In which phase of the ovarian cycle does ovulation take place?

Ovulation occurs during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle. This phase begins on the first day of menstruation and leads up to ovulation. During this time, several follicles in the ovaries mature, and one dominant follicle eventually releases an egg, marking the process of ovulation. Hormonal changes play a significant role as levels of estrogen rise, leading to a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) which triggers the release of the egg from the dominant follicle.

The other phases mentioned do not encompass the ovulation process. The menstrual phase involves the shedding of the uterine lining and does not include the release of an egg. The luteal phase follows ovulation and primarily focuses on the preparation of the endometrium for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. The pre-menstrual phase is not a recognized phase within the ovarian cycle terminology but may refer to the time just before menstruation when symptoms may arise due to hormonal fluctuations after the luteal phase. Thus, only the follicular phase directly associates with the occurrence of ovulation.