Give examples of negative and positive feedback in hormonal control of the human menstrual cycle. Why can a high estradiol level be considered a 'readiness' signal from a follicle?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Let's start by understanding the concepts of negative and positive feedback in hormonal control. In negative feedback, the body responds in such a way as to reverse the direction of a change and this tends to keep the internal environment at a steady state. In positive feedback, the body responds in such a way as to increase the change in a particular direction. This mechanism amplifies the changes and moves the system away from its starting state.
2. Step 2: Now, let's discuss the examples of negative and positive feedback in the human menstrual cycle. An example of negative feedback is the regulation of the hormone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone). When the level of FSH rises, it stimulates the development of a follicle in the ovary, which then produces estrogen. As the level of estrogen increases, it inhibits the production of FSH, thus completing a negative feedback loop.
3. Step 3: An example of positive feedback in the menstrual cycle is the surge of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) that occurs just before ovulation. The rising level of estrogen from the developing follicle triggers a surge in LH. This surge of LH then triggers ovulation, which is the release of the egg from the follicle. This is a positive feedback loop because the increase in estrogen leads to an increase in LH, which then leads to an event (ovulation) that further increases the level of estrogen.
4. Step 4: Now, let's understand why a high estradiol level can be considered a 'readiness' signal from a follicle. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. As the follicle develops, it produces increasing amounts of estradiol. A high level of estradiol indicates that the follicle is mature and ready for ovulation. It signals the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to trigger the LH surge, which leads to ovulation.
5. Step 5: In summary, the menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, which are controlled by both negative and positive feedback mechanisms. A high level of estradiol is a signal that the follicle is ready for ovulation.

Video transcript

Hello everyone here We have a question that says during the ovulation period, estrogen signals the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, causing a rapid rise in estrogen production by the ovaries. This mechanism is an example of so we have a signal. In this case it is estrogen cigna causing something to happen in this case arise in estrogen production. So anytime a signal causes a rise in something that is caused a positive feedback, in this case, rising levels of hormone feedback to increase hormone production. So our answer here is b positive feedback. Thank you for watching. Bye!