Cryopreservation is the term used for the different cell freezing techniques involved in oocyte freezing, storage and the thawing processes.
Cryoprotectant is the term used for the series of solutions in which the eggs are processed after the retrieval. The solutions contain buffers, salts and proteins plus sugars used to protect the egg as it is cooled to -196°celcius. The process is reversed at the time of thawing.
Embryo – An organism containing several cells which forms after the egg has been fertilized by the sperm and has undergone one or more cell divisions.
Follicle - A fluid filled sac located in the ovary, where the egg cell grows until released at ovulation. Most adult women have between 50,000 to 100,000 follicles.
Oocyte – The scientific name for the human egg. It is the female reproductive cell which is released at ovulation. During the egg freezing process, multiple eggs are stimulated to grow; then they are harvested during egg retrieval.
Ovary - Often found in pairs, these female reproductive organs or gonads are located next to the uterus in a woman's pelvis, which contain the eggs and hormones produced during each menstrual cycle.
Ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid, surrounded by a very thin wall, within an ovary. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about two centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst.
Preivitelline - Space between egg zona and the egg itself.
Primordial - first created or developed.
Sperm - The male reproductive cell, consisting of a head, a midpiece and a tail, is produced in the testes. During fertilization, sperm is carried out of the male body in a fluid known as semen to the human egg to form a zygote and eventually an embryo.
Vitrification is a form of cryopreservation where oocytes are rapidly cooled (less than one second) so that the fluid in the eggs does not form ice crystals.
Zona pellucida is the translucent, elastic, non-cellular layer that acts as a protective coating surrounding the egg.
Zygote is the fertilized egg before cell division begins.
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