Ovulation and Fertilization

Oocyte

The female gamete found inside a follicle.

Spermatogenesis

The physiological process of growing and maturing spermatozoa.

Oogenesis

The creation and maturation of egg cells.

Embryo Transfer

The process of super-ovulating and retrieving embryos from a donor animal and transferring them into a recipient.

Folliculogenesis

The development of follicles in the ovary that make functional eggs.

Graafian Follicle

A highly structured follicle that is ready for ovulation, featuring a relationship between theca and granulosa layers.

Zona Pellucida

Protein structures surrounding the oocyte that serve as a barrier to fertilization.

Oogonium

The first form of egg cells that contain two sets of chromosomes.

Atretic

Term used for oocytes that stop development before puberty.

Meiosis

A two-step process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number and leads to the formation of gametes.

Polar Body

A small cell that is the byproduct of meiosis, which is discarded.

Crossover

The exchange of genetic material between paired chromosomes during meiosis.

Primary Follicle

A stage in folliculogenesis characterized by a primary oocyte enclosed by a layer of granulosa cells.

Granulosa Cells

Cells that form a layer around the oocyte and are involved in the formation of the corona radiata.

Secondary Oocyte

The nucleus that remains after the first polar body is expelled during meiosis.