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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — 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.
Ovaries01:26

Ovaries

The ovaries are roughly the size of almonds and measure approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in length. These paired structures are situated within the pelvic region and are anchored by the mesovarium—a peritoneal extension that also connects them to the wider structure of the broad ligament. The support system extends to the suspensory ligament, housing blood and lymphatic vessels. In addition, the ovarian ligament tethers the ovaries to the uterus.
On the ovarian surface, a layer of cuboidal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

In Vitro Growth of Mouse Preantral Follicles Under Simulated Microgravity
10:48

In Vitro Growth of Mouse Preantral Follicles Under Simulated Microgravity

Published on: December 17, 2017

Ovarian Reproductive and Endocrine Function Investigated in Microgravity Environment.

Noemi Monti1, Emanuele Galante1, Alessandro Querqui1

  • 1Department BeSSA - Wellbeing, Health and Environmental Sustainability - National Space Biomedicine Laboratory, Systems Biology Group, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|May 18, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microgravity may disrupt female reproductive health by altering ovarian hormones and impairing follicular development. Further research is needed to understand these effects on fertility during long-term space missions.

Keywords:
AromataseEstrogensFemale fertilityMicrogravityOvarian biologySteroidogenesis

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

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10:48

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Published on: December 17, 2017

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Exploring the Effects of Spaceflight on Mouse Physiology using the Open Access NASA GeneLab Platform
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Exploring the Effects of Spaceflight on Mouse Physiology using the Open Access NASA GeneLab Platform

Published on: January 13, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Space Physiology

Background:

  • Long-term space missions expose astronauts to microgravity, impacting human physiology.
  • Female reproductive health in microgravity is understudied, particularly concerning estrogen's role in fertility and ovarian function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of microgravity on the female reproductive system.
  • To clarify the impact of altered estrogen availability on fertility and ovarian function.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing cell/tissue cultures in real and simulated weightlessness.
  • Performing molecular assessments of key reproductive parameters.

Main Results:

  • Microgravity may disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
  • Evidence suggests microgravity downregulates aromatase activity, reducing estrogen synthesis and impairing follicular development.

Conclusions:

  • Microgravity poses a potential risk to female fertility and ovarian function.
  • Further investigation using molecular assessments in weightlessness models is crucial for understanding and mitigating these risks.