During which stage does the follicle release the egg?

The correct choice is ovulation, which is the stage in the menstrual cycle when a mature ovarian follicle releases an egg. This typically occurs around the midpoint of the cycle, which is approximately day 14 in a standard 28-day cycle. During ovulation, a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the follicle to burst and release the egg into the fallopian tube, where it can potentially encounter sperm for fertilization.

Menstruation, on the other hand, is the phase that involves the shedding of the uterine lining if fertilization has not occurred, and typically occurs at the end of the cycle. Fertilization refers to the actual process of the sperm meeting the egg, which occurs after ovulation has taken place. The luteal phase is the stage that follows ovulation and involves the maintenance of the uterine lining in preparation for a potential implantation of a fertilized egg. Understanding these phases is crucial for comprehending the overall reproductive process and the timing of each event in the menstrual cycle.