for mating stimuli.

Estrogen threshold

The critical level of estrogen that triggers the estrus phase.

Granulosa cells

Cells in the ovarian follicles that produce estrogen and inhibin.

Theca cells

Cells that surround the follicles and produce androgens.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels that supply blood and nutrients to the follicles.

Follicle lifespans

The duration of time from recruitment of primordial follicles to their maturation or atresia.

Estrus

The phase in the estrous cycle when the female is receptive to mating.

Cervical stimulation

Physical stimulation of the cervix by mating that can induce ovulation in some species.

Embryo production

The outcome of ovulation and fertilization leading to the development of embryos.

Comparative ovulatory follicle size

The varying sizes of ovulatory follicles across different species.