ISSN:
0362-2525
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
The current view in mammals is that ova are formed in the embryo in large numbers and stored in the ovary as a reserve to be drawn on through adult life; they may persist for long periods ina latent condition, a few resuming active development at each recurring oestrous period; new ova are not and cannot be added.An alternative hypothesis has been presented by several authors: New ova are formed throughout life, from the embryonic period through the time of sexual maturity; each ovum so produced must at once begin its growth and development of die; long latency of oocytes and primary follicles is not possible and does not occur. There is a constant degeneration of most follicles, and only a few come to ovulation. A study of the albino rat presents evidence which is consistent with the second view and supports it more strongly that it does the older hypothesis. Similar evidence is found in other mammals. It seems probable that the newer hypothesis is the correct one, at least in some mammals; further investigation may show it to be of general application.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jmor.1050490203
