Question

Define menstrual cycle and explain its various phases.

Answer 1

The menstrual cycle refers to the cycles in which a woman’s uterus grows and sheds a lining (the endometrium) which could support the development of a fertilised egg. (1 Mark)

The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases, namely:
1. Menstrual phase: Day 1, uterus lining which is prepared for implantation starts to shed which lasts 3 to 5 days. (1 Mark)
2. Follicular phase: A matured egg follicle releases an egg from one of the ovaries. Also, the uterus starts preparation for another pregnancy. (1 Mark)
3. Ovulatory phase: Mid-cycle phase, is the phase in which ovulation takes place i.e., day 13-17. The end of the follicular phase along with the ovulation period defines the fertilization period. (1 Mark)
4. Luteal phase: Post ovulation phase where the fate of corpus luteum is decided. If fertilization occurs, pregnancy starts. If fertilization doesn’t occur, it marks the onset of another cycle. (1 Mark)