Menstrual Cycle and Human Development

menstrual cycle

a monthly hormonal process where the female body preps for potential pregnancy

Menstruation

Aka bleeding. first phase of the menstrual cycle (days 1-5)

follicular phase

Aka preparing for ovulation). second phase of the menstrual cycle. (1-14)

Ovulation

third phase of the menstrual cycle (days 12-14)

luteal phase

Aka after ovulation. fourth phase of the menstrual cycle (days 14-28)

corpus luteum

produces and releases estrogen and progesterone

germinal stage

a single sperm fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tube (weeks 1 and 2)

Zygote

fertilized egg

Blastocyst

hollow ball of cells

embryonic stage

blastocyst forms human characteristics, now called an embryo

amniotic sac

a fluid-filled sac that cushions and protects the embryo

Placenta

organ that nourishes the fetus and connects the embryo to the uterus

Fetal Stage

embryo turns into a fetus (weeks 4-40)

caesarean section

C-section

Infertility

problems producing suitable gametes or difficulty conceiving

artificial insemination

semen inserted into the cervix

In Vitro Fertilization

sperm and mature eggs are fertilized on a dish

Surrogacy

a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another couple

contraceptive

prevents pregnancy and manages menstrual symptoms

What is the purpose of the menstrual cycle?

to prepare for pregnancy

What happens in the follicular phase?

FSH goes to the ovaries, causing follicles to grow and produce estrogen

What happens in the menstruation (Period/bleeding) phase?

The uterus sheds its inner lining

What happens during the ovulation phase?

LH reaches the ovary, causing the mature follicle to release an egg

What happens in the luteal phase?

the most fertile days where the egg moves along the fallopian tube

What are the phases of menstruation?

Menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase

What are the key events in the germinal stage?

a single sperm fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tube

What are the key events in the embryonic stage?

the blastocyst takes on human characteristics

What are the key events in the fetal stage?

the embryo turns into a fetus

What are the key events during birth?

contractions begin, progesterone levels drop, and the amnotic sac breaks (Water breaks)

What is the significance of the amniotic sac and placenta to the development of an embryo/fetus?

The placenta nourishes the fetus, while the amniotic sac protects the fetus

What must happen within a woman's body to prepare for birth?

The uterus lining must be shed