The Menstrual Cycle

Question 1

What 2 phases are there in the ovarian cycle?

Answer 1

Follicular phase (1-14)

Luteal phase (14-28)

Question 2

What 3 phases are there in the uterine cycle?

Answer 2

Menses (1-7)

Proliferative phase (7-14)

Secretory phase (14-28)

Question 3

When in the menstrual cycle is progesterone at its highest level?

Answer 3

Secretory phase (14-28)

Levels are pretty low in menses and proliferative phase

Question 4

Which layer of the endometrium is lost during menses?

Answer 4

Functionalis

Question 5

List the 3 layers of the endometrium

Answer 5

Functionalis

Basilis

Myometrium

Question 6

What cells of the immune system are present in the functionalis layer of the endometrium?

When are they present?

What is their function?

Answer 6

Uterine natural killer cells

Present in the secretory phase (post-ovulation) but pre-implantation

Aid spiral artery remodeling, and trophoblast invasion in early pregnancy

Question 7

Discuss the endometrio-myometrial junction

Answer 7

Inner myometrium is thought to be involved in uterine peristalsis - aiding movement of sperm to the fallopian tubes

Progesterone in the secretory phase (post-ovulation) diminishes these contractions.

It forms the placental bed during pregnancy

Question 8

During what phase of the menstrual cycle is the most variability seen?

Answer 8

Proliferative phase (pre-ovulation)

Secretory phase (post-ovulation) is highly controlled to 14 days