Definition of zona pellucida in English:
zona pellucida
nounPlural zonae pellucidaeˌzəʊnə pɪˈluːsɪdəˌzōnə pəˈlo͞osədə
Anatomy Zoology The thick transparent membrane surrounding a mammalian ovum before implantation.
Example sentencesExamples
- The onset of hyperactive movement occurs near the site of fertilization and is crucial for penetrating the egg's zona pellucida.
- At this stage the embryo releases itself from the zona pellucida still surrounding it, and implants into the uterine wall.
- The secondary oocyte and the polar body remain surrounded by the zona pellucida and the cumulus oophorus.
- The scientists drilled through the egg's protective layer, the zona pellucida, removed a plug, and then extracted the DNA and polar body through the hole.
- The embryo must hatch out of the zona pellucida prior to implantation into the uterine wall.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Latin, literally 'pellucid girdle'.