Final answer:
Ovulation is the process where an egg is released from the ovary, typically triggered by an LH surge, occurring once in about every 28-day menstrual cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Ovulation
Ovulation is a critical biological process in the female reproductive cycle. It involves the release of an egg (oocyte) from a woman's ovary. Each month, after a period of maturation, a dominant follicle undergoes changes leading up to ovulation. The LH surge is a significant trigger in this process, resulting in the final maturation of the oocyte from primary to secondary status. The egg, now ready, is then expelled from the follicle into the peritoneal cavity. This action is facilitated by enzymes breaking down the ovary wall and the pressure from the fluid-filled antrum within the follicle. Subsequently, the empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which is pivotal in producing hormones that regulate subsequent phases of the menstrual cycle.
Following this event, the egg enters the Fallopian tube where it has the potential to be fertilized by sperm. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degrades, leading to the onset of menstruation. Ovulation is a sign of reproductive maturity and happens approximately every 28 days in a typical menstrual cycle.