1. Female Reproductive Cycles
Oogenesis and the Ovarian Cycle

2. Oogenesis
- the process of female gamete formation including formation of an oocyte from an oogonium followed by meiotic division Oogonium – the female stem cell Primary Oocyte (2N)– the daughter cell of the oogonia, produced through mitosis; arrested in prophase I Women are born with a lifetime supply of primary oocytes (approx. 2 million), she will only use about 500.

3. Oogenesis
After puberty… Secondary Oocyte (1N) – an oocyte in which the first meiotic division is completed; arrested in metaphase II) This produces a very tiny cell as well which is referred to as a polar body (usually reabsorbed by the body) *Meiosis II is only completed if sperm penetration occurs. A second polar body is also produced. Ovum – a mature female reproductive cell that has been fertilized by a male cell.

4. Ovarian Cycle
refers to the series of changes in the ovary during which the follicle matures, the ovum is shed, and the corpus luteum develops.
Begins at puberty

6. Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

7. Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle
-- The cyclic changes that the endometrium, or mucosa or the uterus goes through month after month as it responds to changes in the levels of ovarian hormones in the blood Three Stages of the menstrual cycle*: Days 1-5: Menstrual phase -the superficial or functional layer of the thick endometrial lining of the uterus is detaching from the uterine wall, a woman’s “period” Days 6-14: Proliferative phase -the basal layer of the endometrium regenerates the functional layer, glands form in it, and the endometrial blood supply increases Days 15-28: Secretory phase -increased blood supply to the endometrium. Endometrial glands also increase in size and begin secreting nutrients into the uterine cavity. * Based on a 28 day cycle. Cycles may vary from days