The Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
Menstrual Cycle
A cyclical process in females involving the ovaries and uterus, lasting approximately 28 days, characterized by hormonal changes and the shedding of the uterine lining.
Ovarian Cycle
One of the two cycles in the menstrual cycle, occurring in the ovaries. It involves the growth and development of a follicle and ovulation.
Uterine Cycle
The second cycle in the menstrual cycle, occurring in the uterus. It involves changes in the endometrial lining, including thickening and shedding.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth and development of a follicle in the ovary.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum in the ovary.
Estrogen
A hormone secreted by the ovary, responsible for thickening and repairing the endometrial lining and stimulating the pituitary gland.
Progesterone
A hormone secreted by the corpus luteum, which prepares the endometrial lining for potential pregnancy and maintains it during early pregnancy.
Ovulation
The release of a mature egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube, triggered by a surge in LH.
Corpus Luteum
A structure formed from the remnants of a mature follicle after ovulation, which secretes progesterone.
Negative Feedback
A regulatory mechanism where the increase in a hormone level inhibits its own production.