Ovarian Cycle Flashcards
Ovarian follicles
Are specialized structures in the cortex of the ovary where both oocyte Growth and meiosis one occurs
Ovarian cycle is divided into
Follicular/preovulatory phase
Luteal/postovulatory phase
Egg nests
Primary oocytes in clusters
Located in the outer portion of the ovarian cortex
A single Squamous layer of follicle cells surround
Each primary oocytes within an egg nest
The primary oocyte and it’s follicle cells form a
Primordial follicle
Beginning at puberty, primordial follicles are continuously activated to
Join other follicles already in development
Ovarian cycle
The activated primordial follicle will either mature and be released as a secondary oocyte or degenerate (atresia).
The preliminarily steps of formation of primary follicles takes how long
1 year
Follicle development begins with the activation of primordial follicles into
Primary follicles
The folicular cells enlarge and grow around the growing primary oocyte. These follicle cells are now called
Granulosa cells
Zona pellucida
Glycoprotein rich region
Thecal cells
Cells in the ovarian stroma form A layer of thecal cells around the follicle
Cells that produce estrogens
Thecal and Granulosa cells
The formation of secondary follicle is under the control of
A growth factor produced by the oocyte
Folicular fluid / liquor folliculi
Deeper follicular cells secrete it.
Accumulates in pockets that expand and separate inner and outer layers of the follicle.
This stage, the complex is a secondary follicle
