Ovum definitions
| Word backwards | muvo |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | o-vum |
| Plural | The plural form of ovum is ova. |
| Total letters | 4 |
| Vogais (2) | o,u |
| Consonants (2) | v,m |
Ovum, also known as an egg cell, is the female reproductive cell or gamete. It is essential for sexual reproduction in organisms that reproduce sexually. In humans, ovum is produced by the ovaries through a process called oogenesis.
Structure of Ovum
An ovum is a single, large, spherical cell containing a nucleus called the female pronucleus. It also contains cytoplasm, mitochondria, and other organelles necessary for fertilization and early embryonic development. The outermost layer of the ovum is called the zona pellucida, which plays a crucial role in preventing polyspermy.
Fertilization Process
When an ovum is released from the ovary during ovulation, it travels through the fallopian tube. If a sperm cell successfully penetrates the zona pellucida and fuses with the ovum, fertilization occurs. This fusion forms a zygote, the first cell of a new individual with a complete set of chromosomes.
Role in Reproduction
The primary function of the ovum is to combine with the sperm to form a new organism. Once fertilized, the ovum undergoes multiple cell divisions to develop into an embryo. This process eventually leads to the formation of a fetus during pregnancy.
Meiosis is the cell division process that produces ovum in females. Ovum contains half the genetic material required for reproduction, with the other half contributed by the sperm cell during fertilization. Ovum plays a crucial role in determining the genetic characteristics of offspring.
Maturation of the ovum is a complex process regulated by hormones in the female reproductive system. Each month, during the menstrual cycle, one ovum matures and is released for potential fertilization. Understanding the structure and function of the ovum is essential for reproductive health and fertility.
Ovum Examples
- The ovum is released from the ovary during ovulation.
- Fertilization of the ovum typically occurs in the fallopian tube.
- The sperm must penetrate the outer layer of the ovum to fertilize it.
- The ovum contains genetic material passed on from the mother.
- A mature ovum is necessary for reproduction to take place.
- The ovum is surrounded by protective layers to ensure successful fertilization.
- The ovum travels through the fallopian tube towards the uterus after ovulation.
- Ovum donation is a common fertility treatment for women unable to produce viable eggs.
- The size of an ovum is much larger than that of a sperm cell.
- Before fertilization, the ovum undergoes a process called maturation.