Final answer:
An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of an ovary, which contains the follicular cells responsible for nurturing oocytes until maturity.
Step-by-step explanation:
An oophorectomy is the surgical removal of an ovary. This procedure is carried out for various medical reasons, including ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or benign ovarian tumors. The ovaries are female reproductive organs situated on either side of the uterus held by a system of ligaments. The functional units of the ovaries are the follicular cells that surround and nurture the oocytes (eggs) until they mature. The timing of egg production and ovulation is a crucial aspect of the female reproductive cycle. From puberty until menopause, during each menstrual cycle, a select group of follicles develops, with typically one follicle reaching full maturity to release an oocyte during ovulation. This released oocyte can then enter the oviduct (or fallopian tube) where it has the potential to be fertilized.