Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is apart of the female reproductive system. A series of events happen during a 28 day cycle. The only time this will stop is if the women is pregnant.
We can break the menstrual cycle up into stages.
The cycle begins on day 1. On day 1 bleeding from the vagina begins.
This is due to the lining of the uterus being replaced.
This is called menstruation or having a period.
At the end of the 5 days the blood stops. The lining of the uterus begin to re-
At about day 14, the mature egg cell is released from the ovary. This is called the ovulation.
The egg cell travels through the egg tube towards the uterus.
If the egg cell does not meet with a sperm cell, the lining of the uterus begins to break down and the cycle repeats.
If the egg cell meets and joins with a sperm cell, it is fertilised. It attaches to the lining of the uterus and the women become pregnant.
Match the diagram bellow with their correct dates.
Day 1 to 5
Day 6 to 12
Day 13 to 16
End of day 5
Questions
Short Answer Questions
1. Define the term Menstruation
2. Define the term Fertilisation
3. Create a flow diagram of the stages of the menstrual cycle
4. During what stage of the menstrual cycle is the women most fertile
5. Copy the Complete the sentence bellow.
During _________ the lining of the _________ degrades. This causes bleeding in the women. This is also known as a women’s _________ . After ___ days the bleeding stops as the ________ lining begins to ________ . By day 14 a ______ is released from the ________ . This is called _________ . If a ______ meets with the egg, the egg is said to be _________ .
Extension
6. A women thinks she is pregnant. While talking to her, she tells you she is on day six of her menstrual cycle. Using you knowledge, explain why it is unlikely that the women is pregnant (Describe all each stage of the menstrual cycle in your answer).
7. Research task. Explain how ‘the pill’ helps prevent pregnancy