oocyte maturation
Process of egg development from immature to fertilizable state, typically triggered by hormonal surge.
Full Definition
The final stages of oocyte development where the egg completes meiosis I and becomes capable of fertilization. This process is naturally triggered by the LH surge and involves nuclear maturation (completion of the first meiotic division) and cytoplasmic maturation (accumulation of proteins, organelles, and mRNAs). In assisted reproduction, oocyte maturation is induced with hCG or GnRH agonist trigger shots. Immature oocytes retrieved during IVF may undergo in vitro maturation (IVM) in laboratory conditions to become fertilizable.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation components when detailed description is needed.
In Context
- "Oocyte maturation was triggered with 10,000 units of hCG 36 hours before retrieval." — stimulation protocol
- "In vitro maturation was attempted on the immature oocytes from the PCOS patient." — laboratory report