Biology · Human Reproduction · NEET
NEET follows NCERT, which lists FOUR phases: (1) menstrual phase, (2) follicular phase, (3) ovulatory phase, and (4) luteal phase. Some books club ovulation inside the middle and show 3 phases, but for NEET always answer four. The ovulatory phase is short (one point in mid-cycle) but NCERT names it separately.
Yes. The follicular phase (days 6-13) is named for the growing ovarian follicles. In this same time the uterus lining (endometrium) grows back and thickens, so from the uterus side it is called the proliferative phase. Same phase, two names: ovary view = follicular, uterus view = proliferative. NEET 2018 tested exactly this match: Proliferative Phase = Follicular Phase.
Follicular phase (days 6-13) comes BEFORE ovulation: follicles grow, FSH and LH rise slowly, endometrium proliferates. Luteal phase (days 15-28) comes AFTER ovulation: the corpus luteum forms and releases progesterone, which makes the endometrium secretory (ready for implantation). No new follicles form in the luteal phase because FSH and LH are low (NEET 2019).
The secretory phase is another name for the luteal phase (days 15-28). The corpus luteum secretes progesterone. Progesterone makes the endometrial glands secrete and the lining stays thick and rich in blood, preparing the uterus for a fertilised egg to implant. If no fertilisation happens, the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone falls, and menstruation starts again.
Ovulation happens in the ovulatory phase, around day 14 (mid-cycle) of a 28-day cycle. It is caused by a sharp LH surge (rapid rise in LH). The Graafian follicle ruptures and releases the secondary oocyte (ovum). Ovulation sits exactly between the follicular phase and the luteal phase.
Menstruation (days 1-5) happens because of the breakdown of the endometrial lining of the uterus. This breakdown occurs only if the released ovum is NOT fertilised. Without fertilisation, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone falls, the lining cannot be maintained, and it sheds as blood. So menstrual flow = a sign that the previous cycle's ovum was not fertilised.
Match the items given in Column I with those in Column II and select the correct option. Column I: a. Proliferative Phase, b. Secretory Phase, c. Menstruation. Column II: i. Breakdown of endometrial lining, ii. Follicular Phase, iii. Luteal Phase.
No new follicles develop in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle because:
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
The average human menstrual cycle is about 28 days, counting from the first day of one menstruation to the first day of the next. It can normally vary a little between women.
Two phases have double names. Follicular phase = Proliferative phase (before ovulation). Luteal phase = Secretory phase (after ovulation). NEET frequently asks you to match these pairs.
A rapid rise in Luteinising Hormone, called the LH surge, triggers ovulation around day 14. It causes the Graafian follicle to rupture and release the ovum.
After ovulation, the remains of the Graafian follicle turn into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which maintains the endometrium for possible implantation.
No. The menstrual cycle occurs only in primates (humans, apes, monkeys). Non-primate mammals show an oestrus cycle instead. This is a common NEET point (asked in NEET 2023).
