Final answer:
The oocyte is released from the ovary during ovulation, which typically occurs every 28 days in a woman's reproductive years. The process is regulated by a surge of luteinizing hormone that causes the maturation of the secondary oocyte within the follicle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The release of the oocyte by ovulation typically occurs every 28 days.
During a woman's reproductive years, the ovarian cycle is a monthly occurrence that culminates in ovulation. A surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) just before ovulation stimulates a primary oocyte to resume meiosis, transitioning to a secondary oocyte. This asymmetric cell division yields a larger secondary oocyte, which is the cell that is released during ovulation. The smaller by-product, known as the first polar body, eventually disintegrates.
After 12-14 days of maturation within the follicle, the secondary oocyte is released when the follicle bursts. This usually occurs around day 14 of a typical 28-day menstrual cycle, marking the midpoint. The secondary oocyte is then swept into the Fallopian tube, where it has the potential to be fertilized if sperm are present. Following ovulation, the empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which later degrades if fertilization does not occur.