Overview of the Menstrual Cycle and Related Anatomy

Menstrual Cycle

Regular physiological changes in female reproductive system.

Hypothalamus

Endocrine gland producing GnRH for menstrual regulation.

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Secretes FSH and LH to stimulate ovaries.

Ovaries

Glands producing estrogen and progesterone hormones.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone; stimulates ovarian follicle growth.

LH

Luteinizing hormone; triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation.

Estrogen

Hormone promoting endometrial thickening and follicle development.

Progesterone

Hormone maintaining endometrium for potential pregnancy.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone from hypothalamus.

Follicular Phase

Days 1-13; ovarian follicles mature.

Ovulation

Typically occurs on Day 14 of the cycle.

Luteal Phase

Days 15-28; corpus luteum secretes hormones.

Menstrual Cycle Length

Average duration is 28 days.

Uterus

Hollow organ divided into fundus, body, and cervix.

Cervix

Connects uterus to vaginal canal; has internal and external os.

Endocervix

Cervical canal communicating with uterine cavity.

Exocervix

Part of cervix continuous with the vagina.

Ovarian Fossa

Space where ovaries lie, bounded by vessels and nerves.

Corpus Luteum

Ruptured follicle post-ovulation; secretes progesterone.

Proliferative Phase

Days 5-14; endometrium regenerates under estrogen influence.

Secretory Phase

Days 15-28; endometrium thickens under progesterone influence.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by what three endocrine glands?

Hypothalamus

Anterior pituitary gland

Ovaries