2009

FSH is the hormone responsible for stimulating the growth of follicles in the ovary while LH is

responsible for maturation of the follicle. At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the anterior

pituitary gland secretes LH and FSH and their levels increases over a few days. This causes the

growth and maturing of the follicle and stimulates it to release oestrogen which thickens the

lining. One negative feedback mechanism in the menstrual cycle is the release of oestrogen

which inhibits the secretion of LH and FSH. However at high levels, oestrogen causes a great

increase in the LH and FSH (to a lesser extent) (at high levels of oestrogen, a positive feedback

happens but at low levels of oestrogen, a negative feedback happens). The high level of LH

causes ovulation to happen and therefore the corpus luteum is formed. The corpus luteum

secretes progesterone which maintains the lining and inhibits LH and FSH which is an example

of another negative feedback. If no fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum degenerates, the

secretion of progesterone and oestrogen falls and the inhibition on the secretion of LH and FSH

is lifted which causes the cycle to start again.

2008

i. The rhythm method is about timing your period and avoiding intercourse based on the

cycle to prevent pregnancy. The menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days and at day 14 is

when ovulation occurs. Therefore, the menstrual cycle can be observed in order to

predict the date of ovulation. Ovulation is when the ovum is released and is in the

fallopian tube; therefore intercourse should be avoided around that time. To be

specific, it should be avoided three days before and after ovulation.

ii. The contraceptive pill works by inhibiting the hormones that control ovulation and

development of the follicles. The pills contain oestrogen and/or progesterone which

inhibit the secretion of FSH which prevent the development of the follicles and it
 inhibits LH which prevents the release of the ovum. Without an ovum, fertilization

cannot occur and therefore this method is effective.

2016

Three phases of uterine cycle:

 Menstruation: This is the periodic shedding of the endometrium lining. The lining of

the uterus breaks down into a bloody substance then passes through the vagina. At

this stage, the drop in the level of the progesterone (gonadal hormone) – as the

corpeus luteum degenerates causes the lining to shed. At this stage, due to the

presence of FSH and LH, the follicle develops.

 Proliferative phase: At this stage the lining of the uterus builds up (endometrium

develops). The follicle secretes oestrogen (gonadal hormone) which results in the

lining of the uterus thickening. At the end of this stage, ovulation occurs and the

ovum is released.

 Secretory phase: At this stage, the corpus luteum develops and the lining of the uterus

prepares for implantation if fertilization was to occur. The corpus luteum secretes

progesterone which causes the lining of the uterus to be maintained.

2015

Feature Ovum Spermatozoon

Size Approximately 100 µm Approximately 50 µm
in diameter
Shape Round Elongated
Overall Structure Not divided into distinct Divided into sections:
regions, surrounded by head with nucleus and
zona pellucid and follicle acrosome at the top,
cells middle piece with
mitochondria and
tail/flagellum
There are microtubules
 that run the length of the
middle piece and tail
Motility Not able to move Microtubules uses ATP
as energy source to move
which causes the tail to
bend and move so that
the sperm can meet the
ovum
Food Reserves Cytoplasm contains No food reserves
food reserves (lipid) for
the cell before
implantation occurs
after fertilisation
Metabolic Activity Active, substances are Inactive, does not absorb
absorbed and released or release substances
(like nutrients,
hormones, etc)