Question

Describe the menstrual cycle in human females (or women).

Answer 1

The menstrual cycle is a series of changes that occur in the ovaries and uterus of a female, usually every 28 days.

• After a female attains puberty, one ovum matures and is released from an ovary once every 28 days by the process of ovulation.
• The lining of the uterus becomes thick and spongy before ovulation to receive a fertilised egg.
• If the egg is not fertilised, the uterine lining breaks down and is shed through the vagina in the form of blood. This is called menstrual flow.
• Menstrual flow lasts for about 3–5 days.
• After the flow stops, the uterus starts preparing again to receive a fertilised egg. If fertilisation does not occur, the same cycle is repeated.