Which term defines the cycle during which an egg develops and is released from an ovary and the uterus is prepared to receive a fertilized egg?

• A. Amenorrhea
• B. Dysmenorrhea
• C. Menstrual Cycle
• D. Hypomenorrhea

Answer: (C)

The menstrual cycle is the natural sequence of events that prepares the female body for pregnancy. It includes the maturation and release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation) and the thickening of the uterine lining (endometrium) so it’s ready to receive a fertilized egg. If fertilization doesn’t occur, hormonal changes trigger shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation), and the cycle begins again. Other terms describe specific aspects or problems—amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation, dysmenorrhea is painful periods, and hypomenorrhea is unusually light bleeding—rather than the full cycle itself.