Female Menstrual Cycle (Grade 10)

female menstrual cycle What is it? From puberty until menopause, the female reproductive system normally goes through a series of cyclic changes Each cycle lasts about an average of 28 days and is called a menstrual cycle. They are divided into 4 stages

MEstage 1: menstruation stage (Days 1-5) the blood lining of the uterus breaks down, resulting in bleeding which are expelled through vagina This stage lasts 5-7 days, experience variety of sensations - backache, headaches, cramping, breast tenderness

stage 2: follicular stage (Days 6-13) Several eggs mature within a follicle follicle manufacture and secrete oestrogen rise in oestrogen result in lining thickening of uterus. follicle moves to the surface of the ovary

stage 3: ovulation stage (days 13-14) Shortest Phase in the cycle Release of egg from the ruptured follicle Ovum is in fallopian tube where it awaits fertilisation egg can survive to 6-24 hours Cervix secretes clear fertile mucous that assists sperm survival

stage 4: luteal stage (days 15-28) If fertilisation occurs: - ruptured follicle becomes corpus luteum - which travels back to ovary to secrete progesterone this results in thickening of uterus lining to prepare the uterus to receive the embryo progesterone at peak on days 19-22 If no fertilisation occurs - uterus lining becomes loose and process starts ageain