LECITHAL OVUM Meaning and
Definition
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A lecithal ovum is a type of egg cell found in the animal kingdom, particularly in certain vertebrates and invertebrates. The term "lecithal" refers to the presence of yolk within the egg, which serves as a nutrient-rich food source for the developing embryo. The word "ovum" simply refers to the mature, reproductive cell produced by the female.
Unlike other types of eggs, such as microlecithal or megalolecithal, the lecithal ovum contains a moderate amount of yolk. The yolk is a yellowish or orange fluid rich in proteins, vitamins, and lipids, serving as a source of energy for the growing embryo. In lecithal ova, the yolk is evenly distributed throughout the cytoplasm of the egg, giving it a homogenous appearance.
Lecithal ova are commonly found in organisms that undergo a process of internal fertilization and typically require the nourishment provided by the yolk to develop properly. In many cases, these eggs are surrounded by protective membranes to maintain their structure and provide necessary protection against desiccation and mechanical damage.
During reproduction, once the lecithal ovum is fertilized by sperm, the embryo develops within the egg. As the embryo grows, it utilizes the nutrients present in the yolk to support its development until it is ready to hatch or be birthed, depending on the species. Lecithal ova have adapted to suit the reproductive strategies and needs of various animal species across the animal kingdom.
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Meroblastic o., one containing a large food-yolk, as in the bird's egg.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LECITHAL OVUM
- kecithal ovum
- pecithal ovum
- oecithal ovum
- lwcithal ovum
- lscithal ovum
- ldcithal ovum
- lrcithal ovum
- l4cithal ovum
- l3cithal ovum
- lexithal ovum
- levithal ovum
- lefithal ovum
- ledithal ovum
- lecuthal ovum
- lecjthal ovum
- leckthal ovum
- lecothal ovum
- lec9thal ovum
- lec8thal ovum
- lecirhal ovum
Etymology of LECITHAL OVUM
The word "lecithal" is derived from the Greek word "lekithos", which means "yolk". In biology, "lecithal" refers to the presence of a significant amount of yolk in an egg or ovum.
The term "ovum" comes from the Latin word "ovum", meaning "egg". It was originally used in the context of eggs laid by birds or reptiles. Over time, its usage has expanded to include eggs produced by all animals, including humans.
Therefore, the term "lecithal ovum" combines the Greek word "lekithos" indicating yolk and the Latin word "ovum" signifying an egg, resulting in a term used to describe an egg or ovum with a substantial amount of yolk.
