Reproductive Cycles Flashcards
What is the ovarian cycle?
Produces an ovum at regular enough intervals to make reproductive success likely and to regulate the menstrual cycle by means of the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone
What are the three phases of the ovarian cycle?
- Follicular phase
- Ovulation
- Luteal phase
What happens at the follicular phase and between what days?
Follicle matures (Day 1-13)
What happens during ovulation, what day is ovulation?
Oocyte is released (Day 14)
What happens at the luteal phase and between what days?
The follicle becomes corpus albicans (Day 15-28)
What is the menstrual cycle?
Ensures that the lining of the uterus is suitable for the implantation of an embryo if fertilisation of ovum occurs. Constant renewal of endometrium makes successful implantation more likely.
What is menarche?
The start of the reproductive cycles
What is menopause?
The end of the reproductive cycles
What are the three phases of the menstrual cycle?
- Menstrual phase
- Proliferative phase
- Secretory phase
What happens in the menstrual phase and between what days?
If oocyte not fertilised, corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone and oestrogen reduces causing endometrium to shed (Days 1-5)
What happens in the proliferative phase and between what days?
Superficial layer regenerates, maturing follicle(s) stimulate proliferation of superficial endometrial layer, endometrium thickens (Days 6-14)
What happens in the secretory phase and between what days?
Endometrium begins to swell, endometrial secretory glands produce increasing mucus - to assist sperm through the uterus (Days 15-28)
How many layers does the endometrium have?
2 layers
What are the 2 layers of the endometrium called?
- Superficial layer (top layer)
- Basal layer (bottom layer)
What is the function of the superficial layer of the endometrium?
TOP LAYER:
Sheds during menstruation
