Question

What are ovarian follicles?

Answer 1

Ovarian follicles:

1. The ovarian follicle is a spherical cellular aggregation present in the ovaries.
2. During puberty, an average female contains up to 200,000 to 300,000 follicles that are capable of releasing the ovum upon fertilization.
3. They are composed of an immature ovum, granulosa cells, and theca of the follicle.
4. During each menstrual cycle, a mature ovum is released by the follicles.
5. The granulosa cells produce hormones that sustain the endometrial lining to facilitate fertilization.
6. An ovarian follicle develops in a series of events. The primordial follicle undergoes changes influenced by hormones and develops into primary follicles.
7. They then develop into secondary follicles and transition into tertiary follicles that are dependent on the FSH for growth.
8. The late tertiary follicles rupture to release the oocyte.