Final answer:
The ova are embedded within a follicle, (option 2) and after ovulation, only those oocytes that are fertilized proceed to develop into a zygote and advance beyond fertilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Each ova is embedded within a follicle and only a small proportion will advance beyond fertilization. An ovarian follicle is the functional unit of an ovary that consists of a nest of epithelial cells surrounding an egg. This follicle undergoes various stages of development, supporting the maturation of the primary oocyte into a secondary oocyte ready for ovulation. Upon ovulation, the follicle bursts open, and the secondary oocyte, if fertilized, completes meiosis II to form a diploid zygote.
The zygote embarks on a journey through the fallopian tube towards the uterus and undergoes rapid divisions, transitioning first into a morula, and then into a blastocyst, which can implant into the uterine lining and continue development.