The Menstrual Cycle

Question 1

What is the menstrual cycle?

Answer 1

The monthly release of an egg from a woman’s ovaries and the build up and breakdown of the protective lining in the uterus (womb)

Question 2

Briefly describe each stage of the Menstrual cycle

Answer 2

Stage 1: Lining of the uterus breaks down
Stage 2: Lining of the uterus builds up
Stage 3: Egg released
Stage 4: Lining of the uterus maintained
Cycle repeats

Question 3

Describe Stage 1 of the Menstrual Cycle

Answer 3

Day 1 is when the bleeding starts

The uterus lining breaks down for about 4 days

Question 4

Describe Stage 2 of the Menstrual Cycle

Answer 4

The lining of the uterus builds up again, from day 4 to 14, into a thick spongy layer full of blood vessels, ready to receive a fertilised egg

Question 5

Describe Stage 3 of the Menstrual Cycle

Answer 5

An egg is developed and then released from the ovary at day 14

Question 6

Describe Stage 4 of the Menstrual Cycle

Answer 6

The wall is then maintained for about 14 days, until day 28. If no fertilised egg has landed on the uterus wall, the spongy lining starts to breakdown again and the whole cycle starts again

Question 7

What is the menstrual cycle controlled by?

Answer 7

Hormones (FSH, Oestrogen and LH)

Question 8

What does FSH do in the menstrual cycle? Where is it produced?

Answer 8

1) Causes an egg to mature in one of the ovaries

2) Stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen (Produces by the pituitary gland)

Question 9

What does Oestrogen do in the menstrual cycle? Where is it produced?

Answer 9

1) Causes Pituitary gland to produce LH
2) Inhibits the further release of FSH
Produced in the ovaries

Question 10

What does LH do in the menstrual cycle? Where is it produced?

Answer 10

Stimulates the release of an egg at around the middle of the menstrual cycle.
Produced by the pituitary gland.

Question 11

Which hormones does the pituitary gland produce?

Answer 11

FSH and LH