NEETZoologyHuman Reproduction
In the human female reproductive system, the zona pellucida is best described as:
Options
- AAn outer cellular layer formed by granulosa cells
- BAn inner non-cellular layer surrounding the oocyte
- CAn inner cellular layer formed by theca cells
- DA fibrous layer derived from the ovarian stroma
Correct answer
B. An inner non-cellular layer surrounding the oocyte
Step-by-step solution
The zona pellucida is an inner, non-cellular (acellular) glycoprotein membrane that is formed around the secondary oocyte. The corona radiata is the outer cellular layer formed by granulosa cells. The theca layers are derived from the ovarian stroma and form the outer coverings of the follicle, not the oocyte itself. Answer: An inner non-cellular layer surrounding the oocyte