Explain the female ovarian and menstrual cycle mentioning th

Explain the female ovarian and menstrual cycle mentioning the hormones involved and their functions.

Solution

Ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary. The egg travels from the ovary through a fallopian tube to the uterus. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the development of female body characteristics and regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy

The menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days. It involves interactions between the pituitary gland in the base of the brain, the follicles in the ovary, and the lining of the uterus. FSH hormone together with LH hormone, both released from the pituitary, stimulate a follicle in the ovary, causing it to develop so that the ovum within it matures. This also causes the ovary to release the hormone estrogen. The combination of FSH and LH, and estrogen, has a positive feedback effect, causing the release of more and more estrogen, FSH and LH. Estrogen causes the muscle and lining layers of the uterus to grow thicker, in preparation for the possible embryo.

The ovum enters the Fallopian tube and travels towards the uterus. Progesterone has the effect of maintaining the lining of the uterus, and developing more blood vessels. The combination of estrogen and progesterone and has a negative feedback effect on the pituitary, stopping the release of FSH and LH.