Menstrual Cycle

    Cards (15)

    • What happens at the start of the Menstrual Cycle?
      FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is released from the anterior pituitary gland and into the blood.
    • What does the increased FSH concentration stimulate?
      LH (Luteinising Hormone) production
    • What is the function of FSH?
      It stimulates the maturation of one or more primary follicles.
    • What does the production of oestrogen from the primary follicle inhibit?
      FSH / LH production, as only one egg is needed. This is negative feedback.
    • What happens as the follicle grows?
      More oestrogen is produced so the concentration rises.
    • What is the function of oestrogen?
      Causes the endometrium to thicken.
    • What happens at high concentrations of oestrogen?
      LH production is stimulated. As the LH concentration rises, FSH production is stimulated.
    • What is the function of LH?
      LH stimulates ovulation and the production of testosterone in males.
    • What does LH stimulate the Gradian Follicle to become after 14 days?
      The Corpus Luteum.
    • What does the Corpus Luteum make?
      Progesterone and Oestrogen, causing their concentrations to rise.
    • What are the functions of Oestrogen and Progesterone?
      They maintain the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and inhibit FSH / LH production.
    • What happens if the cycle is not fertilised?
      The Corpus Luteum shrinks, progesterone and oestrogen production falls and the lining of the uterus breaks down.
    • What happens if the cycle is fertilised?
      hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) is made, which maintains and grows the Corpus Luteum, which prevents menstruation.
    • What are the 2 phases in the Menstrual Cycle?
      Follicular phase and Luteal phase.
    • Menstrual Hormone Graph
      Shows the concentration of each hormone and the timeline of follicle growth.