FOLLICULAR PHASE Meaning and
Definition
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The follicular phase is the initial stage of the menstrual cycle in females, occurring after the end of menstruation and lasting for approximately 14 days. This phase is characterized by the maturation of the ovarian follicles, which house and nurture the eggs.
During the follicular phase, the pituitary gland secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), initiating the growth of several follicles. Among them, one dominant follicle will continue to develop while the others will degenerate. As the dominant follicle matures, it produces increasing amounts of estrogen. This hormone stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining, known as the endometrium.
The follicular phase is governed by a negative feedback mechanism, where the rising estrogen levels inhibit the release of FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH). However, as the phase progresses, estrogen reaches a threshold triggering a positive feedback loop. This surge in estrogen leads to a dramatic increase in LH, resulting in ovulation.
The follicular phase is crucial for the preparation of the body for potential fertilization and implantation. It sets the stage for the release of a mature egg and creates an optimal environment in the uterus for successful pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium will shed during menstruation, marking the commencement of a new cycle and the start of the follicular phase once again.
Common Misspellings for FOLLICULAR PHASE
- dollicular phase
- collicular phase
- vollicular phase
- gollicular phase
- tollicular phase
- rollicular phase
- fillicular phase
- fkllicular phase
- flllicular phase
- fpllicular phase
- f0llicular phase
- f9llicular phase
- foklicular phase
- foplicular phase
- foolicular phase
- folkicular phase
- folpicular phase
- foloicular phase
- follucular phase
- folljcular phase
Etymology of FOLLICULAR PHASE
The term "follicular phase" is a medical term used in the field of reproductive physiology to describe a specific phase in the menstrual cycle. The etymology of the word "follicular" can be traced back to the Latin word "folliculus", meaning "small bag" or "sack". It originally referred to small sacs or sac-like structures found in various parts of the body.
In the context of the menstrual cycle, the term is used to describe the phase in which several ovarian follicles begin to mature. The ovarian follicles are small structures in the ovaries that contain immature egg cells. During the follicular phase, these follicles grow and develop under the influence of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Once one dominant follicle is selected, it continues to develop and eventually releases a mature egg during ovulation.
