OOGENESIS

Presentation by Aamna Shah

 Introduction
Oogenesis is the process whereby primordial germ cells
called oogonia differentiate into mature oocytes or ovum.
Oogenesis takes place in three phases:
● Period of Multiplication
● Period of Growth
● Period of Maturation
 Process of Oogenesis
● Period of Multiplication:
○ Oogenesis begins before a female is even born. In the early stages of
embryonic development, a small number of primordial germ cells
(PGCs) are specified. These PGCs eventually give rise to the oogonia,
which are the precursor cells for oocytes.
● Period of Growth:
○ Before birth, oogonia undergo several rounds of mitotic divisions,
increasing their numbers leading to the formation of primary
oocytes.
○ These primary oocytes are surrounded by ovarian stromal cells to
form primordial follicles.
○ The follicular cells of primordial follicle become cuboidal and then
columnar and then enlarge to form primary follicle.
○ The primary oocytes begin Meiosis 1 but do not complete prophase
i.e they are arrested in the diplotene stage until before ovulation
because follicular cells surrounding primary oocyte secrete substance
called Oocyte Maturation Inhibitor (OMI).
● Period of Maturation:
○ The primary oocyte meiotic cell division, which gives rise to secondary
oocyte and primary polar body. Secondary oocyte is released at time of
ovulation and is surrounded by zona pellucida and follicular cell layer
called corona radiata.
○ After expulsion from ovary at time of ovulation the nucleus of secondary
oocyte begins second meiotic division progressing to metaphase. If
fertilization occurs, secondary meiotic division is completed to form
secondary oocyte and second polar body.
 Oogenesis
● A normal baby girl has about 2 million primary oocytes in her ovaries.
● But by 7 years old about 300,000 remain, her body reabsorbs the rest.
● Only about 400 to 500 oocytes will be released during her reproductive
years.
● Penetration of the sperm induces the secondary oocyte and the first polar
body to complete meiosis II.
Thank You!!