INSIDEEMBRYO · FERTILITY GLOSSARY
An oocyte is the female germ cell that undergoes meiotic maturation within the ovarian follicle. The oocyte released during ovulation is normally a secondary oocyte arrested at metaphase II of meiosis. It contains 23 maternal chromosomes, with each chromosome consisting…
An oocyte is the female germ cell that undergoes meiotic maturation within the ovarian follicle. The oocyte released during ovulation is normally a secondary oocyte arrested at metaphase II of meiosis. It contains 23 maternal chromosomes, with each chromosome consisting of duplicated chromatids at this stage. The ovulated oocyte is surrounded by the zona pellucida and an organised complex of cumulus cells. Following successful sperm–oocyte fusion, calcium-mediated activation induces completion of meiosis II, extrusion of the second polar body and formation of the female pronucleus.
For education, not individual medical advice. Ask your fertility team about your care.