Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 1BI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Describe the stages of the menstrual cycle, including the roles of the…
Full specification wording
Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis: 7.4 Describe the stages of the menstrual cycle, including the roles of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, in the control of the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a repeating sequence of about 28 days in which the uterus lining thickens, an egg is released and the lining is then shed if no fertilisation occurs.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1BI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 19
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The menstrual cycle is a repeating sequence of about 28 days in which the uterus lining thickens, an egg is released and the lining is then shed if no fertilisation occurs. It is controlled by hormones. FSH from the pituitary stimulates an egg to mature in the ovary and stimulates the ovary to release oestrogen. Oestrogen causes the uterus lining to thicken and, at higher levels, triggers a surge of LH from the pituitary. LH causes ovulation, the release of the egg. After ovulation the remains of the follicle form the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone. Progesterone maintains the uterus lining ready for a possible embryo. If no fertilisation occurs, progesterone falls, the lining breaks down and is shed as menstruation, and the cycle restarts. If fertilisation occurs, progesterone stays high to maintain the lining.
What earns the marks
- FSH stimulates maturation of an egg and stimulates the ovary to release oestrogen.
- Oestrogen causes the uterus lining to thicken and triggers the LH surge.
- LH causes ovulation, the release of the egg from the ovary.
- Progesterone maintains the uterus lining after ovulation.
- If no fertilisation occurs, progesterone falls, the lining breaks down and menstruation occurs, restarting the cycle.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Swapping the roles of FSH and LH.
Put it right: Link each hormone to its specific action.
Saying oestrogen maintains the lining throughout.
Put it right: Oestrogen thickens the lining earlier in the cycle.
Forgetting that falling progesterone causes menstruation.
Put it right: Is to state that the drop in progesterone leads to breakdown of the lining.
Exam tips
- Describe the cycle in order: FSH → oestrogen → LH surge → ovulation → progesterone → menstruation.
- Name the gland that releases FSH and LH (the pituitary) and the gland that releases oestrogen and progesterone (the ovary).
- Explain what happens to progesterone if fertilisation does or does not occur, to show control of the cycle.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis: 7.4 Describe the stages of the menstrual cycle, including the roles of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, in the control of the menstrual cycle lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which hormone is mainly responsible for maintaining the lining of the uterus during the second half of the menstrual cycle?
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