Which process occurs when the follicle matures and releases an egg?

The process that occurs when the follicle matures and releases an egg is known as ovulation. During ovulation, a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and releases an egg (oocyte) into the fallopian tube, where it may potentially be fertilized by sperm. This event is a crucial part of the menstrual cycle and typically occurs around the midpoint of the cycle. It is regulated by hormonal changes, particularly the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers the release of the egg. Understanding this process is key in reproductive biology, as ovulation signifies the time in the cycle when an individual has the highest chance of conceiving if engaging in sexual intercourse.