What is typically observed during the ovulatory phase?

During the ovulatory phase, a key event is the release of an egg from the ovary, a process known as ovulation. This occurs as a result of a spike in luteinizing hormone (LH), which is triggered by rising estrogen levels leading up to ovulation. The ovulatory phase follows the follicular phase and precedes the luteal phase in the menstrual cycle.

When ovulation occurs, the mature follicle ruptures and releases the egg, making it available for fertilization. This is an essential part of the reproductive cycle, as it initiates the possibility for conception. The timing of ovulation is also significant because it helps in determining fertile windows in individuals attempting to conceive.

In contrast to the correct answer, during this phase, the thickness of the endometrial lining does increase in preparation for a potential implantation, but this event is part of the overall menstrual cycle rather than a defining characteristic of the ovulatory phase. Hormonal levels typically rise around ovulation, and basal body temperature usually increases post-ovulation due to progesterone being secreted, so these factors do not correctly characterize the ovulatory phase itself. Therefore, the release of the egg is the most accurate representation of activity during this specific phase.