| Ovarian follicle | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Histology section of a mature ovarian follicle. The oocyte is the large, round, pink-staining cell at top center of the image. | |
| Details | |
| Precursor | Cortical cords |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | folliculus ovaricus |
| MeSH | D006080 |
| TA98 | A09.1.01.013 |
| TA2 | 3482 |
| FMA | 18640 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
An ovarian follicle is a roughly spheroid cellular aggregation set found in the ovaries. It secretes hormones that influence stages of the menstrual cycle. At the time of puberty, women have approximately 200,000 to 300,000 follicles,[1][2] each with the potential to release an egg cell (ovum) at ovulation for fertilization.[3] These eggs are developed once every menstrual cycle with around 450–500 being ovulated during a woman's reproductive lifetime.[4]
- ^ McGee, Elizabeth A.; Hsueh, Aaron J. W. (2000). "Initial and Cyclic Recruitment of Ovarian Follicles". Endocrine Reviews. 21 (2): 200–214. doi:10.1210/edrv.21.2.0394. PMID 10782364.
- ^ Krogh D (2010). Biology: A Guide to the Natural World. Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Company. p. 638. ISBN 978-0-321-61655-5.
- ^ "What Is an Ovarian Follicle?". wiseGEEK.org. wiseGEEK. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
- ^ "Your Guide to the Female Reproductive System".