MENSTRUAL CYCLE Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Ovarian cycle : Follicular phase Ovarian cycle : Luteal phase Changes in the Endometrium

PITUITARY-OVARIAN AXIS Hormonal interactions between the anterior pituitary and the ovaries. Anterior pituitary secretes FSH and LH. ▪Controlled by GnRH. FSH secretion is slightly greater than LH during early phase of menstrual cycle. FSH stimulates follicular development. LH secretion greatly exceeds FSH secretion just prior to ovulation.

Follicle growing and oocyte maturing (1 o  2 o  3 o  Graafian follicle) Growing follicle start to produce estrogen Matured follicle forming a bulge near ovary surface. LH surge begins 24 hours before ovulation. Follicle and adjacent wall of ovaries rupture releasing secondary oocyte  OVULATION Primary oocytes are contained within primary follicles. In response to FSH, some of the primary follicles grow to produce many layers of granulosa cells. Some develop fluid-filled vesicles called secondary follicles. Continued growth results in fused vesicles to form a single antrum. This is a mature Graafian follicle. Cell layers called the corona radiata and zona pellucida form around the oocyte. These serve as a barrier for sperm entry. OVARIAN CYCLE : FOLLICULAR PHASE

OVARIAN CYCLE:LUTEAL PHASE Follicular tissue transform into corpus luteum Corpus luteum : secrete progesterone and estrogen End of luteal phase, corpus luteum disintegrates (unless if fertilization occur) Concentration of progesterone and estrogen decline sharply.

CHANGE IN THE ENDOMETRIUM Proliferative Phase: Ovary is in follicular phase. Estrogen stimulates growth of endometrium layer. Arteries develop. Secretory phase: Ovary is in luteal phase. Progesterone stimulates development of uterine glands, which become engorged with glycogen. Endometrium becomes thick, vascular, and spongy. Cervical mucus thickens and becomes sticky. Menstrual phase: Progesterone withdrawal causes constriction of arteries.  Necrosis and sloughing of endometrium occurs.  Lasts days.

The General Knowledge Pregnancy happen between the fusion of two gametes which is between sperm and secondary oocyte.  Fertilization is usually happen at the fallopian tubes and the now zygote will undergo different stages while move by ciliated fallopian tube towards the uterus.  The blastocyst will implant itself on the surface of the endometrium wall on the uterus.

Anatomical Changes  The uterus starts as big as fist-sized organ and it can expand up to abdominal cavity.  It crowded the abdominal organs until ribs flare and thorax widen.  Placenta release hormone relaxin that causes pelvic ligament and pubic symphysis to relax and widen.  If extreme prolonged child birth cause by the difficulty in expulsion the doctor will pursue C-section to deliver the baby.

6 Warning signs during pregnancy Bleeding Severe nausea and vomiting Your Water Breaks Baby’s Activity Level Significantly Declines A Persistent Severe Headache, Abdominal Pain, Visual Disturbances, and Swelling During Your Third Trimester Contractions Early in the Third Trimester

Ectopic pregnancy  Also known as pregnancy outside the womb  Usually at the fallopian tube or at the ovary.  Occur when the fallopian tube is narrow or the cilia in fallopian tube is not function  The baby will be abort as it will endanger the life of the mother.  The fetus will be surgically removed.

Last but not least The expression encourage pregnant women to eat twice of the food that would lead to excessive weight. FACT: Pregnant women only need 300 additional calories for proper fetal growth. The emphasis should be on high quality food. Lots of nutrients too!!!

Thank you BIOLOGYISNOTONLYTHE SCIENCEOF LIFE BUTITIS THE CONSCIOUSNESS OFLIFE