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Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System

Events of the Ovarian & Uterine Cycles During the Reproductive Cycle

The reproductive cycle consists of three phases: 1) the menstrual phase; 2) the preovulatory phase; and 3) the postovulatory phase. During each phase there are changes in the ovaries and in the uterus in response to hormonal secretions from the pituitary (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]) and gonads (estrogens and progesterone).

  Ovarian Cycle Uterine Cycle
Menstrual phase 20 or more secondary follicles begin to enlarge; follicular fluid accumulates in the follicle Menstrual flow passes from uterus to exterior via vagina
Preovulatory phase Follicular phase because follicles are growing and developing; secondary follicles continue to grow; one follicle outgrows the others and becomes the dominant follicle; estrogen secretion increases; secretion of FSH decreases Proliferative phase because the endometrium is growing
Ovulation Rupture of the mature follicle; release of the secondary oocyte into the pelvic cavity
Postovulatory phase Luteal phase; mature follicle collapses; if fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum continues past its normal two-week lifespan; if fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum lasts for only two weeks and then degenerates; follicular growth then resumes and a new cycle begins Preparation of endometrium for fertilized ovum; if fertilization does not occur, the menstrual phase begins again