28-18
The Three
Phases of the Ovarian Cycle
nFollicular phase occupies days 1–13 of an approximate 28-day ovarian cycle.
nOvulation occurs on day 14 of a
28-day ovarian cycle and is defined as
the release of the secondary oocyte from a vesicular follicle.
nonly one ovary ovulates each month
nLuteal phase occurs during days 15–28
when the remaining follicle cells
in the ruptured vesicular follicle turn into a corpus luteum.
nsecretes progesterone and estrogen that stabilize and build up the uterine lining, and prepare for possible implantation of a fertilized oocyte
nhas a life span of about 10–13 days if the secondary oocyte is not fertilized
nit regresses and becomes a corpus albicans
nthe uterine lining to be
shed as menstruation
nmenarche