Question

How is theca externa characterized?

Answer 1

Theca externa:

1. The presence of smooth muscle cells innervated by autonomic neurons distinguishes the theca externa.
2. Even though the theca externa's physiologic role is still unknown, there is evidence that it contracts during the ovulation and atresia processes.
3. Ovulation and atresia can both be caused by changes in the contractile activity of the theca externa.
4. However, this has not been rigorously demonstrated.
5. Theca externa is retained by the corpus luteum throughout its life. It's unclear how important this is during luteolysis and luteinization.