The Menstrual cycle Flashcards
What is the function of the Vagina ?
The opening for the sperm to enter the female reproductive system
What is the function of the cervix ?
Separating the uterus from the vagina
What is the job of the cervix / womb ?
Muscular organ where the embryo implants
What is the job of the Fallopian tubes / oviducts ?
Transport sperm towards the egg and where fertilisation takes place
What is the job of the ovaries
organ where the eggs are made and stored. Also produce and secrete hormones
What hormone , released by the hypothalamus , triggers of the menstrual cycle
GNRH = Gonadotrophlin releasing hormone
Which hormones in the cycle are released by the pituitary gland ?
FSH and LH
Which are the ovarian hormones ?
Oestrogen and progesterone
what are the three parts of the cycle ?
Ovarian
Menstrual
Hormonal
Describe day 0/ 1 of the cycle
Menstruation / FSH secretion increases causing the releases of follicle from ovary
Describe Day 1 /13
Oestrogen is secreted from the ovaries and makes the walls thicker ( so the embryo can thicken )
Describe day 14 of the cycle
Ovulation ( egg released ) from the folical due to LH
Describe day 15 / 22
Progesterone levels increase
it maintains the thickening of the uterus
inhibits FSH
Describe day 22/28 in the cycle
The decrease of corpus lutetium make levels of progesterone decrease
Describe the 28th day of the cycle
The end of the cycle and the beginning of a new cycle
What days is the women potentially able to conceive ?
Days 14 - 17
How does pregnancy prevent the cycle from continuing ?
The placentas secretes progesterone to inhibit FSH
The progesterone also keeps the walls of the uterus thick
In mammals how could the cycle be prevented artificially ?
You can give progesterone to prevent the menstrual cycle
Why is it important that the menstrual cycle is stopped during pregnancy ?
This prevents the walls of the uterus disintegrating
How can the prevention of the cycle be given ?
The progesterone can be given like i pill
An implant can also be inserted under the skin to slowly release progesterone to prevent contraception
What are the problems with using artificial ways to control fertility ?
Many people reject artificial contraception eg Catholics
Artificial contraception cant prevent STD’s
People have to take it daily which can be an inconvenience
Example of a way a mammal prevents a another pregnancy for a few months ?
Women can prevent conception by breast feeding , this causes the secretion of hormones which inhibit FSH
