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Chapter 10.3 Reproductive Physiology of the Non-pregnant Female

BOOK TITLE: Understanding Medical Physiology: A Textbook for Medical Students

Author
1. Bijlani R.L.
ISBN
9788180612213
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10999_73
Edition
3/e
Publishing Year
2004
Pages
5
Author Affiliations
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Chapter keywords
progesterone secretion, hypothalamic hormones, biological rationale, menstrual bleeding, endometrium, follicular development, ovulation, feedback mechanism, immature ova, functional significance, differentiation, manifestations, psychological symptoms, biochemical indicators, physical examination

Abstract

This chapter discusses reproductive physiology of the non-pregnant female, where the female gonads are a pair of ovaries in the abdominal cavity. The ovary is covered by a single layer of somewhat flattened cuboidal epithelium. The menstrual cycle is due to the cyclic secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, which in turn imparts cyclicity to estrogen and progesterone secretion from the ovary. Towards the end of the menstrual cycle, the corpus luteum degenerates to form the corpus albicans. Under the influence of estrogen, the uterine wall not only starts getting repaired but the endometrial thickness also starts increasing. Menstrual cycle involves the interplay of ovarian, pituitary and hypothalamic hormones. Relaxin is a peptide hormone secreted by the corpus luteum. Menopause is the decline in sexual function of women as a result of aging. Menopause is due to a decrease in the number of primordial follicles in the ovary.

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