A young female patient comes to the health unit at school to discuss her irregular periods. In providing education regarding the female reproductive cycle, the nurse describes the regular and recurrent changes related to the ovaries and the uterine endometrium. Although this is generally referred to as the menstrual cycle, the ovarian cycle includes which phases? (Select all that apply.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The follicular phase is the period during which the ovum matures. It begins on day 1 and ends around day 14. The ovulatory phase occurs near the middle of the cycle, about 2 days before ovulation. After ovulation and under the influence of the luteinizing hormone, the luteal phase corresponds with the last 12 days of the menstrual cycle. The proliferative and secretory phases are part of the endometrial cycle. The proliferative phase takes place during the first half of the ovarian cycle when the ovum matures. The secretory phase occurs during the second half of the cycle when the uterus is prepared to accept the fertilized ovum. These are followed by the menstrual phase if fertilization does not occur.

A Young Female Patient Comes to the Health Unit at School