Using a Cyclical Diagram to Visualize the Events of the Ovulatory Menstrual Cycle

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, college textbooks in human anatomy and physiology have typically presented the events of the ovulatory menstrual cycle in a linear format, with time in days shown on the x-axis, and hormone levels, follicular development, and uterine lining on the y-axis. In addition, the various events are often shown over a 28-day cycle, when they can take place over 21-35 days and may not be regular at all. Here, we propose a circular diagram that is independent of a set cycle time and readily shows the cyclic nature of the events. This diagram can be presented sequentially in organized layers, and additional complexity can be added. In addition, we present questions here that can promote self-learning before and critical thinking after the discussion of the cycle to enhance understanding of the physiological events.