The recurring physiological process in females, typically lasting about 28 days, marked by the release of an egg from the ovary, preparation of the uterus for a possible pregnancy, and shedding of the uterine lining if pregnancy does not occur. | Menstrual Cycle |
What defines the menstrual cycle in females, and what are its key phases? | The menstrual cycle is a 28-day process involving the release of an egg, preparation of the uterus for pregnancy, and shedding of the uterine lining if no pregnancy occurs. |
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that initiates the growth and maturation of an egg (follicle) in the ovary. | Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) |
What role does Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) play in the menstrual cycle? | FSH initiates the growth and maturation of an egg in the ovary. |
A hormone produced by the ovaries, especially during the maturation of the egg, that plays a crucial role in repairing and thickening the lining of the uterus. | Oestrogen |
Which hormone is responsible for repairing and thickening the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle? | Oestrogen, produced by the ovaries. |
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation by prompting the release of a mature egg from the ovary into the oviduct. | Luteinising Hormone (LH) |
What hormone induces ovulation by releasing a mature egg from the ovary? | Luteinising Hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. |
The release of a mature egg from the ovary into the oviduct (fallopian tube), typically occurring midway through the menstrual cycle. | Ovulation |
Define ovulation and its significance in the menstrual cycle. | Ovulation is the release of a mature egg into the oviduct, a crucial midpoint in the menstrual cycle. |
A hormone produced by the ovaries after ovulation, responsible for maintaining the lining of the uterus and supporting a potential pregnancy. | Progesterone |
What is the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle after ovulation? | Progesterone maintains the uterine lining and supports a potential pregnancy after ovulation. |
The inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle under the influence of hormones, and is shed if pregnancy does not occur. | Uterine Lining |
What is the uterine lining, and how does it change during the menstrual cycle? | The uterine lining thickens and is shed if pregnancy does not occur, influenced by hormonal changes. |
The shedding of the uterine lining when the egg is not fertilized, marking the end of the menstrual cycle and the beginning of a new one. | Period |
Describe the event that marks the end of the menstrual cycle when the egg is not fertilized. | The shedding of the uterine lining, known as a period, concludes the menstrual cycle. |
The approximate length of the menstrual cycle, which repeats every 28 days on average. | Menstrual Cycle Duration |
How long is the menstrual cycle, and how often does it repeat? | The menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28 days and repeats in a cyclical pattern. |
The dynamic interplay of reproductive hormones during the menstrual cycle, regulating the maturation of eggs, ovulation, and the preparation of the uterus for potential pregnancy. | Hormonal Interaction in Menstrual Cycle |
How do reproductive hormones interact during the menstrual cycle? | Reproductive hormones coordinate to regulate egg maturation, ovulation, and prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy. |
The action of oestrogen in preventing the pituitary gland from releasing Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). | Oestrogen Inhibition of FSH |
What role does oestrogen play in relation to FSH during the menstrual cycle? | Oestrogen inhibits the release of FSH from the pituitary gland. |
The process whereby the inhibition of FSH by oestrogen ensures that other eggs do not start to mature during the menstrual cycle. | Prevention of Egg Maturation |
How does the inhibition of FSH by oestrogen impact egg maturation? | Oestrogen's inhibition of FSH prevents the maturation of additional eggs during the menstrual cycle. |
The action of oestrogen in causing the pituitary gland to release Luteinising Hormone (LH). | Oestrogen Stimulation of LH |
What is the role of oestrogen in relation to LH release? | Oestrogen stimulates the release of LH from the pituitary gland. |
The process where LH, triggered by oestrogen, causes the release of a mature egg from the ovary into the oviduct. | Ovulation Induction |
How does ovulation occur during the menstrual cycle? | LH, induced by oestrogen, prompts the release of a mature egg from the ovary into the oviduct. |
The response to ovulation, where the ovaries release more progesterone. | Progesterone Release Post-Ovulation |
What follows ovulation in terms of hormone release? | Ovulation leads to the release of additional progesterone by the ovaries. |
The function of progesterone in maintaining the lining of the uterus during the menstrual cycle. | Progesterone's Role in Uterine Maintenance |
How does progesterone contribute to the menstrual cycle's maintenance? | Progesterone maintains the uterine lining, preparing it for a potential pregnancy. |
The action of progesterone in collaborating with oestrogen to suppress the production of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH). | Progesterone Inhibition of FSH and LH |
How does progesterone interact with oestrogen to influence FSH and LH production? | Progesterone, in conjunction with oestrogen, inhibits the production of FSH and LH, contributing to hormonal balance during the menstrual cycle. |