Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

3.2K
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...
3.2K
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

6.3K
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...
6.3K
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

1.3K
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...
1.3K
The Menstrual Cycle01:19

The Menstrual Cycle

2.7K
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...
2.7K
Overview of the Reproductive System01:31

Overview of the Reproductive System

4.6K
The reproductive system generates offspring, ensuring the survival of the species. In humans, the reproductive system is complex and involves a variety of organs and hormones that work together to ensure successful reproduction.
The gonads, or primary reproductive organs, produce gametes and sex hormones. In males, the testes produce spermatozoa and testosterone, which is responsible for developing secondary male sex characteristics, including a deeper voice, larger muscles, facial and body...
4.6K
Oogenesis02:07

Oogenesis

68.7K
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...
68.7K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Reproduction in the vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops): II. Annual menstrual patterns and seasonality.

American journal of primatology·2020
Same author

The detection of ovulation and early pregnancy in the baboon by direct measurement of conjugated steroids in urine.

American journal of primatology·2020
Same author

Reproduction in the vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops): I. Testicular volume, testosterone, and seasonality.

American journal of primatology·2020
Same author

Pregnancy outcome in free-ranging vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops).

American journal of primatology·2020
Same author

Nutrition, body condition, activity patterns, and parasitism of free-ranging troops of olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Kenya.

American journal of primatology·2020
Same author

Teeth emergence in wild olive baboons in Kenya and formulation of a dental schedule for aging wild baboon populations.

American journal of primatology·2020

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Primatology Through Germ Cell Research and Genetic Modification Techniques
06:17

Author Spotlight: Advancing Primatology Through Germ Cell Research and Genetic Modification Techniques

Published on: July 5, 2024

1.7K

Reproduction in the vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops): III. The menstrual cycle.

R M Eley1, R P Tarara1, C M Worthman1

  • 1Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.

American Journal of Primatology
|January 24, 2020
PubMed
Summary

This study tracked menstrual cycles in vervet monkeys, predicting ovulation around day 13. Hormonal profiles and uterine biopsies revealed distinct cycle phases, though external indicators like skin color were unreliable.

Keywords:
endocrinologygreen monkeyovulation

More Related Videos

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

8.3K
Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification
09:01

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification

Published on: September 15, 2012

119.2K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Primatology Through Germ Cell Research and Genetic Modification Techniques
06:17

Author Spotlight: Advancing Primatology Through Germ Cell Research and Genetic Modification Techniques

Published on: July 5, 2024

1.7K
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

8.3K
Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification
09:01

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification

Published on: September 15, 2012

119.2K

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Primate endocrinology
  • Comparative physiology

Background:

  • Understanding primate reproductive cycles is crucial for conservation and biomedical research.
  • Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) serve as a valuable model for human reproductive studies.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the detailed hormonal and histological profiles of the vervet monkey menstrual cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the menstrual cycle of multiparous vervet monkeys.
  • To identify reliable hormonal and histological markers for different menstrual cycle phases.
  • To assess the utility of external indicators like vaginal cytology and skin coloration.

Main Methods:

  • Hormonal assays (estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone [LH]) were performed on blood samples.
  • Menstrual cycle length and phase durations were determined.
  • Uterine biopsies were analyzed histologically.
  • Vaginal cytology and perianal skin coloration were monitored.

Main Results:

  • The average menstrual cycle length was 32.4 days, with ovulation predicted around day 13.
  • Estradiol peaked the day before the LH surge in 75% of cycles.
  • The luteal phase averaged 18 days, with progesterone rising above 4 nmol/l on the day of the LH peak.
  • Histological examination of uterine biopsies revealed distinct proliferative and luteal phase characteristics.
  • Vaginal cytology and skin coloration showed high variability and were unreliable indicators.

Conclusions:

  • Hormonal profiles and uterine histology provide reliable markers for vervet monkey menstrual cycle phases.
  • Ovulation is predictable based on LH and estradiol surges.
  • Incomplete endometrial shedding may explain luteal-phase-like structures observed during the follicular phase.
  • External indicators are not suitable for precise cycle staging in this species.