Define oogenesis. Briefly describe the stages of oogenesis in human female
Answers
Oogenesis is the process of the formation of a mature ovum from the oogonia in females. ... During oogenesis, a diploid oogonium or egg mother cell increases in size and gets transformed into a diploid primary oocyte.
the production or development of an ovum.
The stages of oogenesis are:
Oogenesis starts during embryonic growth and millions of gamete mother cells (oogonia) are formed in the foetal ovary. These cells undergo meiosis, but get temporarily arrested at the prophase and are called primary oocytes. Before reaching puberty, a large number of primary oocytes degenerate and the remaining ones get surrounded by layers of granulosa cells and new theca and are called secondary follicles. The secondary follicles are then converted into tertiary follicles that have characteristic fluid-filled cavity called antrum. At this stage, the primary oocyte present within the tertiary follicle completes meiosis, which results in the formation of haploid secondary oocyte and a tiny polar body. This tertiary follicle further changes into the Graafian follicle. The secondary oocyte is surrounded by the zone pellucida. Then the Graafian follicle ruptures to release the ovum by ovulation.