Canadian Medical Guide > Biological Sciences > Reproductive and Urinary Physiology > Reproduction > Estrous Cycle Terms and Definitions

Estrous Cycle

Medical 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).
Guide Notes:	non-primate mammals only; humans & other primates, use MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Previously Indexed:	Estrus (1964-2001)

Estrous Cycle Categories.

	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.
	Diestrus - A phase of the ESTROUS CYCLES that follows METESTRUS. Diestrus is a period of sexual quiescence separating phases of ESTRUS in polyestrous animals.
	Estrus - The period in the ESTROUS CYCLE associated with maximum sexual receptivity and fertility in non-primate female mammals.
	Metestrus - The period following ESTRUS during which the phenomena of estrus subside in those animals in which pregnancy or pseudopregnancy does not occur.
	Proestrus - A phase of the ESTROUS CYCLE that precedes ESTRUS. During proestrus, the Graafian follicles undergo maturation.

Estrous Cycle Medical Definitions and Terms

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