1. almond size and shape almond size and shape production and development of oocytes production and development of oocytes production and secretion of oestrogen production and secretion of oestrogen pear-shaped, hollow muscular organ pear-shaped, hollow muscular organ support and nutrition of the foetus during pregnancy support and nutrition of the foetus during pregnancy 3 layers 3 layers endometrium (implantation of fertilised oocytes) endometrium (implantation of fertilised oocytes) myometrium myometrium perimetrium perimetrium

2. Key stages of the menstrual cycle (1) initial development and growth of ~ 20 oocytes, each contained in a fluid-filled sac, the follicle initial development and growth of ~ 20 oocytes, each contained in a fluid-filled sac, the follicle development of the dominant Graafian follicle within the ovary development of the dominant Graafian follicle within the ovary ovulation - the release of the oocyte from the Graafian follicle into the Fallopian tube ovulation - the release of the oocyte from the Graafian follicle into the Fallopian tube

3. Granulosa cells = specialised „helper“ cells feeding of the oocyte with nutrients feeding of the oocyte with nutrients oestrogen synthesis oestrogen synthesis Graafian follicle

5. Hormonal events (1) Follicular Phase Rising FSH levels  development of the dominant Graafian follicle Rising FSH levels  development of the dominant Graafian follicle slow increase of LH levels slow increase of LH levels  LH  stimulation of theca cells to produce androgens  Granulosa cells convert androgens into oestrogen

7. The menstrual cycle