Sponsor Area

Human Reproduction

Question
CBSEENBI12001800

(a) Draw a labelled diagram of the human female reproductive system. 

(b) Enumerate the events in the ovary of a human female during: 

(i) Follicular phase

(ii) Luteal phase of menstrual cycle

Solution

(a) 
(b)

(i) Follicular phase: Follicular phase is also called the proliferative phase. During this phase the FSH released by the pituitary stimulates the growth of the primary ovarian follicle and also causes maturation of the primary oocyte in this follicle. The follicular cells of the Graafian follicle secrete oestrogen. Due to an increase level of estrogen the uterine endometrium becomes thick, more vascular and more glandular. This phase lasts for about 10 to 14 days, or until ovulation occurs. The luteinizing hormone (LH) released by the pituitary induces the mature Graafian follicle to burst and release the egg or ovum into the fallopian tube. This is called ovulation.

(ii) Luteal phase: The luteal phase is also called secretory phase or the post -ovulatory phase. It follows the ovulation. During this phase the corpus luteum continues to release the hormone, progesterone. It lasts for about 12 - 14 days and extends from the 16th - 28th day of the menstrual cycle.