In: Biology
What is the direct cause of ovulation?
Ovulation is the process of egg releasing from the ovaries. It occurs when the follicles rupture and release the ovarian cells. After ovulation the egg will be available to be fertilized by sperm.
Ovulation occurs in response to two hormones -- luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The duration is from 24 to 36 hours.
LH triggers ovulation. It also initiates the conversion of the residual follicle into a corpus luteum that. LH helps to maintain the luteal function for the next two weeks of the menstrual cycle. If pregnancy occurs, LH levels will decrease, and luteal function will instead be maintained by the action of hCG.
While, FSH stimulates the growth of immature ovarian follicles in the ovary. It is a major survival factor that rescues the small antral follicles from death of the somatic cells of follicle and oocyte. The serum levels of progesterone and estradiol decrease and no longer suppress the release of FSH.