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Related Concept Videos

Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Oogenesis02:07

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
Oogenesis01:22

Oogenesis

Oogenesis,  the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
The Menstrual Cycle01:19

The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle
09:05

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle

Published on: August 30, 2021

Oestrous cycles in Bos taurus cattle.

N Forde1, M E Beltman, P Lonergan

  • 1UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Animal Reproduction Science
|September 30, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The cattle oestrous cycle involves ovarian follicle waves regulated by hormones. Understanding these cycles is crucial for successful pregnancy establishment in postpartum cows.

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In Vitro Culture Strategy for Oocytes from Early Antral Follicle in Cattle
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In Vitro Culture Strategy for Oocytes from Early Antral Follicle in Cattle

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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle
09:05

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle

Published on: August 30, 2021

In Vitro Culture Strategy for Oocytes from Early Antral Follicle in Cattle
09:30

In Vitro Culture Strategy for Oocytes from Early Antral Follicle in Cattle

Published on: July 8, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Veterinary science

Background:

  • The oestrous cycle in cattle is a complex reproductive process lasting 18-24 days.
  • It comprises a luteal phase (14-18 days) and a follicular phase (4-6 days).
  • Ovarian follicle growth occurs in waves throughout the cycle, with the final wave's dominant follicle ovulating.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the dynamics of ovarian follicle growth waves during the oestrous cycle in cattle.
  • To outline the hormonal regulation of ovarian functions throughout the cycle.
  • To emphasize the importance of regular oestrous cycles for postpartum fertility.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cattle reproductive physiology.
  • Analysis of hormonal feedback loops governing the oestrous cycle.
  • Correlation of ovarian events with endocrine signaling.

Main Results:

  • Cattle exhibit 2-3 waves of follicle growth per cycle, each involving emergence, selection, and fate of a dominant follicle.
  • Hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, and uterus orchestrate ovarian functions.
  • The dominant follicle of the final wave matures and ovulates during the follicular phase.

Conclusions:

  • Ovarian follicle waves are a fundamental aspect of the cattle oestrous cycle.
  • Precise hormonal regulation ensures proper ovarian function and cycle progression.
  • Resumption of oestrous cycles post-calving is essential for rebreeding and reproductive success.