Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

What is the term for the process that produces the female gamete?

1. Spermatogenesis

2. Oogenesis

3. Meiosis

4. Fertilization

The correct answer is: Oogenesis

The process that produces the female gamete is known as oogenesis. This is a complex biological process that begins in the ovaries and involves several key stages. During oogenesis, germ cells undergo mitosis to produce primary oocytes, which then enter meiosis. However, rather than completing this process, primary oocytes are arrested in prophase I until the female reaches puberty. Once puberty is reached, a primary oocyte will complete meiosis I during each menstrual cycle, resulting in a secondary oocyte and a polar body, which typically disintegrates. If fertilization occurs, the secondary oocyte will then complete meiosis II, ultimately forming the mature ovum and an additional polar body. This process is distinct from spermatogenesis, which is the formation of male gametes, and also differs from meiosis itself, which is the division process responsible for halving the chromosome number in gametes but not specifically tied to the creation of female gametes. Fertilization, meanwhile, is not related to the production of the gamete at all; instead, it refers to the fusion of the male and female gametes.