question_answer 61)

  What are the events that take place in the ovary and uterus during follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Answer:

                  The major events of the menstrual cycle are menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulatory phase and luteal phase. The follicular phase follows the menstrual phase. During this phase, the primary follicles inthe ovarygrow to become a fully mature Graafianfollicle and simultaneously theendometrium of uterus regenerates through proliferation. These changes in the ovary andthe uterus are induced by changes in the levels of pituitary and ovarian hormones. The secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) increases gradually during the follicular phase and stimulates follicular development as well as secretion of estrogens by the growing follicles. Both LH and FSH attain a peak level in the middle of cycle (about 14thday). This rapid secretion of LH leading to its maximum level induces rupture of Graafian follicle to release ovum.