Term
| Proliferative phase. What stimulates it? What happens? When does it occur? |
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Definition
Occurs in response to estrogen produced by granulosa/thecal cells of maturing follicles. Marked by growth and renewal of the functional layer of the uterine endometrium
It occurs 9 days leading up to ovulation |
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Term
| Secretory phase. What stimulates it? What happens? When does it occur? |
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Definition
Coincides with progesterone activity of the corpus luteum. During this stage, uterine glands increase their synthetic activity
It lasts 13 days after ovulation |
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Term
| Menstrual phase. What stimulates it? What happens? |
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Definition
| If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum degenerates, the endometrium vasculature breaks down and the epithelium is shed |
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Term
| What are the three layers of the uterus? |
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Definition
1. Endometrium
2. Myometrium
3. Perimetrium |
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Term
| What are the two layers of the endometrium? |
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Definition
1. Stratum functionalis - temporary tissue; adjacent to the uterine lumen; varies with the menstrual cycle
2. Stratum basalis - Permanent tissue; adjacent to myometrium |
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Term
| Which artery is affected during the proliferative phase? |
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Definition
| Elongation of the spiral arteries into stroma |
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Term
| What causes the gravid state? |
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Definition
| Fertilization. Replaces menstruation. Stromal cells within the functional endometrium begin storing lipid and glycogen |
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Term
| What is the decidual reaction? |
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Definition
| Menstruation is replaced by gravid stage. Serves as a definitive sign of pregnancy. |
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Term
| What is the purpose of the spiral arteries and what do they branch from? What happens throughout the menstrual cycle? |
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Definition
They nourish the functional layer of the endometrium, and they branch from the radial artery.
During menstruation, the distal segment of the spiral artery degenerates and sloughs off, while the proximal remnant retracts into the stratum basalis and constricts to liimit blood loss during menstruation. It regrows during the next proliferative phase. |
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Term
| What happens to mucous production during the menstrual cycle? |
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Definition
| At mid cycle there is a 10 fold increase in the amount of mucous produced. Additionally the mucous becomes less viscous, which enhances the motility of sperm and aids in fertilization |
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Term
| Where is milk produced and stored in the breast? |
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Definition
| Produced in the alveolar cells, and stored within alveolar lumina. |
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