Ovulation And Ovarian Changes During The Menstrual Cycle

Ovulation And Ovarian Changes During The Menstrual Cycle

Question 1. With a neat diagram describe the ovarian changes during the menstrual cycle.
Answer:

Ovarian changes during menstrual cycle:

• Ovarian changes occur in two phases

1. Follicular phase

• It extends from the fifth day of menstrual cycle till 14th day
• During this phase, maturation of ovum occurs
• During each cycle, some 10-15 follicles enlarge to become secondary follicles under the influence of FISH
• The matured ovarian follicle along with matured ovum is called graffian follicle
• There is increase in the size of graffian follicle upto it surrounds the whole thickness of ovarian cortex
• Some epithelial cells start secreting the female sex hormones
• On 14th day, graffian follicle is prepared for ovulation

Ovulation:

• It is the process in which there is rupture of graffian follicle with subsequent discharge of ovum into abdominal cavity
• The ovum gets surrounded by zona pellucida and granulosa cells
• This is shed into the abdominal cavity and is picked up by the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube

2. Luteal phase

• This extends between 15th and 28th day of menstrual cycle
• During this, corpus luteum is developed
• After ovulation, the clotted blood is replaced with yellowish, lipid rich luteal cells forming corpus luteum
• It enlarges from 8-9 days during which the luteal cells secrete estrogen and progesterone

Question 2. Give five functions of sertoli cells.
Answer:

• Sertoli cells support and nourish germ cells
• Secretes androgen, binding protein – ABP, inhibin B and MRF
• Provides blood testis barrier
• Provide hormonal substances necessary for spermatogenesis
• Causes control release of mature sperms into the lumen of seminiferous tubules.