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During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the endometrium shed?
Topic: Menstrual cycle — phases
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Answer
(c) Menstrual phase.
The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. It is built up each month to receive a fertilised ovum; if fertilisation does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone falls, and the lining breaks down and is shed with some blood. That shedding IS the MENSTRUAL PHASE — days 1 to 5 of the cycle.
The four phases in order, which is the way to learn them: MENSTRUAL (days 1-5) — the endometrium is shed. FOLLICULAR (days 6-13) — FSH stimulates an ovarian follicle to grow; the endometrium is rebuilt under oestrogen. OVULATORY (about day 14) — LH causes the mature ovum to be released. LUTEAL (days 15-28) — the empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum and secretes progesterone, which maintains the thickened lining in case of pregnancy.
THE LOGIC to remember rather than the dates: the lining is BUILT in the follicular phase, MAINTAINED in the luteal phase, and SHED in the menstrual phase when the progesterone supporting it is withdrawn.
Menstrual phase.