Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle, lasting 28 - 32 days, is a series of events that occur in the female reproductive system. It is controlled by the chemicals called sex hormones. These are made in the brain and ovaries.
What happens during the menstrual cycle.
In menstruation, the soft lining of the uterus breaks apart. It passes out of the vagina along with a little blood. Another term for menstruation is ‘having a period’. A ‘period’ usually lasts for 3 - 7 days.
What happens to the menstrual cycle during pregnancy?
About 14 days after ovulation, if the egg has not been fertilised by a sperm cell, the lining of the uterus breaks again. The cycle starts again with another ‘period’. If the woman becomes pregnant, the cycle stops.
How is ovulation linked to menstruation?
Immediately after menstruation, an egg cell starts to mature in one of the ovaries. While this is happening, the uterus builds up again. 14 days after the start of a ‘period’, the matured egg cell is released. This is called ovulation.
How is fertilisation linked to menstruation?
The egg cell is released from the ovary and into the oviduct. During sex, the sperm swims up to the oviduct and if it meets the egg there, the egg will be fertilised.
2 things to remember…
The menstrual cycle lasts about 28 -32 days and begins with menstruation.
Ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle.
