Ovarian follicle

An ovarian follicle is a structure containing an oocyte and surrounding support cells. As it develops, it supports egg maturation and produces hormones, especially estrogen.

Folliculogenesis: The process by which ovarian follicles grow and mature from their earliest stages. This sequence describes how a follicle progresses toward ovulation or degeneration.
Oocyte: A developing female germ cell that can mature into an ovum. The oocyte is the egg cell housed and supported by the follicle.
Ovarian reserve: The quantity and reproductive potential of a person's remaining ovarian follicles. Follicle counts and related markers help estimate this aspect of reproductive potential.
Primordial follicle: The earliest ovarian follicle stage, containing an immature oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flattened cells. It represents the resting follicle pool from which growth can begin.
Granulosa cell: A follicular cell that nourishes the oocyte and contributes to ovarian hormone production. Granulosa cells surround the oocyte and change function as the follicle matures.
Zona pellucida: A glycoprotein coat surrounding the mammalian oocyte. This coat forms around the oocyte as the follicle develops.
Antral follicle count: An ultrasound count of small antral follicles in the ovaries. Clinicians use this count to assess ovarian reserve and predict response to stimulation.
Primary follicle: An early growing ovarian follicle with cuboidal granulosa cells around its oocyte. Its cellular structure distinguishes it from the dormant primordial stage.
Theca cell: An ovarian follicular cell that produces steroid precursors under hormonal stimulation. Theca cells supply androgens that granulosa cells can convert into estrogens.
Antrum (ovarian follicle): A fluid-filled cavity that forms within a growing ovarian follicle. Its appearance marks a major structural transition in follicle development.

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