a-short-review-of-histology

The Menstrual Cycle:

The menstrual cycle is the name given to the 29 day cycle of hormonal changes which:

Prepares for and releases an ovum ready to be fertilised
Prepares the corpus luteum in the ovary, the endocrine gland which will maintain pregnancy
Prepares the female reproductive tract (uterine tubes, uterus including the cervix and vagina) to receive spermatozoa, provide an environment for fertilisation of the egg and for implantation of the fertilised egg for subsequent embryogenesis

The menstrual cycle is also known as the ovarian cycle as it is driven by changes in the ovary
However, the timing of the cycle is related to the menstrual flow, the breakdown of the uterine wall that occurs if the individual does not become pregnant during the cycle
It is important to realise that all the changes that occur in the reproductive system during the menstrual cycle presume that the normal outcome will be pregnancy
This will help in your understanding of the changes that occur