An ovulated oocyte, once released, can survive independently for approximately how long before it must be fertilized?
- 1 hour
- 3 to 5 days
- 72 hours
- 24 hours
Show answer and solution
Correct answer: D. 24 hours
1. Unlike sperm, which can survive several days in the female reproductive tract, the oocyte has a shorter viable window.
2. The oocyte survival window is fixed and short.
3. That window is approximately 24 hours after ovulation.
4. This is why intercourse more than a day after ovulation usually will not result in fertilization.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 28 "Development and Inheritance", p.1320 §Transit of Sperm_