Which of the following phases is not part of the ovarian cycle?

The ovarian cycle consists of specific phases that are directly related to the development and release of oocytes from the ovaries. These phases include the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

During the follicular phase, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. This phase is characterized by the selection of a dominant follicle that will eventually ovulate. Ovulation marks the release of the mature oocyte from the dominant follicle, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH). Following ovulation, the luteal phase occurs, where the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes hormones important for maintaining the uterine lining in preparation for potential implantation.

The menstrual phase, however, is not part of the ovarian cycle; rather, it is part of the uterine (or menstrual) cycle. The menstrual phase refers to the shedding of the endometrial lining that occurs if fertilization does not happen after ovulation. This phase occurs in parallel with the ovarian cycle, but it specifically pertains to changes happening in the uterus.

Thus, the menstrual phase is distinct in its function and timeframe as it relates to uterine processes, and therefore