Reproduction & Development: The Menstrual Cycle

Flashcards about the menstrual cycle, covering menstruation, hormones, and phases.

Menstruation

Periodic discharge of blood and fluid from the uterus, caused by low levels of estrogen and progesterone.

Repetitive sequence of shedding uterine lining, development and release of egg, and replacement of endometrium from puberty to menopause.

Menstrual Cycle

Uterine contractions triggered by prostaglandins inhibiting blood flow to endometrium.

What physiological process triggers the much of the pain felt during menstrual cramps?

Days 1-5

During which days of the menstrual cycle does the flow phase typically occur?

Decrease in ovarian hormones (particularly progesterone)

What triggers the shedding of the endometrial lining?

Corpus luteum

What ovarian structure degenerates during the flow phase forming the corpus albicans?

Estrogen

What ovarian hormone governs the follicular phase?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

What hormone stimulates the developing follicle during the follicular phase?

It thickens due to estrogen.

During the follicular phase what happens to the endometrial lining?

Estrogen and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

What hormone peaks during ovulation?

Ovulation

What event occurs when the follicle ruptures and releases the ovum?

It peaks

What happens to the female's temperature during ovulation?

Corpus luteum

What ovarian structure develops during the luteal phase?

Progesterone

What hormone governs the luteal phase?

Progesterone

What ovarian hormone inhibits further ovulation and uterine contractions?

Endometrial lining continues to thicken

During the luteal phase, what prepares for pregnancy?

It is inhibited (-ve feedback)

What happens to LH release during the luteal phase due to increased progesterone and estrogen?

It starts to degenerate

What happens to the corpus luteum if pregnancy does not occur?

It breaks down

What happens to the endometrium if pregnancy does not occur?

Low levels of FSH and LH

What hormone/s are produced during the flow phase?

Estrogen

What hormone is produced during the follicular phase?

Leuteinizing Hormone

What hormone is produced during ovulation?

Estrogen and progesterone

What hormones are produced during the luteal phase?