Menstrual and Ovarian Cycle

Question 1

Menstrual cycle

Answer 1

1. Menstruation
2. Preovulation
3. Ovulation
4. Secretion
5. Premenstruation

Question 2

Menstruation

Answer 2

(1-4 days) Uterine bleeding, accompanied by shedding of the endometrium

Question 3

Preovulation

Answer 3

(5-12 days) Endometrial repair begins; development of ovarian follicle; uterine lining gradually thickens

Question 4

Ovulation

Answer 4

(13-15 days) Rupture of mature follicle, releasing egg

Question 5

Secretion

Answer 5

(16-20) Secretion of watery mucus by glands of endometrium, cervix and uterine tubes; movement and breakdown of unfertilized egg; development of corpus luteum.

Question 6

Premenstruation

Answer 6

(21-28) Degeneration of corpus luteum; deterioration of endometrium

Question 7

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Answer 7

When it Comes In: Early in the follicular phase (days 1-14 of the menstrual cycle).

What It Acts On: FSH acts on the ovaries, stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles It also encourages the follicles to produce estrogen.

Question 8

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Answer 8

When it Comes In: Mid-cycle surge around day 14, during the follicular phase.

What It Acts On: The surge of LH triggers ovulation, It also converts the ruptured follicle into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.

Question 9

Estrogen

Answer 9

When it Comes In: Peaks twice - once during the mid-follicular phase (days 7-14) and again just before ovulation.

What It Acts On: Estrogen promotes the thickening of the endometrium (lining of the uterus).

Question 10

Progesterone

Answer 10

When it Comes In: Luteal phase (days 14-28) after ovulation.

What It Acts On: Produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary, progesterone maintains the thickened endometrium, making it suitable for implantation. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation).