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Ovulation starts when the pituitary gland releases the hormone FSH to start the development of an egg.

LH, another pituitary hormone, helps the egg mature then triggers its release.

Let's see what happens once it leaves the ovary.

Fimbriae form a finger-like fringe on the end of the fallopian tube. Their waving motion draws the egg across a small space in the body cavity and into the tube.

There, it will either be fertilized by a sperm or dissolve if it's not.

Review Date: 3/31/2024
Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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