The first menses is called the
options:
A) climacteric
B) menarche
C) emission
D) menopause
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B) menarche.
Menarche refers to the first occurrence of menstruation in a female’s life, marking the onset of reproductive maturity. It typically happens between the ages of 9 and 16, although the exact age can vary depending on genetics, nutrition, and overall health. Menarche signals the beginning of the female’s ability to reproduce, as it coincides with the maturation of the ovaries, the release of eggs (ovulation), and the ability to sustain pregnancy.
Menarche is a significant milestone in the process of puberty, which includes a range of physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. The onset of menarche is regulated by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries, which control the production and release of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development, widening of the hips, and the growth of body hair.
While menarche is an important event, it does not signify immediate reproductive readiness. It usually takes a few years for a female’s menstrual cycle to become regular and for ovulation to occur predictably. For some girls, menarche can be accompanied by confusion, discomfort, and emotional changes as they adjust to this new phase of life.
The other options listed do not relate to the first menstruation:
- Climacteric refers to the period of life, typically around the late 40s to early 50s, when the female reproductive system undergoes changes leading to the cessation of menstruation (menopause).
- Emission refers to the release of semen during sexual arousal in males.
- Menopause is the natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years, characterized by the cessation of menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months.