Complete the paragraphs by filling out the blanks. Choose your answer from the box. endometrium
egg cell
disintegrates
hormone
menstruation


Menstrual phase begins on the first day of __________. The uterus sheds its inner lining which exits the body from the vagina in the form of menstrual fluid. In follicular phase, the pituitary gland secretes a __________ that stimulates the egg cells in the ovaries to grow. While the egg cell matures, its follicle secretes a hormone that stimulates the uterus to develop a lining of blood vessels and soft tissue called __________. On the 14th day of the cycle, the pituitary gland secretes a hormone that causes the ovary to release the matured __________. The released egg cell is swept into the fallopian tube. The egg then travels into the uterus. Luteal phase begins on the 15th day and lasts till the end of the cycle. If a sperm cell does not impregnate the egg cell, the egg cell __________. The hormone that causes the uterus to retain its endometrium gets used up by the end of the menstrual cycle. This causes the menstrual phase of the next cycle to begin.​