Explanation While still in the ovary, the ovum is in the prim | NEET PG/NEXT (MCQs)

Explanation

While still in the ovary, the ovum is in the primary oocyte stage

Right before it is released from the ovarian follicle, its nucleaus divides by meiosis and a first polar body is expelled from the nucleus of the oocyte

The primary oocyte then become the secondary oocyte

In this process, each of the 23 pairs of chromosomes loses one of its partners, which becomes incorporated in a polar body that is expelled

This leaves 23 unpaired chromosomes in the secondary oocyte. It is at this time that the ovum, still in the secondary oocyte stage, is ovulated into the abdominal cavity.