The mestrual cycle

Question 1

What happens from days 0 to 7?

Answer 1

Menstruation: uterus lining breaks down and blood passes out of the vagina

Question 2

What happens on days 8 to 13?

Answer 2

Oestrogen is secreted from the ovaries causing the uterus to build back up

Question 3

When does ovulation occur?

Answer 3

Day 14

Question 4

What happens during and after ovulation?

Answer 4

An egg cell is released from a follicle in the ovary. The follicle becomes a corpus luteum

Question 5

What happens from days 18 to 25 roughly?

Answer 5

Corpus luteum secretes progesterone. This maintains the uterus lining

Question 6

What happens between days 26 and28 if the egg cell isn’t fertilised?

Answer 6

Corpus luteum breaks down. Progesterone levels drop as no progesterone is secreted. Uterus lining breaks down again. Cycle starts over.

Question 7

What happens if the egg cell is fertilised?

Answer 7

Pregnancy. .

Question 8

What does the corpus luteum do after pregnancy?

Answer 8

It continues secreting progesterone until the placenta is fully formed at 12 weeks.

Question 9

What happens after 12 weeks of pregnancy?

Answer 9

The placenta takes over progesterone secretion to continue maintaining the uterus lining thickness