Uterine cycle

Question 1

What are the 3 phases of the uterine cycle?

Answer 1

1. Menses
2. Proliferative phase
3. Secretory phase

Question 2

When does menses occur?

Answer 2

Day 0-5

Question 3

When does the second phase of the uterine cycle occur?

Answer 3

Day 5-14 (proliferative phase)

Question 4

When does the third phase of the uterine cycle occur?

Answer 4

Day 14-28 (Secretory phase)

Question 5

Describe the first phase of the uterine cycle

Answer 5

In the absence of progesterone, the endometrium cannot be maintained so the functional layer of the endometrium is shed.
(Menses)

Question 6

Describe the second phase of the uterine cycle

Answer 6

Increase in oestrogen. Causes growth of endometrium. Stroma proliferates to become thicker and more vascularised. New tubular glands form (that undergo increased mitotic activity) and stroma and blood vessels that grow from the stratum basalis. Because implantation requires easily penetrable, highly vascular tissue with lots of glycogen.
As tubular glands lengthen they convolute

Question 7

Describe the third phase of the uterine cycle

Answer 7

1. Prepares the endometrium for implantation.
2. Secretions are produced to nourish the embryo
3. Stroma is highly vascular and tubular glands are highly convoluted so they have a ‘saw-tooth’ appearance of glands which contains lots of thick glycogen and glycoprotein rich secretion.
4. Lumen of the glands fill with secretory products

Question 8

What are the 3 layers of the uterus superficial to deep?

Answer 8

1. Endometrium
2. Myometrium
3. Perimetrium

Question 9

Describe the endometrium

Answer 9

The inner layer of the uterus. Made up of glandular cells that make secretions

Question 10

Describe the myometrium

Answer 10

The middle and thickest layer of the uterus wall. Made up of smooth muscle

Question 11

Describe the perimetrium

Answer 11

The outer (deep) serous layer of the uterus

Question 12

What are the 3 layers of the endometrium (superficial to deep)?

Answer 12

1. Stratum compact
2. Stratum spongiosum
3. Stratum basalis

Question 13

What layers of the endometrium make up the functional zone?

Answer 13

Stratum compact and spongiosum

Question 14

Describe the functional zone of the endometrium

Answer 14

Undergoes monthly cycles of proliferation, secretion, necrosis and shedding

Question 15

What is the function of the basal layer of the endometrium?

Answer 15

Doesn’t shed during menses and acts as a reservoir for the development of a new functional layer after shedding

Question 16

Which hormone increases on days 0-14?

Answer 16

Oestrogen

Question 17

What affect does oestrogen have on the cervix?

Answer 17

Causes cervical secretions to be more thin, water and full of electrolytes.

Question 18

How does the cervical tissue change between days 0-14?

Answer 18

Becomes highly spinbarkeit (stretchable)

Question 19

Which hormone increases on day 14-28?

Answer 19

Progesterone

Question 20

What affect does progesterone have on the cervix?

Answer 20

Causes secretions to b e more thick and viscous

Question 21

How does cervical tissue change between days 14-28?

Answer 21

Become low spinbarkeit (non-stretchable)

Question 22

Which hormone increases speed of transport of gamete/early embryo?

Answer 22

Oestrogen

Question 23

Which hormone decreases speed of transport of gamete/early embryo?

Answer 23

Progesterone

Question 24

Define primary amenorrhoea

Answer 24

Failure to establish menstruation by 15yrs with normal secondary sexual characteristics (e.g. breast development) or 13 years with no secondary sexual characteristics

Question 25

What does primary amenorrhoea with secondary sexual characteristics imply?

Answer 25

The problem is with the end sexual organ whereas if no sexual characteristics develop problem more likely to be hypothalamus or pituitary

Question 26

Define secondary amenorrhoea

Answer 26

Cessation of menstruation for 3-6 months with previously normal and regular menses or for 6-12 months in women with previous oligomenorrhoea.

Question 27

State 5 endocrine causes for primary amenorrhoea with normal sexual characteristics

Answer 27

Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, hyperprolactinaemia, Cushing’s syndrome, PCOS.
Could also be caused by pregnancy

Question 28

Causes of amenorrhoea with NO sexual characteristics

Answer 28

Problems with hypothalamus or anterior pituitary.
Stress, exercise, weight loss
Chronic illness (diabetes, severe renal/cardiac disorders, Coeliac disease)
cancer and infection