Female Reproductive Cycle

Question 1

How long is the typical female reproductive cycle?

Answer 1

28 days

Question 2

The menstrual cycle consists of what 2 interrelated cycles?

Answer 2

• Ovarian cycle
• Endometrial cycle

Question 3

What are the 3 phases of the ovarian cycle?

Answer 3

• Follicular phase
• Ovulatory phase
• Luteal phase

Question 4

When does the follicular phase begin?

Answer 4

First day of menstruation

Question 5

Describe the follicular phase

Answer 5

FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen

Question 6

When does the ovulatory phase begin?

Answer 6

Day 14 - peak of estrogen levels

Question 7

Describe the ovulatory phase (2)

Answer 7

• LH surge releases an egg from the mature follicle
• Egg enters fallopian tube

Question 8

When does the luteal phase occur?

Answer 8

End of ovulation until start of menstruation

Question 9

What are the 3 phases of the endometrial cycle?

Answer 9

• Proliferative phase
• Secretory phase
• Menstrual phase

Question 10

Describe the proliferative phase

Answer 10

Endometrium becomes thicker for implantation

Question 11

What is the primary hormone during the proliferative phase?

Answer 11

Estrogen

Question 12

Describe the secretory phase

Answer 12

Endometrium continues to thicken

Question 13

What is the primary hormone during the secretory phase?

Answer 13

Progesterone

Question 14

When does the development of the endometrium peak?

Answer 14

7 - 8 days after ovulation (most favorable time for implantation)

Question 15

Describe the menstrual phase

Answer 15

Shedding of endometrial tissue