Reproductive cycles in females | 合法醫療器材資訊網

The reproductive system in females consists of the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina and external genitalia. Periodic changes occur, nearly every one month, in the ovary and uterus of a fertile female. The ovarian cycle consists of three phases: follicular (preovulatory) phase, ovulation, and luteal (postovulatory) phase, whereas the uterine cycle is divided into menstruation, proliferative (postmenstrual) phase and secretory (premenstrual) phase. The secretory phase of the endometrium shows thick columnar epithelium, corkscrew endometrial glands and long spiral arteries; it is under the influence of progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum in the ovary, and is an indicator that ovulation has occurred.

Keywords: ovarian cycle, ovulation, menstrual cycle, menstruation, endometrial secretory phase

The fertile period of a female extends from the age of puberty (11-14 years) to the age...