Female Reproductive Hormones and Cycle Exam Review

follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Hormone that triggers changes to the granulosa cells.

human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Hormone involved in maintaining the corpus luteum.

luteinizing hormone (LH)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and supports the corpus luteum.

progesterone

Hormone secreted by the corpus luteum that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

estrogen

Hormone produced by developing follicles that regulates the menstrual cycle.

secretory phase

Phase where the empty Graafian follicle changes into a structure that secretes progesterone.

luteal phase

Phase of the menstrual cycle after ovulation when the corpus luteum is formed.

inhibin

Hormone secreted by the secondary follicle that suppresses the release of hormones causing more follicles to develop.

ovulation

The release of a mature ovum from the ovary.

endometrial lining sloughing

Trigger for menstruation caused by low levels of estrogen and progesterone.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone that stimulates the release of LH and FSH.

corpus luteum

Structure formed from the empty Graafian follicle that secretes hormones during early pregnancy.

oral birth control

Contains both estrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting LH and FSH.

menopause

Period when women experience high FSH levels and low estrogen levels due to loss of ovarian function.

tertiary follicle

Stage of follicle development characterized by an enlarged antrum cavity.

meiosis completion

Occurs in an ovum only after fertilization.

proliferative phase

Phase of the menstrual cycle where the endometrium thickens in response to estrogen.

menstruation

The shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur.

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

Hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

hCG

Hormone secreted by the embryo to maintain the corpus luteum.

LH (luteinizing hormone)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and supports the corpus luteum.

antrum cavity

Cavity within the tertiary follicle that enlarges during follicle development.

corona radiata

Layer of granulosa cells that surround the ovum in the tertiary follicle.