The Human

How many eggs will a woman, who has been sexually mature for 40 years, have ovulated throughout her life?

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Correct answer

Around 500

Explanation

It is usually assumed that a woman is born with all her eggs in her ovaries. She had most when she was still a featus - some 7 millions - but already at birth, this has decreased to 600,000. At the beginning of puberty, she has some 400,000. After she reaches puberty her ovaries will release one egg every 28th day, selected amongst 1000s of mature eggs. If the woman remains fertile for 40 years, she will have ovulated 40 x 365/28 = 520 eggs before reaching menopause.

Statistics

10% correct 18 correct · 165 incorrect

Question added 2011-12-29