B3.2.3 Flashcards
How long does the monthly cycle during which a woman’s body gets ready for pregnancy
Lasts about 28 days
What happens each month to receive fertilised egg
Each month the lining of the uterus thicken ready to receive the fertilised egg.
What happens if the egg is implanted
If the egg is implanted it’s implanted in the uterus lining. If the egg isn’t fertilised, the uterus lining and the egg are removed from the body. This is known as period or menstruation.
What is the cycle controlled by
The cycle is controlled by 4 hormones that are made in the pituitary gland.
What is FSH
FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. Travels to the ovaries where it causes the egg to mature. It also stimulates the production of oestrogen.
What is oestrogen
Secreted by the ovaries causing the uterus lining to build up. It inhibits the production of the FSH preventing more than one egg maturing and also stimulates the pituitary gland to release LH.
What is LH
LH when it reaches its peak in the middle of the cycle ovulation is triggered
What is progesterone
Maintains the uterus lining, levels of this hormone remain high throughout pregnancy. It also inhibits LH.
Where does the egg mature and how long after is it released.
The egg matures in one of the ovaries. 14 days later the egg is released from the ovary.
