The Menstrual Cycle

Flashcards about the Menstrual Cycle

What is menstruation?

The process where the inner lining of the uterus breaks down and is released from the body via the vagina.

What is the average length of the menstrual cycle?

28 days, but can be as long as 35 days.

Which glands/organs are involved in the menstrual cycle?

The pituitary gland, the ovary, and the uterus.

What are the four main hormones involved in the menstrual cycle?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Oestrogen, and Progesterone.

What is the function of hormones during the menstrual cycle?

To prepare the female’s body for a fertilized egg.

What happens if the egg is not fertilized during the menstrual cycle?

It disintegrates, exits the body, and the uterine lining breaks down.

What are the four stages of the menstrual cycle?

Menstruation, build-up of the uterine lining, ovulation, and maintenance of the uterine wall.

What occurs during Stage 1 of the menstrual cycle?

Menstruation, the breaking down of the uterus lining (endometrium).

How long does menstruation typically last?

On average, 4 days.

What happens during Stage 2 of the menstrual cycle?

The lining of the uterus builds up, becomes spongy, and has a lot of blood vessels.

What is the name of the egg when it is released from the ovary?

Ovum.

What happens during Stage 4 of the menstrual cycle?

The lining of the wall is maintained after ovulation. If an unfertilized egg is not implanted, the lining breaks down and the cycle starts again.

What does the acronym 'FOLP' represent?

The order in which the hormones are released during the menstrual cycle: FSH, Oestrogen, LH, Progesterone.

What does FSH stimulate?

One of the eggs to mature in the ovary, as the egg develops, it secretes oestrogen.

Where is oestrogen released from?

The Graafian follicle, which is the space inside the ovary surrounding the mature egg.

What happens as the oestrogen level gets too high?

It begins to inhibit the secretion of FSH (negative feedback mechanism).

What are the three effects of rising oestrogen levels?

Stimulates the release of LH, causes ovulation, thickens the inner wall of the uterus, and thins the cervical mucus.

When does ovulation typically occur?

On day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

What is the corpus luteum?

The remaining follicle cell after the egg is released from the ovary.

What hormones does the corpus luteum secrete?

High levels of progesterone and low levels of oestrogen.

What is the role of progesterone?

To maintain the thickness of the lining of the uterus for a fertilised egg and maintain the lining of the uterus.

What happens if pregnancy occurs?

Progesterone and oestrogen continue to be produced, ensuring the lining of the uterus remains thick and stops menstruation.

What happens if fertilization does not occur?

The corpus luteum degenerates, reducing progesterone secretion, causing the uterus lining to break down, and the pituitary gland to secrete FSH.

Where is Follicle Stimulating Hormone secreted?

Pituitary Gland

Where is Luteinizing Hormone secreted?

Pituitary Gland

Where is Oestrogen secreted?

Ovary => Graafian follicle

What does Oestrogen increase?

Causes the lining of the uterus to thicken for fertilised egg; thins the cervical mucus.

Where is Progesterone secreted?

Ovary => Corpus Luteum

What does Progesterone maintain?

Maintains the lining of the uterus; if it drops, the lining breaks down and is shed (menstruation)

What is the ovarian cycle?

Cyclic events in the ovaries