Question

Cumulus oophorus represents
A. Heap of eggs
B. Heap of maturing follicles
C. Mass of cells in Graafian follicles
D. Mass of cells embedded in Sertoli cells

Answer 1

Hint:Cumulus oophorus refers to an ovarian presence in which several granulosa cells grow around the developing oocyte. These cells ("cumulus cells") perform many roles in oocyte maturation.

Complete answer:
An oocyte is an immature egg. Oocytes grow from inside the follicle to maturity. These follicles are located in the outer layer of the ovary. Several follicles continue to form during each reproductive cycle.

Cumulus oophorus is a collection of cells that are closely clustered together around the maturing oocyte. Granulosa cells form a single layer around the oocyte in the primordial ovary follicle and pass on to form a multilayer cumulus oophorus covering the ovum in the Graafian follicle. If the follicle matures, narrow gaps begin to develop within the granulosa cells. These gaps eventually join together until they form a single cavity in the middle of the follicle, which is filled with fluid and called the follicle antrum. A part of the granulosa cells then forms a membrane lining the antrum, and the remainder forms a cluster of cells that bulges into the antrum and includes a mature oocyte called the cumulus oophorus. The innermost layer of the cumulus, which immediately covers the oocyte, is called corona radiata and plays a significant role in the defence of the oocyte during ovulation.

Thus, the correct answer is option C i.e., Mass of cells in Graafian follicles.

Note:Usually, only one oocyte in each stage can become a mature egg and ovulate from its follicle. This mechanism is referred to as ovulation. The oocyte, zona pellucida and the follicular cells covering the oocyte known as corona radiata are all removed from the oocyte and join the fallopian tube.