polar body

cell

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July 1, 2026

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A polar body is a small cell that separates from an oocyte (a developing egg cell) during meiosis. This process occurs during oogenesis, the development of mature egg cells in the female reproductive system.12

When a primary ovum undergoes cell division, its chromosomes split. This results in two new cells: a larger secondary ovum and a smaller polar body. The polar body contains a nucleus but very little cytoplasm. It is essentially a byproduct of egg cell development and is not viable for fertilization. The term "polocyte" is synonymous with polar body.213

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oogenesis
…cell is known as a polar body. The secondary ovum grows in the ovary until it reaches maturation; it then breaks loose and is carried into the fallopian tubes. Once in the fallopian tubes, the secondary egg cell is suitable for fertilization by the male sperm cells. See also ovulation;…
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…cell is known as a polar body. The secondary ovum grows in the ovary until it reaches maturation; it then breaks loose and is carried into the fallopian tubes. Once in the fallopian tubes, the secondary egg cell is suitable for fertilization by the male sperm cells. See also ovulation;…
Read More