Menstrual Cycle and Uterine Structure
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary consequence of the corpus luteum degenerating when fertilization does not occur?

  • Thickening of the endometrium
  • Sudden drop in progesterone levels (correct)
  • Formation of new spiral arteries
  • Increase in blood flow to the endometrium

Which phase of the menstrual cycle corresponds to the growth and maintenance of the corpus luteum?

  • Menstrual phase
  • Proliferative phase
  • Follicular phase
  • Secretory phase (correct)

What happens to the spiral arteries at the end of the secretory phase if fertilization does not occur?

  • They dilate to increase nutrient flow to the endometrium
  • They completely degenerate before menstruation
  • They become constricted, leading to ischemia (correct)
  • They increase in length and reach deeper into the endometrium

During which phase does ovulation typically occur in the menstrual cycle?

<p>End of the proliferative phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is known as Mittelschmerz?

<p>The pain experienced during ovulation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the menstrual cycle?

<p>To prepare the body for the implantation of a fertilized egg. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the endometrium is the most superficial?

<p>Stratum compactum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormones primarily influence the menstrual cycle?

<p>Estrogen and progesterone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what age does menarche typically occur in females?

<p>Between 12 to 15 years old (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of arteries supply the functional zone of the endometrium?

<p>Spiral arteries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What marks the start of the menstrual cycle?

<p>Blood flow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of the menstrual cycle?

<p>21 to 35 days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the menstrual phase?

<p>3 to 5 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase follows the menstrual phase?

<p>Proliferative phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily controls the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle?

<p>Estrogen from the theca interna (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During menstruation, what is primarily sloughed off and discarded?

<p>Entire functional layer of the uterine wall (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event marks the end of the proliferative phase?

<p>Ovulation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average blood loss during menstruation?

<p>30–50 milliliters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the secretory phase?

<p>Progesterone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the endometrium change during the proliferative phase?

<p>It increases in thickness and vascularity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the discharge during menstruation?

<p>Contains blood, epithelial cells, and mucous secretions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following occurs during the secretory phase?

<p>The endometrium prepares for implantation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Menstrual (Uterine) Cycle

The periodic changes that occur in the endometrium of the uterus in fertile females.

Endometrium

The lining of the uterus, composed of three layers: the stratum compactum, stratum spongiosum, and stratum basalis.

Stratum Compactum

The most superficial layer of the endometrium, made of tightly packed cells around the necks of endometrial glands.

Stratum Spongiosum

The middle layer of the endometrium, containing loose epithelial cells around the bodies of endometrial glands.

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Stratum Basalis

The deepest layer of the endometrium, attached to the myometrium, and contains the fundi of endometrial glands.

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Myometrium

The middle muscular layer of the uterus, responsible for contractions during labor.

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Outer Fibrous Layer

The outermost layer of the uterus, made of fibrous connective tissue.

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Proliferative Phase

The first half of the menstrual cycle, characterized by the thickening of the endometrium and preparation for potential implantation.

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Secretory Phase

The second half of the menstrual cycle, triggered by progesterone, characterized by further growth and secretion of the endometrium to support potential implantation.

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Menstruation

The shedding of the endometrium, typically marked by bleeding, occurs when the corpus luteum degenerates and progesterone levels drop.

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Mittelschmerz

The pain that some women experience during ovulation, often located in the pelvis or lower abdomen.

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Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation.

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Menstrual Phase

The first phase of the uterine cycle, marked by shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium, leading to menstrual bleeding.

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Menstrual Cycle

The period from the first day of menstruation to the next, typically 28 days long.

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Functional Layer

The outer layer of the endometrium, which is shed during menstruation.

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Basal Layer

The inner layer of the endometrium, which remains untouched during menstruation and helps regenerate the tissue during the proliferative phase.

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Follicular Phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle where follicles develop and prepare for ovulation, corresponding to the menstrual and proliferative phases of the uterine cycle.

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Luteal Phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle where the corpus luteum forms after ovulation and secretes progesterone, corresponding to the secretory phase of the uterine cycle.

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Estrogen

The hormone responsible for the growth and development of the endometrium during the proliferative phase.

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Study Notes

Menstrual (Uterine) Cycle

  • The uterine cycle describes periodic changes in the endometrium (uterine lining) in fertile females, preparing for fertilized egg implantation.
  • Cycle duration typically ranges from 21 to 35 days, though 28 days is common.
  • Menarche (first menstruation) occurs between 12 and 15 years old. Menopause (cessation of menstruation) occurs between 45 and 50 years old.

Uterine Wall Structure

  • The uterine wall comprises three layers:
    • Endometrium: Innermost layer with three sublayers:
      • Stratum compactum (superficial, tightly packed cells around endometrial gland necks)
      • Stratum spongiosum (middle, loosely packed cells surrounding gland bodies)
      • Stratum basalis (deepest, thinnest layer, containing endometrial gland bases).
    • Myometrium: Middle, muscular layer.
    • Outer fibrous layer: Outermost layer.

Blood Supply of the Uterus

  • The uterine arteries supply blood, branching into:
    • Straight arteries: Supply the basal zone of the endometrium.
    • Spiral arteries: Supply the functional zone of the endometrium, connected to uterine veins via arteriovenous anastomoses.

Phases of the Uterine Cycle

  • 1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5):

    • The functional layer of the endometrium is shed, including most of the spongy layer.
    • The basal layer remains for regeneration during the next proliferative phase.
    • Menstrual discharge (blood and tissue) occurs.

  • 2. Proliferative Phase (Days 6-14):

    • Characterized by endometrium repair and growth under estrogen influence.
    • This phase aligns with the ovarian follicular phase.
    • Endometrial glands lengthen.
    • Endometrial thickness increases.
    • Blood vessels remodel and elongate.

  • 3. Secretory Phase (Days 15-28):

    • Aligned with the ovarian luteal phase.
    • Controlled by progesterone from the corpus luteum.
    • Endometrial glands become elongated, wide, tortuous, and distended with glycogen and lipids.
    • Spiral arteries elongate and coil.
    • Increased blood supply prepares the endometrium for possible fertilized egg implantation. If implantation doesn't occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone levels drop, and the cycle returns to the menstrual phase.

Pain Near the Middle of the Menstrual Cycle

  • Mittelschmerz is pelvic or lower abdominal pain associated with ovulation.
  • The pain can vary from mild to severe.
  • It usually lasts minutes to hours.
  • The pain commonly occurs on one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis as the ovary releases the egg.

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Menstrual Cycle (PDF)

Description

Explore the intricacies of the menstrual cycle and the structure of the uterus in this informative quiz. Learn about the stages of the uterine cycle, the layers of the uterine wall, and the blood supply mechanisms that support female reproductive health.

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