Menstrual Cycle

There are a total of ___ stages in the menstrual cycle.

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

Answer explanation

The four stages are the menstrual flow stage (days 1-5), follicle stage (days 6-13), ovuation (day 14) and the corpus luteum stage (days 15-28). These numbers may differ between individuals.

During menstruation, the unfertilised egg, blood, and broken __________ flows out of the body.

The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the maturation of follicles in the __________.

• brain

• ovary

• uterus

• fallopian tubes

The ovaries contain many egg cells. Each egg cell is surrounded by a layer of smaller cells known as _______ cells.

Menstruation stimulates the __________ in the ______ to secrete the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) into the bloodstream.

• pituitary gland; brain

• pituitary gland; ovary

• hypothalamus; brain

• hypothalamus; ovary

The follicle-stimulating hormone does all of the following except

• stimulate follicle development in the ovaries.

• stimulate secretion of oestrogen.

• development of Graafian follicle.

• stimulate shedding of uterine lining.

Which of the following is NOT an action of oestrogen?

• causes ovulation

• inhibits FSH production

• stimulates pituitary gland to secrete luteinising hormone

• causes repair and growth of uterine lining

Answer explanation

It is the luteinising hormone that causes ovulation.

The luteinising hormone released near Day 14 stimulates the follicles to release a mature egg into the fallopian tube, leaving behind the ______ ______.

The corpus luteum secretes the hormone ____________, which mainly functions to thicken the uterine lining further.

Other effects of progesterone includes... (you may tick more than 1 correct answer).

• inhibition of ovulation

• inhibition of FSH production

• inhibition of growth of uterine lining.

Answer explanation

The main aim of progesterone is to thicken the uterine lining further and supply it with blood capillaries.