Menstrual Phase
What happens in the Menstrual Phase?
The uterus sheds its lining (endometrium) resulting in bleeding
What happens in the Follicar Phase?
Follicles in the ovaries begin to mature, the uterine lining starts to rebuild (thickening), and estrogen levels rise.
What happens during the ovulation phase?
The dominant follicle in the ovary ruptures and releases a mature egg into the fallopian tube.
What happens in the luteal phase?
the empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum and the body prepares a uterine lining for a potential pregnancy
How many days typically last during the whole cycle?
28 days
How many days does the menstrual phase typically last?
1-5 days
What main event happens in the ovaries during the follicular phase?
Development of several follicles; one becomes the dominant one.
Around what day of a 28 day cycle does ovulation usually occur?
It typically occurs around day 14
What is the main job of progesterone ?
to thicken and maintain the uterine lining and (endometrium)so fertilize egg can implant
What hormones does the pituitary gland release?
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinzing hormone (LH)
What is a females first menstruation called?
Menarche
What hormone stimulates the follicles to mature?
(FSH)- follicle stimulating hormone
What hormone surge triggers ovulation?
A sudden sharp spike in Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
What structure forms after the egg is released?
The corpus luteum (formed by the remains of the ruptured follicle)
What is menopause?
The point in time when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period it marks the end of the reproductive years because the ovaries stop releasing eggs and significantly decrease of production of estrogen and progesterone
What hormone levels are low during menstruation?
Estrogen and progesterone, which triggers the shedding of the endometrium
What structure inside the ovary contains the developing egg?
A follicle
How long does the egg survive after being released?
The usually last around 12-24 hours
What hormone increases during the luteal phase?
Progesterone is the primary hormone that rises during this phase
If a woman’s cycle is 35 days instead of 28, around what day would ovulation most likely occur?
Around day 21 (about 14 days before the next period).
Why does the body shed the uterine lining if pregnancy does not occur?
Because without pregnancy‑supporting hormones the lining isn’t needed, so it breaks down and is expelled.
How does the follicular phase prepare the body for ovulation?
The dominant follicle makes more estrogen, which thickens the uterine lining and triggers an LH surge that will cause ovulation
Where does fertilization most commonly occur?
In the fallopian tubes
What happens if the egg is not fertilized during this phase?
The corpus luteum breaks down progesterone levels drop and the uterine lining sheds resulting in ministration (a period)
Explain how estrogen and progesterone work together throughout the cycle
They both build maintain and reset. Thickens the uterine lining to prepare for potential pregnancy, progesterone main job is to stabilize and maintain the uterine lining so a fertilized egg implant, and both estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply.