Oogenesis and Reproductive Hormones

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to oogenesis, hormonal control in reproduction, and the ovarian and uterine cycles.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete (oocyte) formation, occurring primarily before birth and involving stages of meiosis.

Primary oocyte

The stage of oocyte that is present at birth and arrested in Prophase I of meiosis.

LH surge

The surge in Luteinizing Hormone that triggers ovulation and completes meiosis I of the oocyte.

Secondary oocyte

The oocyte that is released during ovulation and is arrested in Metaphase II until fertilization occurs.

Meiosis II

The second division of meiosis that completes only if fertilization of the secondary oocyte occurs.

Follicular development

The stages through which ovarian follicles progress, including primordial, primary, secondary, antral, and Graafian follicles.

FSH

Follicle Stimulating Hormone, which stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Estrogen

A hormone that increases as follicles mature and is involved in building the endometrium.

Ovarian cycle

The cycle that includes the follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.

Uterine cycle

The cycle that includes the menstrual phase, proliferative phase, and secretory phase.

Corpus luteum

The structure formed after ovulation that secretes progesterone to maintain the endometrium.

IVF

In Vitro Fertilization, a process that includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.

Progesterone

A hormone that maintains the uterine lining during the luteal phase and decreases to trigger menstruation.

Menstruation

The shedding of the uterine lining when progesterone drops.