1. Ovarian and/ Menstrual Cycles

2. Ovarian Cycle Series of events in the ovary
Maturation of egg & release to fallopian tube
Approx: 20 – 40 day period (Ave 28 days)
At birth, ovaries (2) have 400, 000 immature eggs
*Steps 1-4 take approx 10 – 14 days

3. Ovarian Cycle Stages: Primary follicle :
egg is surrounded by other cells
2. Secondary follicle:
cells enlarge and secrete fluid, forcing egg to the edge of the follicle
3.Graafian Follicle:
follicle fills with more fluid, enlarges and produces a bulge on the surface of the ovary
4. Ovulation: follicle bursts, expels egg into fallopian tube

4. Ovarian Cycle Stages: 5. Corpus Luteum:
Ruptured Graafian follicle collapses, blood inside forms a clot. Clot is absorbed & follicle turns a cream / yellow colour
a. Fertilisation:
Corpus Luteum continues to develop & secretes hormones for endometrium development (last approx 3 months)
b. No fertilisation:
by 8-10 days, Corpus Luteum degenerates into Corpus Albicans (scar tissue)

5. MENSTRUAL Cycle Series of events in endometrium (lining of the Uterus)
Very closely related to ovarian cycle (28 days)
Stages:
endometrium becomes thicker and softer.
Increase blood vessels and mucous membrane
continues to thicken
glands secret watery mucus (high in glycogen).
Assists sperm travel   
 ovulation

6. MENSTRUAL Cycle  ovulation
3. Corpus Luteum degenerates  endometrium degenerates  menstruation
Approx 14 days after ovulation
* Steps 1-2 take approx 10 – 14 days