Which sequence correctly lists the phases of the endometrial cycle?

Which sequence correctly lists the phases of the endometrial cycle?

• A. Menses; postmenstrual (preovulatory); ovulation; premenstrual (luteal)
• B. Follicular, luteal, ovulatory
• C. Menarche, menopause
• D. Proliferative, secretory, ischemic, menstrual

Answer: (B)

Endometrial changes are driven by ovarian hormones in a coordinated sequence. Estrogen promotes rebuilding of the lining during the proliferative phase, then progesterone from the corpus luteum shifts the tissue to the secretory phase to prepare for possible implantation. If implantation doesn’t occur, progesterone withdrawal leads to reduced blood flow (ischemia) and shedding of the lining (menstruation). So the correct order is: proliferative, secretory, ischemic, menstrual. The other options mix in ovarian-phase terms or misorder the phases relative to hormonal control, which doesn’t match how the endometrium actually changes across the cycle.

Endometrial changes are driven by ovarian hormones in a coordinated sequence. Estrogen promotes rebuilding of the lining during the proliferative phase, then progesterone from the corpus luteum shifts the tissue to the secretory phase to prepare for possible implantation. If implantation doesn’t occur, progesterone withdrawal leads to reduced blood flow (ischemia) and shedding of the lining (menstruation). So the correct order is: proliferative, secretory, ischemic, menstrual. The other options mix in ovarian-phase terms or misorder the phases relative to hormonal control, which doesn’t match how the endometrium actually changes across the cycle.