PATHO FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE Reproductive

PATHO FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE Reproductive Endometrial cycle and the occurrence of ovulation -menstrual cyclestarts with menarche (first menstruation) ends with menopause (cessation of menstrual flow for 1 year) -Cycles -anovulatory at first may vary in length from 10 to 60 days or more. -As adolescence proceeds into adulthood, regular patterns of menstruation and ovulation are established at intervals ranging from 21 to 45 days. -Menstruation continues to recur in a recognizable and characteristic pattern during adulthood, with the length of the menstrual cycle varying considerably among women. - commonly accepted cycle average is 28 (27 to 30) days, with rhythmic intervals of 21 to 35 days considered normal. -Approximately 2 to 8 years before menopause, cycles begin to lengthen again with variation related to changing hormone levels -2 phases: 1) follicular/proliferative phase (postmenstrual) -lasts until about day 14. - endometrium grows to form a lush lining inside of the uterus. • GnRH, activin, and inhibin from granulosa cells cause rise in FSH levels (stimulates number of follicles) • FSH rescues dominant ovarian follicle from apoptosis day 5-7 • Estrogen and FSH make primary follicle more sensitive to FSH • Estrogen levels increase, FSH levels drop because of inhibin-B increase from dominant follicle • Estrogen causes cells of endometrium to proliferate and stimulate LH production • Surge in FSH and LH require for final follicular growth and ovulation • Androgen enhances process of follicle atresia