What happens at ovulation?Question 19Select one:a.A fertilized egg embeds in the uterine wall.b.The uterine wall is shed from the body.c.The mature follicle ruptures and an ovum is released into the body cavity.d.A pregnancy begins.

The correct answer is c. The mature follicle ruptures and an ovum is released into the body cavity.

Here's the step by step process:

1. The menstrual cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is marked by the shedding of the uterine lining and bleeding.

2. After menstruation, the body enters the follicular phase. During this phase, the pituitary gland releases a hormone that stimulates the ovaries to produce around 5 to 20 small sacs called follicles. Each follicle contains an immature egg.

3. Only one of these follicles will mature into an egg, while the others die. The growth of the follicles stimulates the endometrium (the uterine lining) to thicken in preparation for possible pregnancy.

4. Around the middle of the menstrual cycle, the growing follicle triggers a surge in the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH). This is what causes ovulation, or the release of the mature egg from the follicle.

5. The mature follicle ruptures and releases an ovum (egg) into the body cavity, specifically into the fallopian tube. This usually occurs about two weeks before the next menstrual period.

6. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it may implant itself into the uterine wall and begin to grow, leading to pregnancy. If it is not fertilized, it will be shed along with the uterine lining during the next menstrual period.