Mechanism of ovulation.

This article provides a fundamental basis for a better understanding of normal ovarian physiologic processes relevant to the pathophysiology of ovarian dysfunction and the treatment of infertility. The discussion centers on the pelvic clock, which regulates by steroidal and nonsteroidal endocrine and paracrine messages both hypothalamic-pituitary and intraovarian functions essential to successful reproduction, and the steroidal milieu that generates the approximately 28-day human menstrual cycle.