CB7 Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
What is the menstrual cycle?
A cycle of changes in the female reproductive system resulting in the release of an egg and the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.
How long is the average menstrual cycle?
28 days
What happens during days 1-5 of the average menstrual cycle?
Menstruation
What is menstruation?
Loss of the thickened uterus lining and unfertilised egg during a “period”.
What happens on day 14 of the average menstrual cycle?
Ovulation
What is ovulation?
The release of an egg cell from an ovary.
What is the function of the hormone FSH?
Stimulates the growth and maturation of an egg follicle.
What is the function of the hormone LH?
Stimulates ovulation (the release of the egg from the egg follicle).
What is an egg follicle?
Fluid filled sac containing an egg cell.
What is the target organ of FSH and LH?
Ovaries
What gland secretes the hormones FSH and LH?
Pituitary
What gland secretes the hormones oestrogen and progesterone?
Ovaries
What structure within the ovary secretes the hormone oestrogen?
Egg follicle
What structure within the ovary secretes the hormone progesterone?
Corpus luteum
What is the corpus luteum?
The remains of the egg follicle following ovulation.
What are the 2 target organs of oestrogen and progesterone?
Uterus, pituitary gland
What is the effect on the uterus lining of an increasing concentration of oestrogen?
Thickening of uterus lining.
What is the effect on the uterus lining of an increasing concentration of progesterone?
Maintaining of uterus lining.
What is the effect on the uterus lining of a decreasing concentration of oestrogen and progesterone?
Menstruation
What hormone stimulates the secretion of oestrogen?
FSH
What hormone stimulates the secretion of LH?
Oestrogen
What hormones inhibit the secretion of FSH?
Oestrogen, progesterone
What hormone inhibits the secretion of LH?
Progesterone
What is fertilisation?
The fusing of the sperm and egg nuclei forming a zygote.
Where does fertilisation take place?
Oviduct
What is contraception?
Methods that prevent pregnancy occurring by preventing fertilisation.
What are 3 examples of barrier contraceptives?
Male condom, diaphragm / cap, female condom
What are 3 examples of hormonal contraceptives?
Combined / progesterone-only pill, implant, IUS
What 2 hormones do hormonal contraceptives contain?
Oestrogen, progesterone
What is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?
The use of hormones and other techniques to increase the chance of pregnancy.
What are 2 examples of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?
Clomifene therapy, in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
What is the effect on the menstrual hormones of clomifene therapy?
Increases the concentration of FSH and LH.
What 2 menstrual hormones are used in in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?
FSH, LH
