Ovariole
- Pronunciation
- /oh-var-ee-ole/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Ovariole
- Plural
- Ovarioles
Definition
A tube-like, distally tapering subelement of the paired ovaries in insects. Each ovariole contains developing oocytes and associated nurse cells.
Etymology
From Latin 'ovarium' meaning 'egg receptacle', and '-ole' indicating small or diminutive.
Example
The number of ovarioles in an insect can vary greatly between species.
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Ovarioles are classified as either panoistic or meroistic based on the presence and organization of specialized nutrient cells.