The Sex Organs - The Female Sex Organs

The Menstrual Cycle: The function of the menstrual cycle

The basic function of the menstrual cycle is easily summarized:

It prepares the lining of the uterus for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg. If no implantation occurs, the lining breaks down and is discharged through the vagina. This discharge is known as menstrual bleeding or simply menstruation.

When the bleeding has stopped, the preparation of the uterine lining and thus the entire cycle starts again. Theoretically, a description of the mentrual cycle could begin with any of its phases. For the purposes of medical calculation, for example, the menstrual cycle is assumed to start with the first day of menstruation and to end with the last day before the next menstruation. However, in the present context it seems most useful to begin with the growth of the egg (ovum) and the gradual thickening of the uterine lining (endometrium).