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Fertility Glossary

Polar body

A small cell extruded by the egg as it matures.

Eggs, sperm & embryos

Extrusion of the first polar body marks maturity; a second appears after fertilisation. Embryologists use polar bodies as visual markers when assessing eggs and confirming fertilisation.

Also known as: first polar body

Sources

  • Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS)

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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