Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) Practice Exam

What is an ovum?

1. A type of sperm

2. An oocyte or egg

3. A fertilized egg

4. Any female reproductive cell

The correct answer is: An oocyte or egg

The correct answer identifies an ovum as an oocyte or egg, which is a crucial element in the female reproductive system. An ovum is the gamete produced by the ovaries, and it is the female counterpart to the male sperm. This cell is significant because it is involved in the process of fertilization, where it combines with sperm to form a zygote, which can then develop into an embryo. To clarify further, the term 'ovum' specifically refers to the mature female gamete that is ready for fertilization. It's important to note that while a fertilized egg (the zygote) is part of the reproductive cycle, it is not accurate to label the ovum as that stage because the ovum is only the unfertilized egg prior to any union with sperm. Additionally, while any female reproductive cell is part of the broader category of female gametes, the ovum itself has a specific definition that distinguishes it from other cells produced in the ovaries, such as follicles or non-mature oocytes. This precision in terminology is vital for understanding reproductive biology and coding in health records.