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Details of the interbody region of the second meiotic spindle

Very high power TEM of a stage 1a embryo in vitro showing details of the interbody region of the second meiotic spindle, 3 hours post-insemination (original magnification x64,610). The spindle microtubules (Mt) extend through the interbody (Ib) from the cytoplasm to the second polar body (PB2). The interbody is located on the bridge between the cytoplasm and the second polar body. It is made up of fine, electron-dense granules associated with the microtubules. The interbody determines the cleavage plane of the second polar body.

From: Lopata et al., 1980. Reproduced with permission of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.


Keywords: cleavage plane, cytoplasm, electron-dense granules, interbody, microtubules, second meiotic spindle, second polar body, stage 1a embryo


Source: The Virtual Human Embryo.