The number of primary oocytes in a female
A) is decreased continually throughout her reproductive life from puberty to menopause.
B) is maintained constant during her reproductive life because those that are lost are continuously replaced by an equal number of new primary oocytes.
C) increases at the time of menopause.
D) both (a) and (c) above.
E) both (b) and (c) above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The number of primary oocytes in a female is decreased continually throughout her reproductive life from puberty to menopause. The number of primary oocytes is highest during fetal development (around 7 million), but by the time a female reaches puberty, only about 400,000 are left. From puberty to menopause, approximately 1,000 oocytes will be lost each month until menopause, when no more primary oocytes remain.

The Number of Primary Oocytes in a Female