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Oogenesis

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In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...

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Ovaries

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The ovaries are roughly the size of almonds and measure approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in length. These paired structures are situated within the pelvic region and are anchored by the mesovarium—a peritoneal extension that also connects them to the wider structure of the broad ligament. The support system extends to the suspensory ligament, housing blood and lymphatic vessels. In addition, the ovarian ligament tethers the ovaries to the uterus.
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Oogenesis

Oogenesis

Oogenesis, the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
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Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Culture and Co-Culture of Mouse Ovaries and Ovarian Follicles

Culture and Co-Culture of Mouse Ovaries and Ovarian Follicles

Published on: March 17, 2015

The ecological context of human ovarian function

P T Ellison¹, C Panter-Brick, S F Lipson

¹Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)

|December 1, 1993

Summary

New research shows ovarian function varies with age and energy levels across diverse human populations. These patterns are consistent, even when influenced by lactation and environmental factors.

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Published on: October 24, 2025

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Human Ecology

Background:

Ovarian function monitoring has advanced, enabling research beyond clinical settings into natural human populations.
Previous studies indicate age and energetic factors influence ovarian function patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the generalizability of age and energetic factor patterns in human ovarian function across diverse populations.
To explore the interaction of maternal age, energetic factors, and lactation on postpartum ovarian function.
To examine population-level variations in ovarian function and their potential correlation with environmental conditions.

Main Methods:

Utilizing new methods for monitoring ovarian function in natural settings.
Conducting cross-population studies to observe ovarian function variations.
Analyzing data on age, energetic factors, lactation, and environmental conditions.

Main Results:

Age and energetic factors significantly influence ovarian function across diverse populations, demonstrating robustness.
Ovarian responses to energetic stresses are linked to local ecologies, not voluntary lifestyle choices.
Maternal age and energetic factors interact with lactation to modulate postpartum ovarian function.
Significant differences in average ovarian function levels exist between populations, potentially linked to chronic environmental factors.

Conclusions:

Ovarian function patterns related to age and energy are fundamental aspects of human reproductive biology, consistent across diverse backgrounds.
Environmental conditions play a crucial role in shaping population-level ovarian function set-points.
Western populations exhibit an extreme variation in ovarian function, which may have implications for cancer epidemiology.