Oocyte

An oocyte is a female reproductive cell, also known as an egg cell. It is one of the largest cells in the human body and develops in the ovaries. The primary role of an oocyte is to unite with a male sperm during fertilization, which can lead to pregnancy. Oocytes are formed before birth and remain dormant until they mature during the menstrual cycle, when one is typically released during ovulation. They carry the genetic information from the mother and contain nutrients necessary to support early embryo development after fertilization.