Human Ovulation Accidently Caught On Camera
An image of a human egg being released in the tissue of the ovary.
A truly fascinating thing has happened. During a hysterectomy performed by gynaecologist Dr. Jaques Donnez; a camera was able to produce a clear image of a human ovulation. The pictures were published in a New Scientist magazine,and were said to be "fascinating" by UK fertility specialist.
The ovum (egg) belonged to a 45 year old Belgian women. The human egg is only about the size of a full-stop, and the ovaries themselves are only a couple of inches long.
Human eggs are made by follicles which are fluid filled sacs on the sides of the ovaries. Around the time period of ovulation, they produce a reddish coloured protrusion that can be seen in the pictures. The egg comes out from the end of the protrusion, covered in a jelly-like matter that contain cells.
In fertile women, the ovaries release one or more eggs every month. But up until this point, only animal ovulation has been recorded in detail. The ovulation that Dr. Donez witnessed took fifteen minutes to complete. Dr. Donnez has told New Scientist that the pictures would help scientists to further understand the process of ovulation.
Professor Alan McNeilly, from the Medical Research Council's Human Reproduction Unit in Edinburgh had this to say:
"It really is a fascinating insight into ovulation, and to see it in real life is an incredibly rare occurrence.
"It really is a pivotal moment in the whole process, the beginnings of life in a way."
Dr. Donnez had no intention of capturing the ovulation on film. It was said to be an accident. But, whatever the case, these pictures are an amazing break through in science. And for all the women reading this; just imagine, this amazing procedure can be happening right now inside of you.
Source: BBC News
