| Ovulation | |
|---|---|
 Following a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), an oocyte (immature egg cell) will be released into the uterine tube, where it will then be available to be fertilized by a male's sperm within 12 hours. Ovulation marks the end of the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle, and the start of the luteal phase. | |
| Identifiers | |
| MeSH | D010060 |
| TE | E1.0.0.0.0.0.7 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Ovulation is the release of egg cells from the ovaries as part of the ovarian cycle for most vertebrates. In women, this event occurs at the end of the follicular phase, when the ovarian follicles rupture and release the secondary oocyte ovarian cells.[1]
After ovulation, during the luteal phase, the egg will be available to be fertilized by sperm. If it is not, it will break down in less than a day. Meanwhile, the uterine lining (endometrium) continues to thicken to be able to receive a fertilized egg. If no conception occurs, the uterine lining will eventually break down and be shed from the body via the vagina during menstruation.[2]
- ^ Ovulation Test Archived 2016-05-02 at the Wayback Machine at Duke Fertility Center. Retrieved July 2, 2011
- ^ Young B (2006). Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas (5th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 359. ISBN 9780443068508. Retrieved 2013-11-09.