These follicles gradually grow with the resultant release of oestrogen into the blood stream. At around the 10th day one of the follicles becomes distinctly larger than the others. This large follicle is known as the dominant follicle. The other follicle stop growing and become atretic and eventually die out. Oestrogen realeased by the follicle acts on the uterine endometrium making it to proliferate. This signifies the start of the uterine cycle. The dominant follicle reaches 18-20mm in size and ruptures on the 14th -- 16th day of the menstrual cycle. This process is known as ovulation and its signals the end of the follicular phase and the beginning of the luteal phase.

The Luteal phase

Once the ovum is released certain changes take place within the follicle. The follicular cells grow, fat is deposited in them and they assume a yellowish colour. They become known as luteal cells and...
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