MENSTR

UAL
CYCLE
The Menstrual Cycle

Females begin to menstruate between the ages of 11 and

15. Menstruation, or monthly period, is the monthly
shedding of the lining of the uterus.
The Menstrual Cycle
 Menstrual cycle begins when an egg matures or ripens in
one of the ovaries. At the same time, the endometrium,
the lining of the uterus, starts to thicken for possible
pregnancy.

 The mature egg releases from the ovary. The lining of the
uterus continuously thickens until it is ready to receive
the fertilized egg.

 The thicken uterus will serve as the home for the

developing embryo.
The Menstrual Cycle
 If pregnancy does not successfully happen, the
endometrium breaks down or is destroyed and
discharged from the body. This discharge of blood and
tissue is known as menstruation or menstrual period.

 The menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but there are some

females menstrual cycles as short as 21 days or as long
as 35 days and are considered normal.

 The endocrine system plays an important role for the

menstrual cycle.
The Menstrual Cycle
 During the first half of the cycle (days 1-14), pituitary
hormone FSH stimulates an egg to mature inside one
of the ovaries.

 When the egg starts to develop, it secretes estrogen,

which causes the endometrium to thicken.

 At the middle of the menstrual cycle, which is about

day 14, the level of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) starts to
rise; thus, ovulation occurs.
The Menstrual Cycle
 The ovary releases the egg and travels into the
fallopian tube.
 It takes seven days for the egg to travel into the
fallopian tube going to the uterus.
 The production of the progesterone increases after the
time the egg reaches the uterus. As the progesterone
increases, it maintains the growth of the
endometrium.
 If the egg has not been fertilized, progesterone and
estrogen levels drop. The endometrium breaks down
and the unfertilized egg passes out of the body
through the vagina.
Highlight Events of a 28-day
Menstrual cycle
PHASE EVENTS DURATION
(DAYS)
• During menstruation, it breaks
FOLLICULAR PHASE down the endometrium. 1-5

• In the ovary, the follicle matures 6-13

OVULATION and rebuild the endometrium.
• Secondary oocyte is released from 14
ovary.
• Formation of the corpus luteum;
LUTEAL PHASE endometrium thickens and 15-28
develops.
 The
Development
of Life
 Stages of Early Embryonic Animal
Cleavage is the
Development
Gametogenesis is the
formation of the gamete. Fertilization is third stage when
This is the first stage of the next stage the fertilized egg
an animal development when the sperm
penetrates an
undergoes series
in which the sperm and
egg form and develop egg then fusion of mitotic cell
inside the reproductive of their nucleus divisions and later
systems under the takes place. becomes the early
control of parental embryo.
genes.
Gastrulation is the
Organogenesis next stage to organize
Growth and Tissue
is a process of cell
Specialization is the cell migration patterns
differentiation and
last stage when the in the embryo t form
formation of all
organs acquire their major organs once two or more primary
unique structures and the germ layers germ layers (region
chemical properties. have formed. layers of cells forming
all organs of the animal
body).
The Embryonic Development of Division of the Sex Cells
Animals
The Process of Fertilization and the
Development of the Human Embryo
1.FIRST WEEK OF DEVELOPMENT
 The union of sperm cell and egg cell is called fertilization.
 After the fertilization of the egg cell, the zygote travels in the
oviduct to get nutrients from maternal secretions.
 Undergo the process of mitotic cell division which formed
cleavages.
 When it reaches the uterus, cleavages have transformed into a
solid group of cells called morula and later on will develop into a
blastocyst.
 An inner cell mass of the blastocyst having a surface cell layer
called the trophoblast.
 Secretion of chorionic gonadotropin from trophoblast
helps to maintain the corpus luteum to grow and to
secrete estrogens and progesterone.

 Once the blastocyst is formed, it begins to adhere itself

to the uterine lining.

 This process of attachment is also known as

implantation.

 After the blastocyst has been implanted, it is now called

embryo.
2. THE EMBRYO
 embryo is the initial development stage in human after
fertilization.

 The bond that holds the embryo to the wall of the uterus is
called the placenta.

 Approximately 25 days, after fertilization, a cord forms

between the embryo and the sac.

 This cord is referred to as the umbilical cord which is the

embryo’s lifeline, the embryo gets its oxygen and food from
the mother through the placenta.
 The developing embryo is enclosed in a sac of thin sheet
of tissue called amniotic sac.

 Within this sac is the amniotic fluid where the embryo

floats. This fluid serves as a shock absorber and helps
the embryo to maintain its temperature.
THE FETUS
 After two months, the embryo is about 1.2 inches (3
cm) long and has a recognizable human form or a fetus.
 The fetus grows with the help of the placenta.
 The placenta connects to the developing embryo by
means of the umbilical cord.
 At four months, the fetus moves and can be recognized.
 The baby’s eyelashes are formed.
 Eyelids can be recognized at seven months.
 All the organs are well developed on the ninth month;
the baby is ready to be born.