Menstrual cycle

Question 1

what is the menstrual cycle?

Answer 1

monthly process in females where the body prepares for a possible pregnancy, involving the thickening of the uterine lining, ovulation, and, if no fertilization occurs, shedding of the lining through menstruation

Question 2

how long does the average menstrual cycle last?

Answer 2

the average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 35 days in adults

Question 3

what are the four main phases of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 3

• Menstrual Phase
• Follicular Phase
• Ovulation
• Luteal Phase

Question 4

what happens during the menstrual phase?

Answer 4

the uterine lining (endometrium) is shed if no fertilization occurs, resulting in menstrual bleeding. This phase lasts 3-7 days

Question 5

what is the follicular phase?

Answer 5

it is the phase where the pituitary gland releases FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles. This phase overlaps with menstruation and ends with ovulation

Question 6

what triggers ovulation?

Answer 6

a surge in LH (luteinizing hormone) triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary

Question 7

when does ovulation typically occur?

Answer 7

ovulation usually occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle

Question 8

what is the luteal phase?

Answer 8

after ovulation, the ruptured follicle forms the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining for possible implantation

Question 9

what hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle?

Answer 9

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Estrogen
Progesterone

Question 10

what happens if fertilization does not occur?

Answer 10

the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a drop in progesterone and estrogen, causing the uterine lining to shed, starting a new cycle

Question 11

what happens if fertilization occurs?

Answer 11

the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, and the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone, preventing menstruation

Question 12

what is the role of estrogen in the menstrual cycle?

Answer 12

estrogen helps rebuild the uterine lining after menstruation and stimulates the release of LH for ovulation

Question 13

what is the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

Answer 13

progesterone maintains the thickened uterine lining, preparing it for implantation of a fertilized egg

Question 14

what is the function of the corpus luteum?

Answer 14

the corpus luteum secretes progesterone (and some estrogen) to maintain the uterine lining during the luteal phase

Question 15

what is the fertile window of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 15

the fertile window is typically 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation, as sperm can survive for up to 5 days in the female reproductive tract