Menstrual Cycle

• menstruation - the process in which blood and other tissues are shed from the uterus and leave the body through the vagina.
• menarche - onset of menstruation, normally occurs between ages 11-15. (start of menstruation)
• menopause -ovaries can no longer produce egg cells, normally occurs between ages 45 and 55
• ovary released egg every 28 days
• menstrual cycle

  • menstruation phase

  • follicular phase

  • ovulation

  • luteal phase
• Flow or menstruation phase - (days 1-5)
• menstruation - period when the endometrium or lining of the uterus sheds over 3-7 days if there is no pregnancy.
• follicular phase - this is when several eggs mature inside small cysts or follicles.
• ovulation - this is when an egg is released from the biggest follicle and fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized. If it is not fertilize, it dissolves in about 24-48 hours.
• luteal phase - when the endometrium is thick and prepared to support a pregnancy or be released in a period.
• menstrual cycle - 28 days
• days 1-5 - follicle growth in ovary.
• days 1-5 - estrogen and progesterone are low.
• follicular phase - days 6-13
• follicular phase - follicles grow and mature, secrete estrogen. Endometrium thickens and stimulates LH.
• ovulation - LH peaks causing secondary oocyte to burst from the follicle in the ovary into oviduct.
• ovulation - pregnancy is possible
• luteal phase - LH causes corpus luteum to develop from follicle. Estrogen and Progesterone are in high level but LH and FSH are low
• corpus luteum - secretes E & P, since progesterone is high, this thickens the endometrium and is maintained.
• luteal phase - days 15-28 (2 weeks)
• process of follicle

  • primary follicle

  • growing follicle

  • mature follicle

  • ovulation

  • empty follicle

  • corpus luteum

  • corpus luteum regresses
• parts of development of cells (follicle)

  • primary follicle

  • growing follicle

  • egg cell

  • follicular cell

  • follicular fluid

  • mature follicle

  • ovulation

  • protective cells

  • empty follicle

  • corpus leteum

  • corpus leteum regresses
• ovulation - days 14
• progesterone prevents contractions