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Human ova grow from primitive germ cells that are embedded in the substance of the ovaries. [10] The ovum is one of the largest cells in the human body, typically visible to the naked eye without the aid of a microscope or other magnification device. [11] The human ovum measures approximately 120 μm (0.0047 in) in diameter. [12]
The process of ovulation and gamete production, oogenesis, in a human ovary. The ovaries are the site of production and periodical release of egg cells, the female gametes. In the ovaries, the developing egg cells (or oocytes) mature in the fluid-filled follicles. Typically, only one oocyte develops at a time, but others can also mature ...
Human fertilization is the union of an egg and sperm, occurring primarily in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. [1] The result of this union leads to the production of a fertilized egg called a zygote, initiating embryonic development. Scientists discovered the dynamics of human fertilization in the 19th century. [2]
Each ovary contains hundreds of egg cells or ova (singular ovum). Approximately every 28 days, the pituitary gland releases a hormone that stimulates some of the ova to develop and grow. One ovum is released and it passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus. Hormones produced by the ovaries prepare the uterus to receive the ovum.
In biological terms, the development of the human body entails growth from a one-celled zygote to an adult human being. Fertilization occurs when the sperm cell successfully enters and fuses with an egg cell (ovum). The genetic material of the sperm and egg then combine to form the single cell zygote and the germinal stage of development commences.
An ovarian follicle is a roughly spheroid cellular aggregation set found in the ovaries.It secretes hormones that influence stages of the menstrual cycle.At the time of puberty, women have approximately 200,000 to 300,000 follicles, [1] [2] each with the potential to release an egg cell (ovum) at ovulation for fertilization. [3]
These organs are responsible for the production of the egg cells (ova) and the secretion of hormones. The process by which the egg cell (ovum) is released is called ovulation. The speed of ovulation is periodic and impacts the length of a menstrual cycle. After ovulation, the egg cell travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus.
The latter undergo a period of proliferation and mucification known as cumulus expansion. Mucification is the secretion of a hyaluronic acid-rich cocktail that disperses and gathers the cumulus cell network in a sticky matrix around the ovum. This network stays with the ovum after ovulation and has been shown to be necessary for fertilization.