Understanding the Female Reproductive System and Menstrual Cycle

The corpus luteum degrades after about two weeks if no pregnancy occurs, leading to a decrease in progesterone and estrogen levels, prompting menstruation.

Day one of the menstrual cycle starts with actual bleeding, known as menstruation.

The main hormones involved are luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and progesterone.

LH spikes around day 14 and triggers the release of the egg from the dominant follicle, known as ovulation.

FSH prepares the ovarian follicles, encouraging their growth and development, leading up to the release of an egg.

The typical female reproductive or menstrual cycle occurs about once every 28 days, though it can vary.

During the follicular phase, follicles in the ovary are developing, leading to the growth of a dominant follicle that eventually releases an egg.

Progesterone increases to thicken the endometrium of the uterus in preparation for a potential fertilized egg to implant.

If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degrades, causing a drop in progesterone and estrogen levels, leading to menstruation.

Estrogen helps in increasing sex drive and prepares the reproductive system for potential fertilization and pregnancy.

Changes and decreases in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can influence mood and behavior, leading to premenstrual syndrome.

The corpus luteum is formed from the follicle after it releases the egg and is responsible for secreting estrogen and progesterone to support early pregnancy.

The fimbriae of the uterine tube, which look like little flower petals, attract the egg into the uterine tube where it can be fertilized.

In the sagittal section, structures like the vaginal canal, cervix, uterus, uterine tubes, and ovaries are visible.

The fimbriae help guide the released egg from the ovary into the uterine tube for potential fertilization.

The endometrium thickens in preparation for a potential fertilized egg to implant and is shed during menstruation if fertilization doesn’t occur.

The position of the bladder relative to the uterus is crucial during pregnancy, as it can affect bladder function and comfort.

While multiple follicles start developing each cycle, typically only one becomes dominant and fully develops for ovulation, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

The corpus luteum degrades after about two weeks if no pregnancy occurs, leading to a decrease in progesterone and estrogen levels, prompting menstruation.

Day one of the menstrual cycle starts with actual bleeding, known as menstruation.