óvulo

Óvulo is the female gamete, or reproductive cell, in humans and other animals. It is typically a spherical cell, much larger than the male gamete, the sperm. The primary function of the ovum is to carry the female genetic contribution to fertilization and to provide nutrients for the developing embryo.

The ovum is produced in the female ovaries through a process called oogenesis. This process begins before birth and continues throughout a woman's reproductive years. Unlike sperm, which are produced in vast numbers continuously, ova are released in a limited quantity, typically one per menstrual cycle, from puberty until menopause.

Once released from the ovary, the ovum travels down the fallopian tube. Fertilization, the fusion of the ovum with a sperm, usually occurs in the fallopian tube. If fertilization takes place, the ovum is activated and begins to divide, eventually implanting in the uterus to develop into an embryo. If fertilization does not occur, the ovum degenerates and is expelled from the body during menstruation.

The ovum is a large, non-motile cell containing cytoplasm, a nucleus with a haploid set of chromosomes (23 in humans), and various organelles. It is surrounded by protective layers, including the zona pellucida and the corona radiata, which play a role in the fertilization process. The ovum's large size and nutrient-rich cytoplasm are essential for supporting the initial stages of embryonic development.