Question

Name the fully developed part of the ovary containing a mature egg.

Answer 1

Graafian follicle - a small sac, embedded in the ovary, that encloses an ovum. At puberty, each ovary has a large number of immature follicles (primordial follicles), each of which contains an undeveloped egg cell.

About every 28 days between puberty and the onset of menopause, one of the follicles develops to maturity, or ripens, into a Graafian follicle (or vesicular ovarian follicle). As it ripens, it increases in size. The ovum within becomes larger, the follicular wall becomes thicker, and fluid collects in the follicle and surrounds the ovum. The follicle also secretes estradiol, the hormone that prepares the endometrium to receive a fertilized egg. As the follicle matures, it moves to the surface of the ovary and forms a projection. When fully mature, the Graafian follicle breaks open and releases the ovum, which passes into the fallopian tubes. This release of the ovum is called ovulation; it occurs midway in the menstrual cycle, generally about 14 days after the commencement of the menstrual flow.