Question

Cumulus covers
a. Ovary
b. Ovum
c. Embryo
d. Sperm

Answer 1

Hint: The ovary contains ovum which is surrounded by follicular cells. The cells accumulate around the oocyte and form clusters of cells. During ovulation, the mature graafian follicles ruptures and ovum releases out. The follicular development and oocyte promoted by the cumulus layer.

Complete answer:
Ovary is a very important part of the female reproductive system. It consists of ovum from the time of birth which starts division after puberty. The primary oocytes are formed from gamete mother cells and these get surrounded by a layer of granulosa cells called primary follicle.

The primary follicles further get surrounded by more layers of granulosa cells. The follicles mature on tertiary follicles. The follicles in the ovary mature and transform into a tertiary follicle characterized by a fluid-filled cavity called antrum. These are called as graafian follicles and later during the luteal phase are transformed into the corpus luteum. In the antral follicle, cumulus is also known as an extension of the membrane granulosa.

The ovum is covered by the mass of follicular cells known as cumulus. It is formed in the vesicular ovarian and after ovulation. The innermost layer of these cells is called Corona radiata. The cumulus layer of cells performs functions such as coordination of follicular development and oocyte formation.

Ovary contains the ovum while embryo is formed by the development of zygote. It is implanted in the uterus. Sperm is the male gamete. It does not contain any follicular layer.

Hence, the correct answer is option (b).

Note: Cumulus also functions in the stimulation of amino acid transport and sterol biosynthesis and regulation of oocyte gene transcription. The oocyte meiotic resumption and glycolysis also promoted by this layer by providing energy substrates. It promotes fertilization of an oocyte. They lead the acrosome reaction and sperm penetration into the oocyte. The bidirectional communication occurs between cumulus oophorus cells and the oocyte.