Image from: SOFFAR, H. (2015). The Ovum Structure. [image] Available at: https://www.online-sciences.com/the-living-organisms/the-structure-and-function-of-the-ovum-in-the-female-reproductive-system/ [Accessed 8 Mar. 2020].

Image from: SOFFAR, H. (2015). The Ovum Structure. [image] Available at: https://www.online-sciences.com/the-living-organisms/the-structure-and-function-of-the-ovum-in-the-female-reproductive-system/ [Accessed 8 Mar. 2020].

Each ovum is surrounded by a follicle and is present at birth (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010). Growth is stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010). After the egg has matured, luteinizing hormone is released from the pituitary gland and the egg is released (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010). An ovum contains the female genetic material inside its nucleus (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010). If the ovum is fertilised it will start to proliferate and if not it will begin to degenerate (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010). This all happens within the first day after the follicle splits (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010). The plasma membrane surrounding the nucleus is packed full of nutrients that allow proliferation and growth (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010).

References: THE EDITORS OF ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA., 2010.ovum.Encyclopædia Britannica Inc.