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

Question 2

What are the 4 steps of the menstrual cycle

Answer 2

1- lining of the uterus breaks down
2-lining of the uterus builds up
3- egg released
4- lining of the uterus maintained

Next cycle….

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 four days

Question 4

Describe the second stage of the menstrual cycle

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Describe stage 3 of the menstrual cycle

Answer 5

An egg is released from the ovary at day 14

Question 6

Describe the fourth stage of the menstrual cycle

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What controls the different stages

Answer 7

Hormones

Question 8

What are the 3 main hormones involved in the menstrual cycle?

Answer 8

FSH
LH
Oestrogen

Question 9

What is the reasoning for FSH and where is it produced

Answer 9

Produced in the pituitary gland

Causes an egg to mature in one of the ovaries

Stimulates ovaries to produce oestrogen

Question 10

What is the reasoning for Oestrogen and where is it produced

Answer 10

Produced in the ovaries

Causes pituitary to produce LH

inhibits the further release of FSH

Question 11

What is the reasoning for LH and where is it produced

Answer 11

Produced in the pituitary gland

Stimulates the release of an egg at around the middle of the menstrual cycle