The Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
Define the ‘menstrual cycle’
The monthly release of an egg from the ovaries, and the build-up and breakdown of the protective lining in the uterus
What are the 4 stages of the menstrual cycle
- Day 1 - The lining of the uterus breaks down
- Day 4 - The lining of the uterus builds up again
- Day 14 - An egg is developed and then released from the ovary and the wall is maintained
- Day 28 - If no fertilised egg has landed on the uterus wall, the lining breaks down and cycle begins again
What happens on day 1 of the menstrual cycle?
The lining of the uterus breaks down
What happens on day 4 of the menstrual cycle?
The lining of the uterus starts to build up again
What happens on day 14 of the menstrual cycle?
An egg is developed and then released
How long is the lining of the uterus maintained for?
For about 14 days
What happens on the day 28 of the menstrual cycle?
The uterus lining starts to break down and the whole cycle begins again
Describe the uterus lining
Thick, spongy, and full of blood vessels
Which 3 hormones control the menstrual cycle?
- FSH
- Oestrogen
- LH
What does FSH stand for?
Follicle-stimulating hormone
What 2 things does FSH do?
- Causes an egg to mature in one of the ovaries
- Stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen
What 2 things does oestrogen do?
- Causes the pituitary gland to produce LH
- Inhibits the further release of FSH
What does LH stand for?
Luteinising hormone
What 1 thing does LH do?
- Stimulates the release of an egg at around the middle of the menstrual cycle
Name a 4th hormone invloved in the menstrual cycle
Progesterone
