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    Menstrual Cycle in Primates

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    tanitanwani54

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    Menstrual Cycle in Primates

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    2 views3 pages

    Menstrual Cycle in Primates

    Uploaded by

    tanitanwani54

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    1

    Menstrual Cycle in Primates:

    The menstrual cycle in primates, particularly in higher primates such as humans, apes, and some monkeys, is a recurring cycle that prepares the
    reproductive system for pregnancy. Unlike the *estrous cycle, which is common in most mammals, the menstrual cycle is characterized by the
    shedding of the uterine lining in the absence of fertilization. This process is typical of **Old World monkeys* (such as macaques and baboons),
    *apes* (including chimpanzees and gorillas), and *humans*.

    Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

    The menstrual cycle is generally divided into four main phases: the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. These phases
    are driven by the hormonal changes in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, and uterus. The cycle is usually around 28 days in humans but
    can vary between species of primates.

    1. Menstrual Phase - Duration: 3 to 7 days in humans, variable in other primates.

    - Events:

    Menstruation is the shedding of the endometrial lining of the uterus, accompanied by bleeding in higher primates. - This occurs if the egg released
    in the previous cycle is not fertilized and implanted.

    -Hormonal Activity:- Estrogen and progesterone levels fall dramatically, causing the breakdown of the uterine lining.

    - Purpose: This phase marks the reset of the reproductive system, preparing for the next cycle.

    2. Follicular Phase Duration: From the end of menstruation to ovulation, typically 14 days in humans.

    - Events:

    - Multiple follicles in the ovaries begin to mature due to the secretion of *follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)*.

    - One dominant follicle fully matures into an egg (ovum).

    - The uterine lining begins to thicken in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

    - Hormonal Activity: FSH stimulates follicular development.

    - Rising levels of estrogen are secreted by the growing follicles. Estrogen promotes the regeneration and thickening of the endometrial lining
    (proliferative phase of the uterus).

    - Purpose: The follicular phase ensures the development of a viable egg and prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy.

    3. Ovulation: Duration: Occurs around day 14 in humans and lasts for 24–48 hours.

    - Events: - The mature follicle releases a viable egg into the fallopian tube. This is the window for fertilization.

    - Hormonal Activity: A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), triggered by high levels of estrogen, causes ovulation.

    - Purpose: Ovulation is the release of the egg, which is crucial for fertilization. If sperm is present, fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tubes.

    4. Luteal Phase: Duration: From ovulation to the start of the next menstrual cycle, typically around 14 days.

    - Events:- The ruptured follicle transforms into the *corpus luteum, which secretes **progesterone*.

    - The uterine lining continues to thicken, and the body prepares to support a fertilized egg.

    - Hormonal Activity: Progesterone levels rise sharply, stabilizing the endometrium for potential implantation.

    - If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum degenerates after about 14 days, leading to a drop in progesterone and estrogen levels.
    2

    - Purpose: The luteal phase supports early pregnancy, and if pregnancy does not occur, it signals the onset of menstruation by triggering the
    breakdown of the endometrium.

    Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

    The menstrual cycle is regulated through a complex interaction between hormones secreted by the *hypothalamus, **pituitary gland, and
    **ovaries. This regulatory system is called the **hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis*.

    1.Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) - Produced by the hypothalamus.

    - Controls the release of *FSH* and *LH* from the anterior pituitary gland.

    - The pulsatile release of GnRH varies during the menstrual cycle, influencing the levels of other reproductive hormones.

    2. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.

    - Stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles during the follicular phase.

    - Rising FSH levels initiate the selection of the dominant follicle that will mature into an egg.

    3. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - Also secreted by the anterior pituitary in response to GnRH.

    - A surge in LH triggers ovulation and the subsequent formation of the corpus luteum.

    - LH levels remain low during most of the cycle except during the ovulatory phase.

    4. Estrogen: Secreted by the growing ovarian follicles during the follicular phase.

    - Plays a key role in rebuilding the uterine lining and preparing the endometrium for implantation.

    - High estrogen levels trigger the LH surge, leading to ovulation.

    5. Progesterone- Secreted by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase.

    - Maintains the uterine lining by making it receptive to a fertilized egg.

    - A drop in progesterone levels (if fertilization does not occur) causes the breakdown of the endometrium, initiating menstruation.

    Feedback Mechanisms in the Menstrual Cycle

    The menstrual cycle is governed by intricate feedback loops between the ovaries, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. These feedback mechanisms
    involve both *positive* and *negative feedback* systems to regulate hormone levels.

    1. *Negative Feedback: During the follicular and luteal phases, moderate levels of estrogen and progesterone inhibit the release of GnRH, FSH, and
    LH. This prevents the maturation of additional follicles once ovulation has occurred and maintains a stable hormonal environment in the luteal
    phase.

    - If no pregnancy occurs, the drop in progesterone and estrogen at the end of the luteal phase lifts the negative feedback, allowing FSH and LH to
    rise again and initiate a new cycle.

    2. Positive Feedback: Toward the end of the follicular phase, rising estrogen levels from the maturing follicle exert positive feedback on the
    hypothalamus and pituitary, leading to a sharp rise in LH (the *LH surge*) and a smaller increase in FSH. This positive feedback leads directly to
    ovulation.

    Evolutionary Significance of the Menstrual Cycle in Primates

    The menstrual cycle is thought to have evolved as an adaptive reproductive strategy. While many mammals reabsorb their endometrial lining (as in
    the estrous cycle), primates shed it. This shedding is thought to reduce the risk of infection and allows for more efficient reproductive cycling. The
    3

    process of menstruation ensures that the endometrium is periodically refreshed, providing a suitable environment for successful embryo
    implantation in the next cycle.

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