Egg-splosive Ovulation: Cannonball of Creation!

During ovulation, an egg is released from an ovarian follicle, ready for fertilization. Ovulation occurs inside the body- therefore, the exact mechanisms that control ovulation have remained unclear. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute used live imaging methods to study the entire process of ovulation in isolated mouse ovarian follicles. They showed ovulation in action under the microscope- proceeding through three distinct phases, follicle expansion (I), contraction (II) and rupture (III), culminating in the release of the egg. Follicle expansion is driven by hyaluronic acid secretion. Then, smooth muscle cells in the outer follicle drive follicle contraction. Follicle rupture begins with an extrusion of follicular fluid and cumulus cells (the cells that surround the egg) and the rapid ejection of the egg out of the follicle like a ball out of a cannon. HOW COOL IS THIS?! #ovulation #scienceiscool #ttc #ttceducaiton #ttcsupport #ttcinfo #ovulationwindow #timedintercourse #iui #ivf #infertility #fertility #fertilitydoctor #theluckyegg 18069248407827068