Gland
Ovarian follicle
The oocyte and its hormone-producing support cells
High-yield
LH stimulates theca androgen production; FSH promotes granulosa aromatase activity, allowing those precursors to become estradiol. This is the central two-cell model of follicular estrogen synthesis.
Overview
An ovarian follicle contains an oocyte with surrounding granulosa cells and, as it grows, thecal layers. Development proceeds through several stages before a selected follicle may ovulate. Most follicles instead undergo atresia, while endocrine activity changes with growth.
Reference facts
- Location
- Within the ovarian cortex; a mature preovulatory follicle can approach and bulge at the surface.
- Hormones
- Estradiol and inhibins from granulosa cells, androgen precursors from theca interna, and AMH mainly from granulosa cells in small growing follicles.
- Blood supply
- Thecal vessels supply the follicle from ovarian/uterine arterial branches; the preovulatory granulosa layer receives nutrients by diffusion across its basement membrane.
- Innervation
- Ovarian autonomic fibers influence local and vascular function, while FSH and LH provide major endocrine regulation.
- Function
- Supports oocyte development, produces cycle-related hormones and, in the selected follicle, releases an oocyte during ovulation.
Clinical correlation
Polycystic ovary syndrome may involve excess small antral follicles, disrupted ovulation and androgen excess, with variable clinical features. AMH and antral-follicle counts help estimate ovarian response to stimulation; neither alone measures the likelihood of natural conception.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the ovarian follicle located?
Within the ovarian cortex; a mature preovulatory follicle can approach and bulge at the surface.
What does the ovarian follicle secrete?
Estradiol and inhibins from granulosa cells, androgen precursors from theca interna, and AMH mainly from granulosa cells in small growing follicles.
What does the ovarian follicle do?
Supports oocyte development, produces cycle-related hormones and, in the selected follicle, releases an oocyte during ovulation.
What is the blood supply of the ovarian follicle?
Thecal vessels supply the follicle from ovarian/uterine arterial branches; the preovulatory granulosa layer receives nutrients by diffusion across its basement membrane.