The menstrual cycle is a rhythmic series of physiological changes in the sex organs that occur about 28 days throughout a women’s reproductive life. The end of the cycle is accompanied by the breakdown of the uterine endothelium, which gets released in the form of blood and mucus through the vagina. This is known as menses.
The menstrual cycle is regulated by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone. The anterior pituitary gland secretes FSH and LH which increase during the follicular phase. A primary follicle is converted into a Graafian follicle by FSH under the influence of RH (releasing hormone). The secretion of LH increases gradually which results in the growth of follicles and secretion of estrogen. The secretion of FSH is inhibited by Estrogen and it stimulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone. It also causes the thickening of the uterine endometrium. The increased level of LH causes the rupturing of the Graafian follicle and releases the ovum into the fallopian tube. The ruptured Graafian follicle changes to the corpus luteum and starts secreting progesterone hormone during the luteal phase. Progesterone hormone helps in the maintenance and preparation of the endometrium for the implantation of the embryo. High levels of progesterone hormone in the blood decrease the secretion of LH and FSH, therefore inhibiting further ovulation.
Suggest some methods to assist infertile couples to have children.
Amniocentesis for sex determination is banned in our country. Is this ban necessary? Comment.
How many eggs do you think were released by the ovary of a female dog which gave birth to 6 puppies?
How many eggs are released by a human ovary in a month? How many eggs do you think would have been released if the mother gave birth to identical twins? Would your answer change if the twins born were fraternal?
In our society the women are often blamed for giving birth to daughters. Can you explain why this is not correct?