Question

Describe the events that occur during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.

Answer 1

Ovulatory Phase (occurs on about the 14th day of the menstrual cycle):

• Both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) reach peak levels, with a surge in LH (“LH surge”).
• This LH surge induces the rupture of the mature Graafian follicle in the ovary.
• The rupture of the follicle leads to the release of the ovum (in humans, a secondary oocyte) – this process is called ovulation.
• Thus, ovulation is the release of the egg from the ovary, triggered primarily by the LH surge.