Lecture: Female Reproductive Cycle

Introduction

• Speaker: Jonathan Benion
• Topic: Female reproductive cycle
• Structure: Series of 4 videos
  • Video 1: Beginning of the cycle (period cramps)
  • Video 2: Ovulation
  • Video 3: Fertilization
  • Video 4: Integrating all pieces
• Context: Details about anatomical structures using cadavers

Overview of the Female Reproductive Cycle

• Commonly referred to as monthly periods, monthly cycle, or menstrual cycle
• Cycle Duration: Typically 24-35 days
  • Most commonly referred to as 28 days for simplicity

Goals of the Reproductive Cycle

1. Ovulation: Release an egg from the ovary (~14 days)
2. Prepare Uterus: For potential implantation of a fertilized egg (day 15-28)

Phases of the Cycle

Follicular Phase (Day 1-14)

• Day 1: Start of menstrual bleeding, cramping
  • Reason: Uterus is resetting due to non-pregnancy
  • Anatomy: Cadaver View
    • Structures: Vaginal canal, uterus, myometrium (muscle layer), endometrium (inner lining)
  • Menstruation: Endometrium sheds, causing bleeding
  • Hormonal Influence: Estrogen and progesterone levels drop, prostaglandins released
    • Prostaglandins: Effects
      • Vasoconstriction → Decreased blood supply → Endometrium cells die (slough off)
      • Smooth muscle contractions → Helps expel cells, causes cramps

Luteal Phase (Day 15-28)

• Preparing the uterus lining for potential implantation

Menstrual Period Specifics

• Average duration: 3-5 days (varies)
• Graphical Representation: Thickness of the endometrium
  • Initially thins during menstruation
  • Builds up throughout the rest of the cycle

Conclusion

• Brief summary of the topics covered
• Reminder to subscribe and check out affiliate Codex Anatomica for anatomical artwork
• Light-hearted closing remarks on anatomical terminology (uteri vs. uteruses)