The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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The ovum, also called the egg, is the microscopic female sex cell. Its nucleus contains the chromosomes, which bear the hereditary material of the female parent.
Before birth, the ovaries of a female human contain all the eggs (ova) she will produce in her lifetime, up to 300,000. Beginning at menarche and during each normal menstrual cycle, an ovum develops in a fluid-filled cyst called a follicle. Ovulation is said to occur when the follicle ruptures and releases the egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube.
If sexual intercourse takes place, a sperm can fertilize the ovum, in which case pregnancy will result. Over the nine months of pregnancy, a single-celled ovum evolves into a fully developed human. If an ovum is not fertilized, it will be discharged through the vagina along with the monthly menstrual discharge.
Avraham, Regina. The Reproductive System. New York: Chelsea House, 1991.