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Video
Video: Ovulation
By Mayo Clinic staffTranscript
Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. It often happens about midway through the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary.
In preparation for ovulation, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, thickens.
The pituitary gland in the brain stimulates one of the ovaries to release an egg.
The wall of the ovarian follicle ruptures at the surface of the ovary. The egg is released.
Finger-like structures called fimbriae sweep the egg into the neighboring fallopian tube.
The egg travels through the fallopian tube, propelled in part by contractions in the fallopian tube walls.
Here in the fallopian tube, the egg may be fertilized by a sperm.
If the egg is fertilized, the egg and sperm unite to form a one-celled entity called a zygote.
As the zygote travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus, it begins diving rapidly to form a cluster of cells resembling a tiny raspberry.
When the zygote reaches the uterus, it implants in the lining of the uterus and pregnancy begins.
If the egg isn't fertilized, it's simply reabsorbed by the body — perhaps before it even reaches the uterus. About two weeks later, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is known as menstruation.
VIDEO HELP
If the video does not play, you may need to download and install the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player. For additional troubleshooting tips, browse the Multimedia FAQ.- Rebar RW, et al. Menstrual cycle and fertility. In: Goldman L. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/157162868-4/881640354/1492/927.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50261-5--cesec1_11545. Accessed Aug. 31, 2009.
- Molina PE. Female reproductive system. In: Molina PE. Endocrine Physiology. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill; 2006. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=2365262. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- Implantation, embryogenesis, and placental development. In: Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 22nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=728441&searchStr=zygote#728441. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- The gonads: Development & function of the reproductive system. In: Barrett KE, et al. Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology. 23rd ed. New York, N.Y. McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5245116&searchStr=ovum#5245116. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 6, 2009.
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