What is Follicle in Human fertilization? Development if follicle.

What is Follicle in  Human fertilization? Development if follicle.

Follicle cells (from sex cords) surround the Primary oocyte.

The Follicle is the oocyteplus follicle cells

Primordial follicle -follicle cellspartially surround oocyte

Primary follicle –follicle cells form a complete layer Follicle cells form gap junctions with the oocyteand produce Meiotic inhibitory factor.
Follicle cells are called granulosacells

Granulosacell  layer enclosed by the membranagranulosa, a basement membrane that acts as a barrier to capillaries.

Zona pellucidasecreted by oocyteand
follicle cells –with microvillarconnections between the two. 

Ovary cells form 2 more layers –theca interna, theca external.

Follicle Development

Secondary follicle –formation of the antrum(cavity) fluid filled, liquor folliculi Hormone production, androgens and estrogen.

Tertiary or Graffianfollicle–12 hours prior to ovulation.
cumulus oophorus= mound of cells that house the secondary oocyte.

Oogenesiscontrolled by cycles (Menstrual) of hormone release: Hypothalamus to gonadotropinreleasing hormone(GnRH) Anterior to  pituitary Gonadotropins, includesluteinizing hormone(LH)
and Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)

Ovulation -tertiary follicle protrudes like a blister on the surface of the ovary –then bursts in response to LH and FSH.

Corpus Luteum–Follicle after ovulation –hormone producing Progessterone.