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Oocyte Maturation

Meaning

The complex, hormonally regulated process by which the primary oocyte, or immature female germ cell, completes meiosis I and progresses to the metaphase II stage, becoming competent for fertilization. This critical event, occurring within the ovarian follicle, involves both nuclear changes, such as chromosome segregation, and cytoplasmic changes, including the accumulation of essential factors for early embryonic development. Successful oocyte maturation is a prerequisite for reproductive health and assisted reproductive technologies.