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) |
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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