Question

The secretory phase in the human menstrual cycle is also called
A. Follicular phase lasting for about 6 days
B. Luteal phase and lasts for about 13 days
C. Follicular phase and lasts for about 13 days
D. Luteal phase and lasts for about 6 days

Answer 1

The menstrual cycle is a series of changes that take place in female reproductive organs in all primates. Also, there are four phases in a menstrual phase, follicular phase, luteal phase, and ovulatory phase.

Complete step by step answer: In humans, the menstrual cycle initiates with the menstrual discharge of menstrual flow. After this phase comes to the follicular phase in which the primary follicles present in the ovary grow to mature Graffian follicle. The LH and FSH hormone levels are increased causing thickening of the endometrial wall. It lasts around 10 to 14 days.
-After the follicular phase, the rapid secretion of LH also called LH surge takes place. This induces the rupture of the mature Graffian follicle. This leads to ovulation and thus called the ovulatory phase. The ovulatory phase is the shortest and lasts for 48 hours only.
-Ovulation leads to further thickening of the endometrial wall to receive the egg in case of fertilization. The ruptured Graffian follicle converts into a corpus luteum. This results in the secretion of progesterone. This induces the endometrial glands to secrete some fluid into the uterus and thus is called the luteal phase or secretory phase. This phase lasts for 13 days.
-If no fertilization takes place the corpus luteum degenerates and this leads to the breakdown of the endometrium lining. This further leads to menstruation.
Therefore, the secretory phase in the human menstrual cycle is also called the luteal phase and lasts for about 13 days.

Note: Here, if the egg fertilizes and the woman becomes pregnant all of these phases stop. On the other hand, this cycle stops permanently when a woman reaches the age of 45 to 55 and attains menopause.