menstrual cycle

menstrual cycle
the periodic sequence of events in sexually mature nonpregnant women by which an egg cell (ovum) is released from the ovary at four-weekly intervals until the change of life (see menopause). The stages of the menstrual cycle are shown in the diagram. An ovum develops within a Graafian follicle in the ovary. When mature, it bursts from the follicle and travels along the Fallopian tube to the uterus. A temporary endocrine gland – the corpus luteum – develops in the ruptured follicle and secretes the hormone progesterone, which causes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to become thicker and richly supplied with blood in preparation for pregnancy. If the ovum is not fertilized the cycle continues: the corpus luteum shrinks and the endometrium is shed at menstruation. If fertilization does take place the fertilized ovum becomes attached to the endometrium and the corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone, i.e. pregnancy begins.

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  • Menstrual cycle — See also: Menstruation and Menstruation (mammal) The menstrual cycle is the scientific term for the physiological changes that can occur in fertile women. This article focuses on the human menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle, under the… …   Wikipedia

  • menstrual cycle — menstrual ,cycle noun count the repeated process in which a woman s WOMB prepares for PREGNANCY and that ends in a PERIOD if she does not get pregnant. The menstrual cycle usually lasts about a month …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Menstrual cycle — The monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the lining of the uterus (endometrium), starting with the preparation of an egg for fertilization. When the follicle of the prepared egg in the ovary breaks, it is released for fertilization and… …   Medical dictionary

  • menstrual cycle — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms menstrual cycle : singular menstrual cycle plural menstrual cycles biology the repeated process in which a woman s womb prepares for pregnancy. It ends in a period if she does not get pregnant. The menstrual… …   English dictionary

  • menstrual cycle — noun a recurring cycle (beginning at menarche and ending at menopause) in which the endometrial lining of the uterus prepares for pregnancy; if pregnancy does not occur the lining is shed at menstruation the average menstrual cycle is 28 days •… …   Useful english dictionary

  • menstrual cycle — noun Date: 1912 the complete cycle of physiological changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • menstrual cycle — The monthly cycle of hormonal changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next …   English dictionary of cancer terms

  • menstrual cycle — noun The recurring cycle of physiological changes in the females of some animal species that is associated with reproductive fertility; especially the cycle in a human woman. Syn: period See Also: menses, menstruation …   Wiktionary

  • menstrual cycle — /ˈmɛnstruəl saɪkəl/ (say mentroohuhl suykuhl) noun (in most primates) the approximately monthly cycle of ovulation and menstruation …  

  • menstrual cycle — noun the process of ovulation and menstruation in women and other female primates …   English new terms dictionary

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