Estrous Cycle
| Definition: |
The period of cyclic physiological and behavior changes in non-primate female mammals that exhibit ESTRUS. The estrous cycle generally consists of 4 or 5 distinct periods corresponding to the endocrine status (PROESTRUS, ESTRUS, METESTRUS, DIESTRUS, and ANESTRUS). |
| Notes: |
non-primate mammals only; humans & other primates, use MENSTRUAL CYCLE |
| Previously Indexed: |
Estrus (1964-2001) |
Estrous Cycle Categories.
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Anestrus - A state of sexual inactivity in female animals exhibiting no ESTROUS CYCLE. Causes of anestrus include pregnancy, presence of offspring, season, stress, and pathology. |
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Diestrus - A phase of the ESTROUS CYCLES that follows METESTRUS. Diestrus is a period of sexual quiescence separating phases of ESTRUS in polyestrous animals. |
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Estrus - The period in the ESTROUS CYCLE associated with maximum sexual receptivity and fertility in non-primate female mammals. |
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Metestrus - The period following ESTRUS during which the phenomena of estrus subside in those animals in which pregnancy or pseudopregnancy does not occur. |
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Proestrus - A phase of the ESTROUS CYCLE that precedes ESTRUS. During proestrus, the Graafian follicles undergo maturation. |
Estrous Cycle Definitions and Terms
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