Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
What is the menstrual cycle?
A cycle of about 28 days that begins at puberty, comprising two main events: ovulation and menstruation.
What occurs during ovulation?
The release of an ovum from an ovary.
What happens during menstruation?
The loss of the uterus lining from the body, starting about 14 days after ovulation if fertilisation has not occurred.
What hormones control the menstrual cycle?
Oestrogen and progesterone.
Where does the ovum mature?
Inside a Graafian follicle.
What is produced by the Graafian follicle during the second week of the menstrual cycle?
Oestrogen.
What is the function of oestrogen during the menstrual cycle?
Stimulates the uterus lining to thicken and increases blood supply.
What does the corpus luteum produce during the third week of the menstrual cycle?
Progesterone.
What is the effect of progesterone on the uterus lining?
Causes the uterus lining to increase in thickness and remain thick.
What occurs if fertilisation does not happen?
The corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a decrease in progesterone and the breakdown of the uterus lining.
At what age does menopause typically occur?
Around 45 to 50 years old.
What happens during menopause?
Decrease in estrogen and progesterone secretion, cessation of mature ova production, and stop of menstruation.
Fill in the blank: Menstruation begins approximately ______ days after ovulation if fertilisation has not occurred.
14
True or False: The menstrual cycle is the same for all females.
False
What is the role of the acrosome in a sperm cell?
Contains enzymes to dissolve a passage into the ovum.
What is contained in the middle piece of a sperm cell?
Mitochondria to release energy for swimming.
What is the primary function of the tail of a sperm cell?
For swimming.
Fill in the blank: The _______ contains yolk in an ovum.
cytoplasm
What happens to the uterus lining if there is a decrease in progesterone?
It begins to break down.
