Practice Questions Flashcards
What are the four phases of the endometrial cycle?
Menstrual, proliferative, secretory, ischemic
During which phase does the endometrial surface completely restore itself?
Proliferative phase
What triggers the shedding of the functional endometrium in the menstrual phase?
Vasoconstriction in the upper layers
Which phase follows immediately after ovulation?
Secretory phase
What happens to the functional endometrium during the ischemic phase?
Blood supply is blocked and necrosis develops
How long does the secretory phase last?
From ovulation to about 3 days before the next menstrual period
What marks the beginning of the next menstrual cycle?
Shedding of the functional endometrium
What hormone stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete FSH?
GnRH
Which hormone peaks around day 13 or 14 of a 28-day cycle, leading to ovulation?
LH
What is the average duration of the luteal phase?
13-15 days
During which phase is the endometrium described as reaching the thickness of heavy, soft velvet?
Secretory phase
What is the primary function of estrogen during the proliferative phase?
To stimulate endometrial thickening
How does the hypothalamic-pituitary cycle start again after menstruation?
By stimulating GnRH secretion
What happens to estrogen and progesterone levels toward the end of the menstrual cycle?
They decrease
What is the purpose of the feedback mechanism between the ovaries, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland?
To control sex cell production and hormone secretion
