Primary Organs In Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes the activities of the hormones of the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary
gland and the ovaries, and the resulting changes in the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and basal body
temperature (BBT). This section defines these organs and other parts of the female reproductive system
that are involved in the menstrual cycle. The information can be used by the trainer as a review guide to
ensure common baseline knowledge by all the trainees.

Hypothalamus

The part of the brain that, among many other functions, releases gonadotropin “releasing factor” (GnRF)
which regulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the
anterior pituitary gland.

Anterior pituitary gland

A pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain and connected to the hypothalamus. Among many
other functions, it produces, stores, and releases FSH and LH.

Ovaries

The pair of glands in the female which produce ova (eggs) and the female sex hormones, estrogen and
progesterone.

Ovum

(plural = ova) egg cell. The female reproductive germ cell that, when fertilized by a male sperm, can
develop into a new individual of the same species.

Ovarian follicle

Small sac in the ovary that encloses an ovum. At the beginning of each menstrual cycle, several ova
begin to mature. One ovum fully matures and is then released by the dominant ovarian follicle. At birth,
each woman has about 600,000 ovarian follicles in each ovary. During a woman's lifetime, only about
400 ova fully mature. The remainder dissolve and are reabsorbed by each ovary.

Corpus luteum

Corpus luteum or yellow body. After ovulation, the dominant ovarian follicle becomes the corpus
luteum which produces small amounts of estrogen and large amounts of progesterone.
Fallopian tubes

Fallopian tubes (also called uterine tubes) is two long, thin tubes connected to the uterus, which provide
passage for the ova from the ovaries. It is the place where the sperm meets the ovum and fertilization
takes place.

Uterus

A hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvis in which the fertilized ovum grows and develops during
pregnancy. In the absence of fertilization of the ovum, it sheds its lining during menstruation.

Endometrium

The mucus membrane which lines the inner wall of the uterus.

Cervix

The neck (or entrance) of the uterus.

Vagina

The genital canal in the female, extending from the cervix of the uterus to the vulva. It is the passageway
through which babies are born and menstrual fluid flows.

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