What is ovulation?

Ovulation refers to the release of a mature egg from the ovary, which is a crucial part of the female reproductive cycle. This process usually occurs around the midpoint of a woman's menstrual cycle, typically around day 14 in a 28-day cycle. During ovulation, a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the mature follicle in the ovary to rupture, thereby releasing the egg. Once released, the egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it may meet sperm for fertilization.

Understanding ovulation is essential because it plays a significant role in fertility and the menstrual cycle. Unlike the other options that describe different physiological processes, such as the thickening of the endometrium or the preparation of the uterus for possible implantation, ovulation itself is specifically about the release of the egg, making it the correct definition in this context.