what is ovum in female

An ovum, also known as an egg cell, is the female reproductive cell or gamete. It is one of the largest cells in the human body, visible to the naked eye, and is produced by the female reproductive system when it undergoes meiosis to produce egg cells. The ovum is present in the ovary in its primary oocyte stage with 23 pairs of chromosomes (diploid) . During ovulation, the ovum is released from the ovary and enters the fallopian tube via the fimbriated end. The ovum has a large, centrally located nucleus which is covered by cytoplasm. The cytoplasm of an ovum is termed ooplasm and is enclosed by a peripheral layer called the cortex which has many microvilli. The ovum gradually matures within the follicle, which encompasses each ovum, and takes about four months for a follicle to develop once it is activated. During child-bearing years, 300 to 400 follicles mature and emit eggs capable of being fertilized. If a female and male have sex within several days of the females ovulation, fertilization can happen.