Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
starts on day 1 of menstruation and
ends with ovulation (day 14).
Follicular Phase
In this phase, The brain (anterior pituitary) sends the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to the ovaries to signal follicles to grow and mature. These follicles produce estrogen.
Follicular Phase
acts on the uterus to stimulate the thickening of the endometrium (uterine lining). When this peaks, it signals the brain to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH). This triggers ovulation.
Estrogen
occurs mid-cycle, around two weeks or so before menstruation
starts. On this day, the mature egg from the follicle travels from the ovary down to the fallopian tube and into the uterus. At any time during the egg’s journey, sperm can fertilize it. If fertilization does not occur during this phase, the egg continues to the uterus and dies within 6 to 24 hours.
Ovulation
includes the day after ovulation to the day before your next period. During this phase, LH and FSH levels decrease.Once it releases its egg, the empty follicle develops into a new structure called the corpus luteum which produces progesterone
Luteal Phase
If the egg isn’t fertilized, the corpus luteum degenerates and ____ level decreases.
estrogen
stimulates follicular growth in ovaries and stimulates estrogen secretion from developing follicles
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in the Anterior Pituitary
Surge causes ovulation and results in the formation of a corpus luteum, this also triggers corpus luteum to secrete progesterone
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the Anterior Pituitary
Thickens endometrium, stimlates pituitary gland to release LH causing ovulation and stops FSH being produces so that only one egg matures in a cycle
Estrogen in Ovaries
Thickens endometrium and inhibits FSH and LH
Progesterone in Ovaries
