Menstural Cycle

Question 1

what are the two phases of the menstrual cycle? how long do they last?

Answer 1

follicular phase - growth and recruitment of follicles
– variable in length - 14-18 days
luteal phase - constant length of 14 days - based on corpus luteum life span

separated by ovulation

Question 2

what is the menstural cycle? can it be variable?

Answer 2

time from the 1st day of bleeding in one cycle to the firs day of bleeding in the next cycle

varies between individuals but constant in one person - max of 4 days variation between cycles

Question 3

in what condition is the menstrual cycle highly variable?

Answer 3

in PCOS

Question 4

why is the uterus larger when you are born compared to 4 yrs?

Answer 4

maternal oestrogen causes uterine growth - this is reduced at birth

Question 5

what is the changes which occur during adulthood to the uterus?

Answer 5

approximately the size of a pear
rapid increase in size during pregnancy - does not shrink down to normal size
decrease in oestrogen at the menopause causes a reduction in size

Question 6

what changes occur to the endometrium during growth?

Answer 6

very thin during childhood - thickens sat puberty - responds cyclically to steroid hormones - change in glandular and epithelial cells
most of the endometrium is lost during menstruation - leaving 2-3mm

Question 7

how do you test for tubal patency?

Answer 7

laparoscopically - inject dye into the tubes via the uterus - inspect to see if yo can see the die within the tubes

HyCoSy - similar principle however the die is ultrasound opaque - so can check patency using a probe?

Question 8

why would laparoscopic diagnostic be used over HyCoSy?

Answer 8

in cases where there may also be signs of endometriosis

Question 9

what changes occur to the cervix in the follicular phase?

Answer 9

oestrogen causes a change in vascullarity and oedema

Question 10

what occurs to the cervix during the mid cycle fall in oestrogen?

Answer 10

mucus change - glycoprotienss become aligned - microscopic channels ofrm for the sperm to swim up

Question 11

what is the effect of the high progestrone in the luteal phase on the cervix?

Answer 11

reduced secretions and reduced water content of the mucus - glycoproteins form a mesh like structure - viscosity increases - acts as a barrier

Question 12

how does the vagina protect from infection?

Answer 12

epithelial cells shed downwards with the secretions
cervical secretions pass down into the vaagina
acidic secretions have antimicrobial properties

Question 13

how is the egg transported through the uterine tube?

Answer 13

by contractions of the muscles and beating of the cilia - stimulated by oestrogen