1. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle Inside the ovary of females there are large sac like structures called Graafian follicles Each follicle contains a maturing ovum The growth of he ovum inside the Graafian follicle is controlled by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) Secreted by anterior lobe of the hypophysis or pituitary gland These are produced by the germinal epithelium

4. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle Between day 11 and 16, ovulation takes place During ovulation, a single graaffian follicle ruptures and sets free an ovum The ovum is collected by the funnel of the fallopian tube and passes down toward the uterus

7. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle Luteinising hormone (LH), also produced by the anterior lobe, helps convert ruptured follicle into a structure called corpus luteum

8. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle If the ovum is fertilized by a sperm cell Corpus luteum secretes hormone progesterone Makes certain that the embryo remains attached to the uterus wall Ensures pregnancy remains

9. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle If the ovum is not fertilized, the corpus luteum is destroyed Little progesterone is secreted and menstruation occurs During menstruation, the endometrium lining of the uterus comes off as the menstrual period

11. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle This is accompanied by bleeding Menstruation takes place about 14 days after ovulation The next egg is then released about 14 days after menstruation

14. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle There are 2 separate sub-cycles during the menstrual cycle The ovarian cycle The uterine cycle

17. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle The ovarian cycle describes what happens in the ovary The uterine cycle describes the changes that are made in the uterus lining A graafian follicle, at different stages, produces oestregen and progesterone

19. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle These hormones control what happens ti the uterine wall The cycles are closely related The entire menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones produced by anterior lobe of hypophysis