FACT SHEET 1 (SCIENCE 10)

FACT SHEET 1 (SCIENCE 10)

Feedback Mechanisms Involved in Regulating Processes in the Female Reproductive System
Feedback Mechanisms Involved in Regulating Processes in the Female Reproductive System
A. Menstruation
1. It is a sign that a girl is capable of producing offspring. A. Menstruation
2. It is a series of changes during which an egg matures, and the uterus is prepared for 1. It is a sign that a girl is capable of producing offspring.
possible pregnancy. 2. It is a series of changes during which an egg matures, and the uterus is prepared for possible
pregnancy.
B. Feedback Mechanism Involved in the Menstrual
Cycle B. Feedback Mechanism Involved in the Menstrual
The menstrual cycle entails a biological Cycle
feedback system that regulates the activities of the The menstrual cycle entails a biological
structures involved in the processes. feedback system that regulates the activities of the
The menstrual cycle is influenced by the structures involved in the processes.
endocrine system through the complex interaction The menstrual cycle is influenced by the
of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and reproductive endocrine system through the complex interaction
organs, specifically the ovaries and testes. of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and reproductive
A feedback mechanism is the process organs, specifically the ovaries and testes.
through which the level of one substance A feedback mechanism is the process
influences the level of another substance. Negative through which the level of one substance
feedback affects the production of hormones in the influences the level of another substance. Negative
menstrual cycle. High levels of one hormone may feedback affects the production of hormones in the
inhibit the production of another hormone. menstrual cycle. High levels of one hormone may
inhibit the production of another hormone.
Feedback Mechanism Involved in the Menstrual Cycle
Feedback Mechanism Involved in the Menstrual Cycle
1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the ovaries to release estrogen.
High levels of estrogen then prevent the further production of FSH. 1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the ovaries to release estrogen.
2. Estrogen also stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary High levels of estrogen then prevent the further production of FSH.
gland, which in turn controls the production of progesterone. High levels of 2. Estrogen also stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary
progesterone then inhibit the further release of LH. gland, which in turn controls the production of progesterone. High levels of
progesterone then inhibit the further release of LH.
C. Phases of Menstrual Cycle
I. Follicular Phase C. Phases of Menstrual Cycle
The follicular phase starts on day 1 of menstruation and ends with ovulation (day 14). The I. Follicular Phase
brain (anterior pituitary) sends the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to the ovaries to The follicular phase starts on day 1 of menstruation and ends with ovulation (day 14). The
signal follicles to grow and mature. These follicles produce estrogen. Estrogen acts on the brain (anterior pituitary) sends the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to the ovaries to
uterus to stimulate the thickening of the endometrium (uterine lining). When estrogen signal follicles to grow and mature. These follicles produce estrogen. Estrogen acts on the
peaks, it signals the brain to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH). This triggers ovulation. uterus to stimulate the thickening of the endometrium (uterine lining). When estrogen
II. Ovulation peaks, it signals the brain to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH). This triggers ovulation.
It occurs mid-cycle, around two weeks or so before menstruation starts. On this day, the II. Ovulation
mature egg from the follicle travels from the ovary down to the fallopian tube and into the It occurs mid-cycle, around two weeks or so before menstruation starts. On this day, the
uterus. At any time during the egg’s journey, sperm can fertilize it. If fertilization does not mature egg from the follicle travels from the ovary down to the fallopian tube and into the
occur during this phase, the egg continues to the uterus and dies within 6 to 24 hours.
 uterus. At any time during the egg’s journey, sperm can fertilize it. If fertilization does not
occur during this phase, the egg continues to the uterus and dies within 6 to 24 hours.
III. Luteal Phase
The luteal phase includes the day after III. Luteal Phase
ovulation to the day before your next period. The luteal phase includes the day after
During the luteal phase, LH and FSH levels ovulation to the day before your next period.
decrease. Once it releases its egg, the empty During the luteal phase, LH and FSH levels
follicle develops into a new structure called decrease. Once it releases its egg, the empty
the corpus luteum which produces follicle develops into a new structure called
progesterone. If the egg isn't fertilized, the the corpus luteum which produces
corpus luteum degenerates, and estrogen progesterone. If the egg isn't fertilized, the
level decreases. The hormonal changes of corpus luteum degenerates, and estrogen
this phase are associated with symptoms of level decreases. The hormonal changes of
premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as this phase are associated with symptoms of
pimples, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, mood premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as
changes, bloating, pain, swelling of the pimples, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, mood
breasts, and food cravings. changes, bloating, pain, swelling of the
breasts, and food cravings.
Other notes:
The menstrual cycle can continue in a Other notes:
woman for about 40 years stopping temporarily during pregnancy and resuming after The menstrual cycle can continue in a
giving birth. Some pain, cramping, and discomfort during menstrual periods are normal. woman for about 40 years stopping temporarily during pregnancy and resuming after
Excessive pain that causes you to miss work or school must be given medical attention. giving birth. Some pain, cramping, and discomfort during menstrual periods are normal.
Excessive pain that causes you to miss work or school must be given medical attention.
D. Summary of the Menstrual Hormone and Their Functions
D. Summary of the Menstrual Hormone and Their Functions