The Uterine Cycle

What happens when the corpus luteum stops producing stimulatory hormones?

A new uterine cycle begins with the onset of the next menses.

Blood cells and degenerating tissues then . . .

Break away and enter the uterine cavity, to be lost by passage through the external cervical os and into the vagina.

Regression of organs often occurs when?

During Menopause.

Restoration of the functional zone of the endometrium is stimulated and sustained by what?

Estrogens secreted by the ovarian follicles.

Hot flashes and mood swings are common in Menopause due to what?

Hormonal imbalances.

cSecretion and preparatory changes in the endometrium occurs in response to what?

Rising progesterone from the corpus luteum in expectation of a potential embryo.

Eventually, the weakened arterial walls . . .

Rupture, and blood pours into the connective tissues of the functional zone.

What surveys Menses? What happens then?

The basilar zone and the deepest uterine glands. The epithelial cells of the uterine glands then multiply and spread across the endometrial surface.

Describe the Menstrual Phase.

1. Aka: Menses. 2. Approximately days 1 - 5.

The Ovaries fail to respond to what, and in response . . .

1. FSH. 2. Estrogen levels decline. 3. The number of remaining follicles decrease.

Describe Menopause.

1. Its the Cessation of menstruation also known as menarche. 2. Occurs 45-55 years of age.

What are the phases of the Uterine Cycle?

1. Menstrual Phase. 2. Pre-Ovulatory Phase. 3. Post-Ovulatory Phase. 4. Menopause.

Ovulation occurs on what day and is due to what?

14 due to LH surges.

Describe the Post-Ovulatory Phase.

1. AKA Secretory phase. 2. Approximately days 15-28.

Describe Pre-Ovulatory Phase.

1. AKA: Proliferative phase. 2. Approximately days 6 - 14.

This degeneration is caused by what?

Constriction of the spiral arteries, which reduces endometrial blood flow.

The process of endometrial sloughing is called what?

Menstruation.

The uterine cycle begins with . . .

The onset of menses, an interval marked by the degeneration of the functional zone of the endometrium.

Spiral arteries then begin . . .

To develop and penetrate through the new functional zone of the endometrium (angiogenesis).

Mucus secreted by the cervix becomes what?

Viscous creating a cervical plug.

The uterine glands begin to secrete what, into what, to sustain what?

nutritious glycogen-rich mucus into the uterine cavity to sustain the blastocyst until implantation has occurred.

The secretory phase begins at _________ and persists as long as what remains intact?

ovulation; corpus luteum remains.