Answer:
Follicular phase: This is the first phase of the ovarian cycle and begins on the first day of menstruation. During this phase, several follicles in the ovary begin to grow and develop. Eventually, one of the follicles becomes dominant and continues to grow while the others degenerate. The dominant follicle releases estrogen, which stimulates the endometrium of the uterus to thicken.
Ovulatory phase: This is the second phase of the ovarian cycle and occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle. The dominant follicle ruptures and releases a mature egg, which is swept into the fallopian tube. This is known as ovulation.
Luteal phase: This is the final phase of the ovarian cycle and begins after ovulation. The ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the endometrium and preparing it to receive a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, leading to menstruation and the start of a new ovarian cycle.
Step-by-step explanation: