The Secretory Phase of the Uterine Cycle Occurs During the ________

Question

The secretory phase of the uterine cycle occurs during the ________ phase of the ovarian cycle.
A) follicular
B) ovulation
C) luteal
D) proliferative
E) involution

Accepted Answer

The secretory phase of the uterine cycle occurs during the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle. During the luteal phase, the corpus luteum produced after ovulation secretes progesterone and estrogen, which stimulate the growth and thickening of the endometrial lining in preparation for possible implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone levels drop, and the endometrial lining is shed during menstruation, marking the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.