Ovarian Follicles
= oocyte surrounded by follicle cells
Primordial follicle
= primary oocyte (an oocyte thats stuck in the
first meiotic prophase)
Primary follicle
= primary oocyte surrounded by one or more layers of cuboidal follicular cells.
Secretes estrogen which stimulates changes in the uterine lining.
Secondary follicle
= primary oocyte, many layers of follicular cells, & fluid-filled space(antrum).
Zona pellucida is a translucent structure that contains glycoproteins.
Corona radiate is the innermost layer of follicle cells. Secretes estrogen which stimulates changes in the uterine lining.
Vesicular follicle= secondary oocyte, #s layers of follicular cells, large crescent-shaped fluid filled antrum.
Secondary oocyte completes meiosis I
and is stuck in the second meiotic metaphase.
Corpus luteum: The remnants of the ruptured vesicular follicle. Does NOT contain an oocyte. Secretes sex hormones progesterone and estrogen.
(only in 1st 3 months of pregnancy, then the placenta does it)
Corpus albicans: White, connective tissue scar that is formed by the breakup of the corpus luteum. Most get resorbed.
|