The Hormones of the Menstrual Cycle

Attention: open in a new window. PrintE-mail
The Hormones of the Menstrual Cycle
A Lab Exercise in Reproduction and Development

Price: No Charge

Authors:
Dave Frank, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Nancy Wright, Honeoye Central School, Honeoye, NY

DownLoad
Terms of Download
Abstract
This laboratory is designed to provide students with the concrete experience of seeing a bovine ovary in different phases of the menstrual cycle. In the second part of the activity they will graph hormone levels so they can determine which hormone peaks at which part of the menstrual cycle. Students will examine and dissect cow ovaries to compare a follicle with a corpus luteum. In addition, they will graph the level of the 4 main hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and determine when each hormone peaks.

Appropriate Levels
Biology and AP Biology.

Time Required
Minimal. The ovaries will need to thaw before dissection. In class time: Two to three 40 minute periods. In the first period students will dissect the ovaries. In the second period students will graph hormone levels.

Materials

 

  • Dissecting microscope or hand lens (optional)
  • Ovaries (2 per pair of students - selected to represent different phases of the menstrual cycle)
  • Slides of ovaries and labeled photographs with a script of the same slides.
  • Scalpel, dissecting needle, dissecting pan and forceps (1 per pair of students)
  • Latex or rubber gloves
  • Graph paper (2 pcs)
  • Ruler
  • Colored pencils
    		•