Describe what is happening during the female monthly cycle related to: a. FSH, LH, estrogens, and progesterones b. The follicles in the ovaries c. The lining of the uterus

a.FSH, LH, Estrogens, and Progesterones:

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Secreted by the pituitary gland, FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Also released by the pituitary gland, LH triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary.

Estrogens: Produced by the developing ovarian follicles, estrogen levels rise and contribute to the thickening of the uterine lining. It also inhibits further FSH release.

Progesterone: Released by the corpus luteum (formed after ovulation), progesterone helps prepare the uterine lining for potential implantation and maintains its thickness.

b. The Follicles in the Ovaries:

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, multiple ovarian follicles start to develop under FSH influence.

One dominant follicle becomes the Graafian follicle and releases a mature egg during ovulation.

After ovulation, the remaining structure transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.

c. The Lining of the Uterus:

During the first half of the cycle (follicular phase), the rising estrogen levels stimulate the thickening of the endometrium (uterine lining) in preparation for a potential embryo.

If fertilization doesn't occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, causing a drop in progesterone and estrogen.

This drop triggers the shedding of the uterine lining, leading to menstruation (the start of a new cycle).

This cyclical process repeats approximately every 28 days, although variations are common.