Question

What is released from the ovary: secondary oocyte or ovum?

Answer 1

Ovulation:

1. The process of release of the secondary oocyte (arrested at the metaphase II of meiosis) on the 14^th day of the menstrual cycle from the ruptured Graafian follicle is termed ovulation.
2. This secondary oocyte is then collected by the fimbriae of the fallopian tube.
3. In the ampullary region of the fallopian tube, this secondary oocyte meets the sperm (male gamete).
4. At the time of fusion of sperm with the secondary oocyte, the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II and gives an ovum and 2^nd polar bodies.
5. Thus, it is clear that at the time of ovulation, the secondary oocyte is released from the ovary.
6. Just before the entry of sperm into the secondary oocyte, meiosis II gets completed and the secondary oocyte gives rise to an ovum and 2^nd polar body.