Ovulation - GCSE Biology Definition

Ovulation is a part of the female menstrual cycle when an ovary releases an egg (ovum). This usually occurs about halfway through the cycle, around day 14 of a typical 28-day cycle. The egg then travels down the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilised by a sperm cell. If it is not fertilised, the egg breaks down and is removed from the body during menstruation. Ovulation is controlled by hormones, such as luteinising hormone (LH), which help regulate the timing of the menstrual cycle. Understanding ovulation is important in GCSE Biology for studying human reproduction and fertility.