What is ovulation?

What is ovulation?

• A. The first time menstruation occurs.
• B. The release of a mature egg from an ovary.
• C. The shedding of the uterine lining.
• D. The cessation of cycles.

Answer: (B)

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from an ovary, usually mid-cycle. It happens when a dominant follicle ruptures in response to a surge of luteinizing hormone, and the egg is released into the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized for about 12–24 hours. This event is what allows pregnancy to occur if sperm are present. After ovulation, the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum and secretes progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for possible implantation. By contrast, menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining, the first period is menarche, and stopping cycles is menopause. So the release of a mature egg from an ovary best captures what ovulation is.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from an ovary, usually mid-cycle. It happens when a dominant follicle ruptures in response to a surge of luteinizing hormone, and the egg is released into the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized for about 12–24 hours. This event is what allows pregnancy to occur if sperm are present. After ovulation, the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum and secretes progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for possible implantation. By contrast, menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining, the first period is menarche, and stopping cycles is menopause. So the release of a mature egg from an ovary best captures what ovulation is.