Which phase begins the menstrual cycle?

Which phase begins the menstrual cycle?

• A. Ovulation
• B. Follicular phase
• C. Feedback mechanism
• D. Follicular involution

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is the sequence of the menstrual cycle. The cycle starts with menstrual bleeding, which marks the beginning of the follicular phase. In this phase, follicles in the ovary begin to grow under the influence of FSH, estrogen rises, and the endometrium begins to rebuild after shedding. This phase continues until ovulation, the mid-cycle event when a dominant follicle releases an egg in response to the LH surge. The other options don’t represent the start of the cycle: ovulation is the middle of the cycle, a feedback mechanism isn’t a phase, and follicular involution refers to follicle regression rather than the cycle’s onset.

The main idea here is the sequence of the menstrual cycle. The cycle starts with menstrual bleeding, which marks the beginning of the follicular phase. In this phase, follicles in the ovary begin to grow under the influence of FSH, estrogen rises, and the endometrium begins to rebuild after shedding. This phase continues until ovulation, the mid-cycle event when a dominant follicle releases an egg in response to the LH surge. The other options don’t represent the start of the cycle: ovulation is the middle of the cycle, a feedback mechanism isn’t a phase, and follicular involution refers to follicle regression rather than the cycle’s onset.