Question 1: The menstrual cycle is a series of physiological changes in the female reproductive system that occurs approximately every 28 days. It prepares the body for potential pregnancy through hormonal regulation involving hormones such as FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone.

Answer: The menstrual cycle is a series of changes in the female reproductive system that occurs roughly every 28 days, involving hormonal regulation to prepare for pregnancy.

Question 2: Define the term 'ovulation'.

Answer: Ovulation is the release of an ovum from the ovary.

Question 1: Describe the role of FSH and LH in the menstrual cycle.

Answer: FSH stimulates follicle development in the ovaries, while LH triggers ovulation and supports the formation of the corpus luteum.

Question 2: Explain how oestrogen and progesterone levels change during the cycle and their effects.

Answer: Oestrogen levels rise during the first half of the cycle, stimulating the growth of the uterine lining. Progesterone rises after ovulation, maintaining the lining for possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels fall, leading to menstruation.

Question 1: List the main stages of the menstrual cycle in order.

Answer: Menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase.

Question 2: Describe what happens during the menstrual phase.

Answer: The lining of the uterus is shed, resulting in bleeding, and hormone levels are low.

Question 1: If a woman has a cycle length of 32 days, on which day is ovulation most likely to occur? (Assume ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before the next period.)

Answer: Day 18

Question 1: Outline a simple experiment to test the effect of oestrogen on the thickness of the uterine lining. Include variables and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment could involve culturing uterine tissue samples and exposing them to varying concentrations of oestrogen. The independent variable is oestrogen concentration; the dependent variable is tissue thickness. Control samples without hormone should be used. Safety precautions include handling hormones with gloves and proper disposal of biological materials.

Question 1: A woman’s hormonal profile shows high oestrogen levels during days 1-7, rising again around day 14, followed by increased progesterone from day 15-28. Explain how these hormone levels correlate with the stages of her menstrual cycle.

Answer: High oestrogen levels during days 1-7 correspond to the menstrual and follicular phases, stimulating the growth of the uterine lining. A surge in oestrogen around day 14 triggers ovulation. Increased progesterone from day 15-28 supports the luteal phase, maintaining the uterine lining for potential pregnancy. Fall in hormone levels signals the start of a new cycle.