Menstrual Cycle Phases & Hormonal Control — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2018The major events of the menstrual cycle The cycle starts with the menstrual phase, when menstrual flow occurs and it lasts for 3-5 days. The menstrual flow results due to breakdown of endometrial lining of the uterus and its blood vessels which forms liquid that comes out through vagina. Menstruation only occurs if the released ovum is not fertilised. Lack of menstruation may be indicative of pregnancy. However, it may also be caused due to some other underlying causes like stress, poor health etc. The menstrual phase is followed by the follicular phase. During this phase, the primary follicles in the ovary grow to become a fully mature Graafian follicle and simultaneously the endometrium of uterus regenerates through proliferation. These changes in the ovary and the uterus are induced by changes in the levels of pituitary and ovarian hormones. The secretion of
The menstrual cycle has three main phases: menstrual (3-5 days, endometrium breakdown), follicular (follicle growth and endometrium regeneration), and secretory phases, all controlled by pituitary and ovarian hormones. Students often mistake the triggers—NTA tests whether you know that menstruation occurs only if the ovum is unfertilized, and that hormonal changes coordinate ovarian and uterine events. Common error: confusing which phase involves follicle maturation versus endometrial thickening. Remember: menstrual phase = breakdown; follicular phase = growth of both follicles AND endometrium simultaneously; hormones drive everything.
Match List I with List II: Column I A. Proliferative phase B. Secretory phase C. Menstruation Column II (i) Breakdown of endometrial lining (ii) Follicular phase (iii) Luteal phase
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