Phases of Oogenesis
In oogenesis, the process of egg cell development in females, there are three main phases;
- Multiplication phase: In this phase, oogonia multiply through cell division during fetal development, creating a pool of potential eggs. Some of these oogonia become primary oocytes arrested in prophase I, which remain inactive until later in life.
- Growth phase: This phase starts with around 60,000 to 80,000 primary follicles in each ovary. In this phase, selected primary oocytes resume development during the menstrual cycle. They grow in size and are surrounded by granulosa cells within a mature Graafian follicle, and one primary oocyte proceeds to meiosis I.
- Maturation phase: In this phase, ovulation occurs, releasing the secondary oocyte into the fallopian tube. If fertilization happens, the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II, forming a mature egg ready for fertilization.
What is Oogenesis?
Oogenesis is the process that describes how a mature egg in females develops. Oogenesis is part of a very important process called gametogenesis. Oogenesis helps to ensure that the human species keeps on continuing on the face of the Earth. Oogenesis describes the remarkable journey an oocyte undergoes after it originates from the primordial germ cell. The whole intricate process of oogenesis takes place in the ovarian follicles present in the ovaries. Understanding the process of oogenesis helps us to comprehend female fertility, the menstrual cycle, and female reproductive health.
Table of Content
- What is Gametogenesis?
- What is Oogenesis?
- Process of Oogenesis
- Phases of Oogenesis
- Ovulation
- Oogenesis in Non-Human Mammals
- Ovarian Aging
- Hormonal Control of Oogenesis
- Significance of Oogenesis
- Oogenesis Timeline and Stages
- FAQs – What is Oogenesis?