Cumulus oophorus cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of the cumulus oophorus cells which surround the human egg (oocyte). The cells (large ro
Cumulus oophorus cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of the cumulus oophorus cells which surround the human egg (oocyte). The cells (large round) have numerous blebs and microvilli (projections) on their surface. These projections, which in life would be very dynamic, indicate that the cells are very metabolically active. Cumulus cells entirely surround the egg (not seen) providing the correct microenvironment for fertilization. Sperm must penetrate this layer of cells to fertilize the egg. Magnification: x2,600 at 6x7cm size.
Size: 5023px × 3569px
Photo credit: © PROFESSORS P.M. MOTTA & S. MAKABE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: anatomy, bleb, body, cel, cell, cumulus, egg, female, follicular, human, microvilli, oophorus, ovum, reproduction, reproductive, system
