What happens to the ovarian follicles during the menstrual cycle?

During the menstrual cycle, ovarian follicles undergo a series of developmental stages that are essential for fertility. Initially, several follicles begin to mature during the follicular phase of the cycle, stimulated by hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). As these follicles develop, they produce increasing amounts of estrogen. The dominant follicle eventually matures completely and is ready for ovulation, which is the process where it releases an egg (ovum) into the fallopian tube.

This maturation process allows one follicle to be selected as the primary follicle that will continue to grow, culminating in ovulation. If fertilization does not occur, the remnants of the follicle transform into the corpus luteum, which also plays a role in hormone production during the luteal phase. Therefore, the statement that ovarian follicles mature and may release an egg is accurate in describing their function during the menstrual cycle.