What describes the ovarian cycle?

The ovarian cycle describes the series of monthly changes in ovarian follicles, which culminate in the process of ovulation. This cycle involves several key phases: the follicular phase, in which a number of follicles begin to mature in response to hormones; the ovulatory phase, marked by the release of a mature egg from the most dominant follicle; and the luteal phase, during which the remnants of the follicle transform into the corpus luteum, producing hormones necessary for the potential maintenance of pregnancy.

This cycle is crucial for reproductive health, as it not only prepares the egg for fertilization but also prepares the uterine lining for possible implantation. It is distinct from other processes, such as the release of an egg from the uterus, which does not occur during the ovarian cycle but rather during menstruation. Additionally, the maturation of sperm occurs within the male reproductive system and is unrelated to the ovarian processes, while the formation of the placenta is a part of pregnancy following fertilization and implantation. These distinctions highlight the specific nature of the ovarian cycle as it is directly tied to female reproductive physiology.